In honor and memory

Every day that you can run -- is a good day.


In April 1996, I lost my father expectedly to a heart attack. As a way to honor his memory I trained the whole next year and ran the NYC Marathon in 1997. When I finished, I felt such pride at my accomplishment - but was saddened by the fact that my father could be there to share in that goal. Nevertheless, I didn't feel like I was 'bitten by the marathon bug" and certainly wasn't compelled to have to repeat that whole marathon experience again.

Well, fast forward a few years later to the fall of 2000 and not only did I run another marathon -- but I had completed 5 marathons on three different continents. But this next marathon in Dublin was different. It was to raise money for charity. I could have joined 'Fred's Team' or one of the many chapter of Leukemia Society that were very common at that time, but instead choose a charity that was 'closer to home' for me and my family, which was the Arthritis Foundation.

My Aunt Theresa had suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis since she was in her twenties. And now in her 60's it was a small token of something I could do to help her. So I trained with greater purpose and motivation, knowing that I was running for this special purpose. But as fate would have it, my future wife would also be running the same Dublin Marathon and also to raise money for Arthritis Foundation in honor and suport of her own family. Ten years and two kids later - we have the common thread of running this event to thank for bringing us together.

Earlier this year in May, my Aunt Theresa has passed on.

And while I would like to run another marathon in Dublin with my wife, to honor her memory, I know that no matter the distance I run or travel, she will also have a place in my heart knowing that I was able to run in honor of her.