Remembering Papa D Five Years Later 4.12.20

"Daddy, I'm afraid, won't you stay a little while?
I never thought I'd see the day I had to say goodbye
Daddy, please don't go, I can't do this on my own
There's no way that I can walk this road alone
Daddy grabbed my hand and said
Just 'cause I'm leavin'
It don't mean that I won't be right by your side
When you need me
And you can't see me in the middle of the night
Just close your eyes and say a prayer
It's okay, I ain't scared
I won't be here, but I'll always be right there
Even though I'm leavin', I ain't goin' nowhere" 

~Luke Combs "Even Though I'm Leaving"

Five years ago today a person whom the adjective "special" does not do justice left this Earth and heaven gained one heck of an angel. Five years ago today I hugged Papa D goodbye, kissed his forehead, and told him I loved him one last time. At 1:23 p.m. five years ago today, my dad joined my brother, Rick, in glory.

As I've been thinking about this day as it has been approaching and reliving in my mind the memories of the final days of my dad's life, while watching cancer steal him away from me was the most horrible and heart-wrenching experience I have ever experienced in my 50 years, I am thankful it was five years ago and not today. I am thankful it was in a time where I could sit with him and hold his hand while we watched t.v. or while he rested; be there to help him and my mom; be there to enjoy what time we had left with him, to make memories, and to share "lasts" with family and friends; be there to watch Dirty Dancing with him one final time; be there by his side surrounded by family and friends as we said our final goodbyes as he took his last breath. Had that been today? Sure, I would have gotten to spend five more years with my dad but what a differently heartbreaking goodbye it would have been. No family gatherings, no lasts, no quiet moments alone, and no celebration of life service due to the ban of groups/gatherings. I sure do miss my dad and would give anything to have even just five more minutes with him but I could never imagine having deal with his final days in the current situation we are in and I am thankful God planned it the way He did.

What a blessing and honor it is that I can say I had the most amazing man for 45 years of my life to call my dad and even though I am 50 now and have lived the past five years without him and will live the rest of my days the same, I know he is with me always and I am thankful this life is not the end because I know I will see him again one day. Love you, Papa D. Until we meet again…

If you would like to learn more about Papa D and why he was so special to so many, I invite you to watch his celebration of life service here on YouTube.

 

End of a decade reflections…and thank you

Warning! Long post ahead

It's hard to believe this past weekend marked the end of a decade and the beginning of a new one. I know, age is just a number, you are only as old as you feel, 50 is the new 30, blah blah blah yada yada yada but turning the age of my parents, well that has just felt weird. After all, I remember planning and celebrating their 50th birthdays and it seemed like that was just yesterday but here I am, the one who just celebrated that mile stone and I admit I have not been all that crazy about the whole thing for the past year.

As February 28 approached this past week, I started thinking about my 40s and wow, how much happened in those “short" 10 years…

In my 40s, a lot of doors were closed but a lot of doors were opened too. Jobs ended not by choice but somehow things always seemed to manage to work their way out and I always managed to be better off, even if it meant sometimes not having a job for a time.

Friendships that I thought would last a lifetime apparently were not meant to be and sadly ended but I've been blessed with new friendships as well of those that have stood the test of time. I cherish them more than ever.

Losing my childhood home in a devastating house fire one cold December night that would have killed my parents had my dad not woken up with a leg cramp 😇 and got himself and my mom out before it was too late with literally nothing more than the clothes on their backs. But just as a phoenix rises from the ashes, my parents built their dream home where the old one stood and we gained new place to make memories.

There was cancer, there was a loss but I learned to fly from the inside and when life gets you down and when all hope feels lost, to just keep swimming 🐠 and the people who care about you and love you will be there to be your floaties. I learned how to make the moments count rather than count the moments even more and was reminded that none of us are promised are a tomorrow so live, laugh, be kind, and love like crazy.

I started to run in memory of a friend and sister and ended up finally finding I was actually kinda good at something for a change. I ended up making some pretty great friends because of running, too.

