5 Mile Run - June 9th

I was unable to make the group run for the 5 miler, so I was forced to do this one on my own. 2 years ago, a 5 mile run was a warm-up for me. But it has been a while since I've run the longer distances, so it was that much more difficult. Especially when you don't have someone there to push you for that last mile.

I decided on the National Mall for a 5 O'Clock run. Lesson learned -- in June, when the weather is good, it is not a good idea to compete for running space on the National Mall with the onslought of tourists carrying kites, kids, and cameras.

Since I had already committed to the site, I made the most of it. As I started my 5 mile run, I "people watched" all the crazies on the mall. While looking elsewhere, I ended up in the background (or ruined by running in front) of tourists' photos. I was tangled in 3 different kite strings and almost trampled scores of children. After the first few minutes, I decided to keep my eyes in front of me and focus my thoughts on the next few months of this training process.

I was thinking about how I have signed up to run the race for Leukemia - meaning that each dime I raise will go toward research for blood cancers. It is a wonderful organization and I'm very happy to be supporting the cause, but I couldn't help think about a few other people I'd love to honor is some way -- people that have suffered tremendously from illness but not necessarily from a blood disease.

I decided to add a new direction to my purpose for training and completing the marathon. The first, as stated, is to raise funds for Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Myeloma research. I hope you will help me support this cause.

The other purpose is a bit more personal. While I won't be raising money for this group, I am running each mile of the actual marathon for them -- to HONOR them -- people close to me who have suffered debilitating illnesses - and whose continued fight for survival will be my inspiration for crossing the finish line. Your emotional support of my efforts is your contribution to recognizing their heroic struggles and their victory on the fight for life.

During the last mile of my solo 5 mile run, I thought about a few people whose lives I want to celebrate, because their lives have touched me or someone I love in some way. Running solo under the bright summer sun, in the 92 degree heat, mile 5 was brutal. I finished knowing that my pain was minimal compared to that of those I had been thinking about. In every sense, they were my strength to keep going.

Gerry Schad, my mother's husband; my stepfather. Diagnosed with cancer a couple of years ago. Has been undergoing chemo and radiation for about 2 years. Suffers awful side effects from his treatment, but manages to stay positive, focused and happy.


Anne Lovell, my mother's sister; my aunt. Diagnosed with stage 3 bone cancer (called multiple Myeloma). Has undergone stem cell therapy treatment, and is currently in remission. Has had life changing results from her illness but has remained one of the most enthusiastic and happy people I know. Aunt Anne was my biggest fan during the 2005 Marine Corps Marathon.


Kathy Rutherford, Steve's Godmother, Aunt. Diagnosed suddenly with breast cancer in May, and underwent a mastectomy 3 weeks later. Her attitude is something I strive for, and her strength in the face of such adversity is amazing. Kathy also suffers from a heart disease which made her most recent surgery extremely risky. She was released from the hospital June 9th and is recovering as I type. Kathy too was a huge fan of my effort in 05.


Rick Loring, my cousin. Rick has suffered from MS all of his life, though the illness has not stopped him from being an amazing father, husband and mentor. Before retiring last year, Rick earned numerous awards for excellence in teaching. He has refused with fervor to let his MS hold him back.


Michael Dillon, my friend Megan's father. Diagnosed with brain cancer earlier this year, and has since undergone chemo and radiation treatment to reduce the tumor. While the results of the treatment are still being evaluated, Mr. Dillon's zest for life is as strong as ever.


Robert DiRita, my friend Rose's father. Diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor a couple of years ago, Mr. DiRita is currently in remission. The fight against his cancer was a tough one - and one he beat thanks to prayers and the amazing unifying support of the huge DiRita family.


Barbara Kurowski, my nursery school teacher. I admit that I haven't seen much of Teacher Barbara since preschool, except on our wedding day, but she was such an important part of my life during my "formative" years. Throughout everything, when I saw Teacher Barbara on our wedding day, I recognized that she hasn't changed a bit. Teacher Barbara is in remission.

Join me in celebrating these people's lives!! Go on and run a mile!!