A pic of me and my dear running partner/friend (at Shamrock Marathon, VB, 2010 – I have the white hat on) who I only get to see when we commit to events … which we figured we do on purpose now just so we can see each other. Familiar? ;-)
Ten years ago, my mother called me to say she had just been diagnosed with leukemia. She was being admitted the very next day to undergo an aggressive chemo regimen. I had to put this near-hysteria-losing-my-mind panic somewhere. So, I started to walk-jog-walk to keep my world from crumbling.
Then I was running. When I run, I become centered again.
I ran through being laid off. I ran through my divorce, through packing up my home of 20 years and moving the kids to a new town, new school, new job.
I ran through dual diagnoses of my kids’ severe depression, the ever-present fear of teen suicide, the constant, self-blaming voice in my head that “I have failed as a mom.”
You have to be strong for your kids. Game face was on until I could lace up my running shoes and fall apart on the asphalt knowing that by the end of my run I would be re-glued again. Running asks only one thing: for me to be me. Slow me, strong me, whimpering me, fast me – whichever Me shows up, it is still okay. My runs make me a better mom, daughter, and friend-to-self.
I run to restore my place of peace.
Bridget is a mother of two, ages 20 and 16.
Thanks for this inspiring insight into why you run…I too run to stay “glued”. I’ve run through run-of-the-mill feeling like a bad mom moments, to running through our move to another country and my husband’s recent diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma away from family and friends. It is amazing what a run can do for my outlook…
Keep running and staying so strong!
I started to do endurance events because of my mom’s cancer (I started out at a Komen 3 Day walker), so I totally know where you are coming from.
Thanks for sharing your story!
Loved this one. Way to run momma! Keep up the great work. I loved ” you have to strong for your kids” & ” by the end of my run I would be re-glued “.
Powerful piece. Thank you for sharing it.
Awesome.
Thank you for the raw honesty and authenticity. You are a brave woman. Keep on running!
Love this – Running asks only one thing: for me to be me. Thanks for sharing. Keep on keepin on!!!
Your story really touched me Bridgit, it also shows what hidden strengths we have as women, we delve deep inside ourselves and pull ’em out and keep on moving! I hope that life has settled down for you now, never blame yourself, we all struggle with wanting to do what we think is the right thing for our kids, because we love them. :-) At the end of the day they will see the love!.
That was fantastic, I agree with Krista, love the “Running asks only one thing: for me to be me.
Love the remark, “game face on”, I feel for you and know where you are coming from…stay strong and centered!
Wow! I enjoyed your story – inspirational. Especially the point that it doesn’t matter how fast or slow, whichever ME is OK. It’s great reminder!! Thanks!
Love your story…
Your statements: Running asks only one thing: for me to be me
Powerful, as well as your testimony!
Wow, such a succinct and powerful post. Hoping for the best for you, Bridget.
wonderful story, Bridget! I agree…running asks only one thing…for me to be me. When I run I am in control…how far, what pace, what route. And I am strong, which i don’t always feel when i’m not running. God bless you!
To all of you that commented; Bridget is a strong, amazing woman. She is the best running partner anyone could ask for and helps keep me grounded. We met during training for America’s Most Beautiful Bike ride with Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Then we developed a running relationship. What a blessing it has been to have such a caring, compassionate, lifelong friend. She truly is my best friend and running brought us together. I love you girlie.
Wow, what an inspiration to start the morning. Thank you for sharing this.
love this one:) thanks for sharing!