My 40s would mean the home going of my dad, Papa D, and the passing of some dear friends. More losses, unimaginable heartache. But I also gained a beautiful daughter-in-law and became a Nona to a sweet little boy, both of whom have filled my heart with such love and joy when I thought there wasn't any room left to love any more. I was reunited with family whom I spent most of my teenage/adult life without or had to walk away from because of life circumstances. A heart made even more full by these blessed reunions.

So as my 40s came to a close last week, I thought of these things and was surrounded by those who make this life worth living and helped me become the person I am today. It just so happened my last day in my 40s fell on the day I usually spend with my mom. How blessed I am to have such an amazing lady to call my mom. On Friday, Paul took the day off to spend with me and after breakfast and the gym (I had to run 5.0 miles in honor of the day, of course), we headed off to Heidelberg to get Rick who was able to come home after thinking this would be my first birthday without him here. I may not have been crazy about turning 50 but knowing I would have my kids home and all of us together was one of the best presents I could have asked for. On Saturday, I ran a cold and snowy race and even won an AG award, something I thought would be a thing of the past now that I am in a new group. Nice way to start my new decade! And later in the day, the most amazing birthday celebration to remember with those who mean the most to me (minus a few who weren't able to make it). Blessed beyond measure.

God truly is good…all the time.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the cards, gifts, texts, messages, phone calls, and Facebook posts. To know that so many people cared enough to take even just a minute out of their busy day to wish me a happy birthday reminded how truly blessed I am to have such amazing friends and family. So what started as day I wasn't really "feeling it" and not looking forward to for various reasons turned in to such an amazing day so from the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every one who made this birthday a day to truly remember. I tried to thank you all personally so please forgive if I happened to miss your post. I had so many it was hard to keep up!

#WhenICountMyBlessingsIcountYouTwice #50IsTheNewWhat?

Loved spending the last day of my 40s with my mom. 

The cake we forgot to bring out at the party.

My family, my hearts. The best birthday present was having them all home.

12.5.19 Just Keep Swimming Seven Years Later

There are several dates in my life that I will never forget. December 5, 2012 is one of them. Today is my life-aversary, the day God decided seven years ago He wasn’t ready for me yet and I officially became a cancer survivor.

A few months ago, a friend of mine became a “sister” when she learned she too would be taking a similar road trip and asked if I would share my experience. One might think after seven years some of the thoughts, memories, emotions, and feelings would fade but they really don’t. Everything about that day and the days that followed have been forever etched in my brain and while there are some days it feels like it was a lifetime ago, there are others it feels like it was just yesterday and I am instantly taken back to those moments in time.

As I have been sharing my experience with my new sister and as I reflect on the past seven years, I am reminded of more than just the who, what, where, etc. I am reminded what a precious gift life is and how, at any moment, everything can be turned upside-down. Sharing with her reminds me to never take it for granted and make the moments count because none of us are promised a tomorrow; to have no regrets; to let those you love and care about know how much they mean to you; to live, laugh, love like crazy, be kind, have faith, never give up hope, and of course....to just keep swimming. Today I thank God for giving me another chance at life and for every single one of my “floaties,” my friends and family who help me do just that.

#sevenyearscancerfree #survivor #justkeepswimming #blessedbeyondmeasure #faithlovehope #NoOneFightsAlone

It all started with a Kris...Race for the Place 2019

Just when I thought my most important race of every year couldn’t get any better or more memorable…Oh how wrong I was. Family, friends, victories. These moments are what makes #everymileamemory and this year was the best yet. While it was much cooler for this year's Race for the Place, the course was still as mentally challenging as always (I swear this year it felt like it was just about all up hill!!) and there were many times I wanted to stop and walk, just like always, but just like always I told myself slowing down was ok but stopping was not an option because the people I was running in honor and memory of were fighting/or had fought something much tougher than 3.1 miles and THEY didn't give up so I wasn't going to either. At one point I honestly felt like I was barely moving so I thought for sure this race would be one of my slowest but that was ok. This has never been about me anyway but rather the people I run for and I am just happy to make it to the finish line for them one way or another. It ends up I didn't do as bad as I thought because when I got to the 3 mile mark and heard the time called off, I was still in the 24's and sure enough, crossed the line with an official finish of 24:49 which was only 6 seconds off from my RftP course PR. As always, no live results at this race so we had to wait until the awards to find out how we all did. Thanks to my inspirations who kept me going when I wanted to quit, I was shocked when I was awarded 2nd OA Female Survivor (5th OA in the Survivor category) but not only that, I was called up again winning 3rd in my AG. In the 5 years I have been running the RftP, I have never been able to get past that #5 spot in my AG and this year I finally made the top 3. Oh.my.gosh to say I was excited is an understatement.

But what made this year's race even more memorable is it's the first time I've had not only one of my inspirations racing "with" me (who was running his first race after prostate cancer surgery less than 10 months ago AND set a new record in the Survivor category with at time of 16:51 right out of the gate) but seeing him standing there with his family the last 0.1 of the race and giving me a high five as I was making my way towards the finish. There are no words to describe how that felt and yet another moment I will never forget. Best race ever for so many reasons. 

Thank you to everyone who supported the race that is near and dear to me for so many reasons; whether you joined in on the fun on the cold and rainy race day, supported my efforts by making a donation, or cheered us on from afar. But the biggest thanks, other than to God of course for giving me another day, goes to the ones who inspired me and got me to the finish line. You gave me hope when I didn’t have much and crossing that line and running "for you" was my biggest victory…better than any award I could ever win. Here’s to you Uncle Jr., Coach Craig, Constantin, Donna, Rachel, Theresa, and all the other warriors, the survivors, and the taken from years past. Just keep swimming.

#itsallaboutthe5s #celebratelife #racefortheplace #thegatheringplace#cancer #cancersurvivor #justkeepswimmingandrunning#celebratetgp20 #NCSD2019 #IRun4Jacob

Visit my Facebook page (no log in required) for pictures of this amazing day.

To learn more about why this race means so much to me or to make a donation, visit my personal page Joy Just Keeps Swimming...and Running Take 5.

The Race for the Place 5K and 1 Mile Walk benefitting The Gathering Place, is held every year on National Cancer Survivors Day, the first Sunday of June. I will be running this race have having my team Just Keep Swimming...and Running every year as long as the good Lord allows and I'd love for you to join me! 

Forever 23 ~ 23 years later 5.10.19

Flashback to 5.10.96 and Cleveland 90s Alternative Station 107.9 WENZ The End's D.J. Ted Kowalski… 

"We got this fax yesterday. Let me share this with you." (reading the fax) 

"Dear 107.9 The End. I would like to make a song request to be played May 10th at 10:59 a.m. if possible. I would like to request "Lightening Crashes" by Live and "Sister" by the Nixons. You see, on May 10th my brother, Rick Whitcomb, would have turned 24 years old but on January 19, 1996, he was murdered. His legal time of death was 10:59 [p.m.] hence the request for 10:59. He was huge fan of Live, as a matter of fact, we played "Lightening Crashes" at his funeral, and even though the song is called "Sister", the words are a perfect reminder of him. I hope I don’t sound like I should be writing this to the Casey Kasem Countdown Show I just know a lot of his friends listen to 107.9 The End and so do I and it would really mean a lot to hear one, if not both songs, in memory of his birthday. You guys are the greatest. Sincerely, his sister, Joy. 

For Rick…Live, on The End…"

At the age of 23 23 year ago, God decided He needed my brother more than we did and on a cold January night, Rick finally got to see the stars. I'll never forget writing to the radio station as his birthday was approaching and thinking the fax would just get tossed aside, only to be sitting at work (with boom box at my desk and cassette tape ready to go "just in case") and hearing the DJ start to read my fax AND play not one but both songs, too. Wow, that's all I can say. Today, in honor of what would have been his 47th birthday, I am reposting the video I created in 2011 dedicated to not only what was his 15th birthday without him, but to the friends and family who helped keep his memory alive. Even to this day, 23 years later, the impact my brother had on those who knew him and loved him can still be felt and I am thankful that while he may be gone from this Earth, he certainly is not forgotten. 

Slick Rick AKA Ace, there is not a day that goes by, even 23 years later, that I don't miss you terribly but every day without you is one day closer to being with you…I am thankful for the faith and beliefs mom and Papa D instilled in us that this life is not The End and because of God's promise, I will see your smiling face and feel one of your amazing hugs once again. Be sure to give Papa D a hug for me, ok, 'cuz I sure do miss him, too. Until we meet again…..

#4E23 #holdontomemories #itsallaboutthe5s #homefree1996 #untilwemeetagain

You can read more about my brother and a life taken way too early on the tribute page I created for him on Facebook: Home Free - In Memory of Richard G. Whitcomb, Jr.

Happy Birthday Video on You Tube

Race for the Place 2019

It's funny how after months of trying to figure out how to incorporate the amazing and completely unexpected gift of the Just Keep Swimming logo my childhood friend surprised me with this summer into my shirt to wear for my race-aversary, the Race for the Place 5K benefitting The Gathering Place on National Cancer Survivors Day, and having a mental block how I could make it happen, it just suddenly all comes together….and the timing couldn't be any more perfect. I will be running this year's race in honor of my Uncle Jr. (Walter Whitcomb), Coach Craig Nieset), and in memory of Constantin (Shannon), and Donna. Yesterday I added another special person to run in honor of, my Ragnar and "Perfect Stranger" team mate, Rachel, who recently learned she will be fighting the fight once again. The color blue has several meanings and was chosen because of each of them and because of them I will make it to the finish line.

To join my team, make a donation, or to simply learn more about why this race means so much to me, visit https://give.classy.org/joyjustkeepsswimmingandrunning2019

#itsallaboutthe5s #celebratelife #racefortheplace #thegatheringplace#cancer #cancersurvivor #justkeepswimmingandrunning #celebratetgp20#NCSD2019 #IRun4Jacob #chicagoragnar2016perfectstrangers

Just keep swimming....six years later

My very own Dory to share the love and message of my mantra

Wow… has it really been six years? There are days like it feels like it was a lifetime ago and other days it feels like it was just yesterday. Memories of that day and the days that followed forever etched in my brain. Regardless, today is my life-aversary because it's the day God decided He wasn't done with me yet and thanks to Him, my amazing medical team, and early detection I am six years cancer free. Of course, it's a little hard to be completely joyous about this occasion when I think of my friends and loved ones who are no longer here because of this dreaded disease or those who are struggling at this very moment because of it. But at the same time, those people have made me a better person in one way or another because I am blessed to have known them and it is the legacy of faith, love, hope, and kindness they have shown me that is something I can carry on in their honor and memory. Life is a precious gift and I know all too well that at any moment, everything can be turned upside-down so never take it for granted. Live, laugh, love like crazy, be kind, have faith, never give up hope, and of course....just keep swimming. Today I thank God for another chance at life and thank you, my floaties, who continue to help me to do just that. 

#sixyearscancerfree #survivor #justkeepswimming#blessedbeyondwords #faithlovehope

Just Keep Swimming PopSockets Honoring Cancer Awareness Now Available on Amazon

Just Released! 

Custom PopSocket expanding mobile device mounts from JKS Designs are now available on Amazon and are Prime Eligible. More designs on the way but for starters, our custom Just Keep Swimming design in colors honoring cancer awareness and those affected by the horrible disease.

These Just Keep Swimming expanding phone grips only from JKS Designs is perfect for a cancer survivor or anyone who supports cancer awareness. Five color options but many more to come. Makes a great gift for you or someone you know who is a cancer survivor, currently fighting the disease, or in memory of a friend or loved one.

Breast Cancer

http://bit.ly/jksdesigns_pinkpopsocket

Prostate Cancer

http://bit.ly/jksdesigns_bluepopsocket

Bladder/Bone Cancer

http://bit.ly/jksdesigns_yellowpopsocket

Breast Cancer

http://bit.ly/jksdesigns_pinkpopsocket2

My Very Own Dory: DCIS Day 6 Years Later 11.8.18

Six years ago today, I received the news that would change my life forever. Lots of thoughts go through my head this time of year, especially today and the days that follow: where I was then, where I am now, and all the days, weeks, and years in between. Rather than make some long, lengthy post, I decide to share a special "gift" I received back in August instead…a logo designed by a childhood friend  given to me after a post I made on Facebook (a post which mysteriously happened to appear in my feed today as I was typing this…things that make you go hmmmm….). To say I was touched is an understatement and I can't wait to see what the future holds for me and my very own Dory so what better message to share to today but that none of us are promised a tomorrow so what to do when given a choice? Live, laugh, be kind, love like crazy, and just keep swimming. 🐠❤️

Uno Mas: Nike X Regionals

And so….another "uno mas" and another "last” is right around the corner…. experiencing Cross Country Town USA both as a parent and participant. Signed up today for the Nike X Community 5K which precedes the Nike X Regionals race where Rick and his team will be running their last XC race of the season (and Rick’s last XC race ever sniff sniff) on November 11. The race will always be a memorable one, not only because it was my first time ever running an XC course but last year’s race was also my first race running for my IRun4 buddy, Jacob. Now let’s just see how packet pick up goes this year. In 2016 they had me registered as a 15 year old boy named Jefferson from Illinois LOL and last year they didn’t have me in the system at all but thankfully took my word that I did indeed pre-register. Geez, It seemed like the race was so far away and now it’s in a mere 10 days. Sigh.

#theclockisntlistening#notreadyforthefatladytosing #IRun4Jacob#justkeepswimmingandrunning #nxr #nxn

JoyCimino.com Digital Marketing and More Customer Spotlight: HippieChick Noms

Thank you, HippieChick Noms, for the opportunity to design your logo and booth banner. What a fun client to work with and what AWESOME natural, whole food, plant-based granola. Yum! They also offer other homemade, healthy, and delicious food items and are available for catering as well. Check them out on Facebook. 

As many of you know I design and sell custom t-shirts and apparel and have a Facebook page JKS Designs (if you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to and like my page...and of course sharing is always appreciated). Did you know I also have over 25 years in the graphic/print/web design and digital marketing business and offer a wide range of marketing services? I am available on a project-by-project basis and also on a part-time and/or contract basis on site or remotely should your company have marketing needs but you don't need a full-time staff member. Consulting services also available.

I'd love to help you with your next project no matter how big or small! Visit my new website, JoyCimino.com, to learn more about me and what services I offer. 

Every mile a memory: Rick's Last High School XC Meet 10.22.18

And THAT, my friends, is how you finish your senior high school cross country (XC) career. I laughed, I cried, I screamed, I jumped up and down, I hugged.

I have to admit this has been a very bittersweet season. Awesome and amazing because Rick has done so well but sad because I know this will be our last time as XC parents and it has been such a FUN four years that went by WAY too quickly and I am really, really going to miss this.

Yesterday's XC meet, the Rotem Invitational, was Rick's last high school XC meet held on our school's home course at Garfield Park. Every other sport at Mentor High School has a senior recognition night where seniors and parents are recognized on the field and but our last meet has always been elsewhere so there was never one for the XC runners. Since Rick's coach decided to hold the last race of the season at "home," the parent's club thought it would be nice to have a senior night with a pot luck afterward. Oh gosh, if I didn't need even MORE reason to get teary-eyed. LOL.

So how do you finish you ask? With a lifetime PR of 17:17 and winning your last XC race on your home course…not just winning on your team but winning the whole dang race and placing 1/113 runners and leading your team on to a first place victory! There couldn’t have been a more fantastic finish if we planned it.

There are no words to express how absolutely incredible it was when my Rick-star appeared out of the woods leading the pack the last 2.5 miles of the race to the finish. My kid…the one who joined the team because we really didn’t give him a choice four years ago found something in himself and became a true running rock star. Of course, he could have been dead last and I would have still been just as proud but dang…I will never forget these moments watching him shine for as long as I live. Thank you Aunt Nadine and Grandma Carolyn for being there to cheer him on for this most fantastic finish.

#thanksforthememories #lusciouslocks #everymileamemory #belegendary #proudxcmom #proudmamabear #onceacard

Rick before his first race, time trials freshman year, and after his last race, Rotem. You've come a long way, buddy! 

Rick's award (shirt), bib, jersey, and since it was also Senior Recognition Night, I received a flower.

For all the pictures and videos taken, visit the team photo album here.

Click below to see the videos of:
Rick run at that beginning of the race
The first pass
The second pass
The third pass where he came out of the woods leading the pack with no one behind (mentioned above)
And the finish of all finishes!

On a side note, if you watch as he runs past me, there is an orb. I'd like to think that was my dad, Papa D, letting us know he was there too. He was always at all of the grand children's sporting events and sadly he never got to see Rick run...this is the not the first time I've seen an orb and it always makes me smile when I see one.

IRun4Jacob: How one boy and his family changed my races...and my life

Have you ever wondered why I sharpie IRun4 Jacob or wear a make-shift sign on by back when I do a race? It's because of this guy. I'd like to introduce you to my buddy, Jacob (left) and his twin brother, Joe. August 31 was a big day for them...that is the day they turned 5! 

What is IRun4 you ask? It's a non-profit organization where athletes of all levels and kinds – runners, walkers, yogis, triathletes, etc. – are paired with children and adults with physical, mental, and developmental special-needs. I first learned about the program in 2016 from one of my Ragnar teammates and she mentioned she sent all of her race medals to her buddy. I thought how cool, I could send my buddy all the race shirts I never wear to someone who would. After waiting for over a year and half to be matched up, I received the news last November right before the Nike Cross Regionals race that I finally had a buddy from Arkansas and that day my life was forever changed. Nike was my first race as his buddy and he has been "with" me ever since. He and his twin brother, Joe, were born at 29 weeks old. While Joe is in perfect health now, Jacob has a host of medial issues. He has an immune system disorder called hypogammaglobulinemia and then low to no antibody response to vaccines, which are two very rare diseases in pediatrics. He also has chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy. Every day is a challenge, especially during cold and flu season because so many people are sick making it difficult for them to even leave the house. His mom, Rebecca, and I have become dear friends and even though we've never met in person, we talk daily and have become the best of friends. 

Jacob has become more than just someone I run for, he and his family are now my family too. So today I would like to wish a very happy birthday to a boy (and his brother) who inspires me every single day. Jacob, you and your family are blessings in my life and I thank God every day for you. Happy 5th birthday's boys and God's blessings for many, many more. xoxoxo

#IRun4Jacob 

Happy 5th birthday, boys. Love and hugs from the North Coast! 

Sweet Jacob wearing my shirt from the Nike Cross Regionals race.

Nike Cross Regionals with Rick's XC team...my first of many races as Jacob's buddy.
Sharpie credit: Paul Cimino.  He has gotten so good with the sharpie he can have it done in less than a minute.=)

My makeshift sign when the weather is too cold and I can't be sharpied.

The Run for Someone is a different program but
I got a medal to send to Jacob because I run for him.

Lots of race shirts for Jacob. These are just a few of many.
When my son Rick does a race too, he gets a shirt to give to Joe.

Officer Mazany Blue Ribbon 5K 9.23.18: Here's to You West Geauga Class of '88

Hmmmm, perhaps partying all weekend with people you grew up with IS the key to a great race after all. The inaugural Officer Mathew Mazany Blue Ribbon 5K benefited the family of Office Mazany, a Mentor police officer who was killed by a hit-skip driver on Route 2 during a traffic stop this summer. I wanted to do it because it was for a good cause and the race was right up the street from where I live but hesitated signing up because of my class reunion. Even this morning I considered bailing…after all, I supported the race with my entry fee so did I REALLY need to go? Well I’m glad I did. It must have been the "power of 88" because not only did I NOT hurl at all, but I managed to pull of an AG award. But not only that, ran my fastest 5K of the year AND was only 30 seconds from a lifetime PR. What the???!! Here I was just hoping to not throw up! LOL But get this….what song from my playlist came on during my last mile shortly before the finish but Kick Start My Heart from Motley Crue…. Coincidence? I think not. Perhaps a certain "DJ" was playing "DJ". I smiled, thought to myself "this one's for you, Class of 88" and seemingly out of no where, found there was a little left in the tank for a decent finish so I picked up the pace. When I rounded the corner to the finish and saw the clock just changed to 24:00, I couldn't believe it and out of no where once again, had a little more left to kick it up one more notch. LOL So thank you, class of 88 for an absolutely incredible weekend and getting me to that finish line this morning.

What's more important than my victory though is the reason behind the race; a community coming together and showing support for a fallen hometown hero. That means more than any award or finish line result. Together we raised over $6000 for his family and before the awards, they called Officer Mazany's brother and put him over the loud speaker to address the crowd. You could hear in his voice how touched he was and after losing my own brother in a tragic way, I know how it feels to have the support of complete strangers so I am glad I was there to be a part of it.

Stats

24:20

2/31 AG

12/139 Females

33/243 OA

Splits

7:51, 8:16, 8:04

I even had Paul Sharpie "88 is Great" next to my
IRun4Jacob "tattoo" for good luck.

Of course wearing on of my very own custom-designed  JKS Designs tank tops! 

Race awards and another shirt to send to Jacob! Yay!

Patriot Day 9.11.18

17 years later...

And as I was getting ready for my morning run this morning, I found myself doing the same. The words I wrote on Facebook four years ago still hold true every Patriots Day and every day.

Never forget.

+++

When I went on my morning run today, I started to reflect on what I was doing that fateful morning 13 years ago. For whatever reason, my mind drifted to not what I was doing, but to what those who lost their lives that day were doing… I’m sure there were several that were out for their morning runs contemplating the plans for the day just like I often do. I thought about how they had no idea what was going to happen that day, just like the rest of us, and how a seeming innocent morning would change our world forever. I thought about how they must have felt if they were one of those in the towers, in the Pentagon, or on one of the planes. I thought about how their loved ones must have felt, watching in horror as the events were unfolding, or how it must have felt knowing they were hearing their loved ones voice for the last time. I realized that after 13 years, the sadness I felt on that day really hasn’t changed. 

I still get chills when I hear GWB’s bullhorn moment as he stood in the rubble of the Twin Towers…"I can hear you! The rest of the world hears you! And the people – and the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon" and the crowd’s prolonged chants of "USA! USA!" I am thankful we had a president at the time who wasn’t afraid take a stand and go after those who caused us harm. I’m not so confident the current powers that be would make that same decision. I hope we never have to find out.

Many people “say” they’ll never forget, but do they truly live by those words? I can honestly say I haven’t forgotten. Because of my involvement in the Young Marines program and our yearly trips to DC for Veterans Appreciation week, I’ve been fortunate to watch the Shanksville memorial go from a small shack with a flag way off in the distance marking the spot where the people aboard Flight 93 met their deaths to the beautifully designed monument it is now. I've also been there as our Young Marines were one of the first youth organizations to lay a wreath at the Pentagon Memorial and as we toured the Pentagon twice and walked the same hallways that were destroyed by the airplane. No matter how many times I’ve been to either memorial, I can’t help but think about the events that day and think about the lives that were lost. There really are no words to describe those emotions and those experiences are ones I think about often. And watching videos of that day brings about the same sadness today as it did 13 years ago.

God bless those who lost their lives that day, their families and friends who miss them terribly, and God bless the men and women of the armed forces, the police, EMTs, and firefighters who willingly do what they do to keep us safe.

God bless America. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

At a risk of sounding patriotic, we need to make sure the infamy of this day never slips from our minds. So raise a glass: to those who died that day, innocent of wrong to those who have died, avenging their deaths and to those who will die, making sure it never happens again.

 

#neverforget #neverforget911 #911 #unitedwestand #onenationundergod #shanksville #twintowers #pentagon #flight93 #weremember911 #godblessamerica #911memorial #trueamericanheroes #patriot day

It all started with a Kris...My 4 year race-a-versary report for the Race for the Place 5K in honor of 5 special people

The Gathering Place is a local organization that offers free services to cancer patients and their families and the Race for the Place 5K/1 Mile Walk (RftP) is their fundraiser for the year. It is held annually on National Cancer Survivors Day, the first Sunday in June, at a local, up-scale mall about a half hour from my house. I affectionately call it my race-aversary because it was the race that started it all for me four years ago. The first year after my cancer diagnosis, we did the 1 mile walk with my husband's company's team and when my friend, Kris, was called home after her battle with breast cancer the following January, I vowed to run the 5K in her memory. I wasn't an athlete growing up and had really never run before but that March, I laced up and got moving. My only intention was to run the race, however, and call it a day but I fell in love with racing and here I am, four years later.

Glass half full
The hamstring issue that started right before the race last year reared it's ugly head again late last year and in January, it got worse to the point I started PT and I wasn't getting any better. I had to completely stop running altogether for a bit in February and when I got frustrated that PT wasn't making me any better after almost two months, I decided to give a highly regarded sports chiropractor a try and found out the issue wasn't my hamstring at all but rather something going on in my spine (long story, won't bore you with the details) causing the issues in my hamstring and I slowly worked my way back to running. In 2016 I decided to make the RftP my goal race for the year and last year my goal was to rub sub 24:00 which didn't happen because the hamstring issue had just started so I know with the lack of running this year, there was no sense trying to beat my time from last year so accepting the situation as it was, I decided to take the glass half full approach and just be happy I was able to run at any capacity.

The five
I always like to dedicated this race to someone since that's how this all started to begin with but I wasn't sure who. In April, in a span of about 30 days, I learned two women I went to high school with and a friend's sister were diagnosed with breast cancer, a friend of my husband's was diagnosed with terminal stomach cancer, and a sole sister's brother's battle with brain cancer sadly came to and end so I became clear….I would run this years race in honor of them. These are all young people we are talking with a range of lifestyles. Unfortunately cancer does not discriminate and while there is no way to prevent it, we sure as heck can stand up to it and let it know we're not going to give up hope. As you know, I always design a race shirt to wear so this year I decided I would make a Just Keep Swimming…and Running tank top since that's my team name and chose the color purple because it's the color of hope.

Complete with "unstoppable hope" running socks

I couldn't decide which headband I wanted to wear.

I thought it was pretty cool the color I picked for my shirt is the same one The Gathering Place picked for this year's official shirt which I didn't know until I went to packed pick up to get my team's bibs and shirts.

I had my outfit all laid out the day before like I usually do. I didn't sleep much Saturday night and woke up pretty early Sunday morning but surprisingly, I felt pretty good. I told my team I'd be at the race by 8 a.m. and thanks to my DH, Paul, helping me make sure I had everything, we were out the door just a little past 7:30 a.m.

The team
This year my team had some of the usual suspects (I even got Paul, to run) but I was also joined by a few new faces. I had donated a race entry to a monthly challenge group called Good Running I belong to so I was joined by the winner, a woman I've gotten to be friends with from the running club, and on our way to the race, the VP of the running club messaged me and said she and her daughter were doing the race and wanted to know my team name so they could sign up under my team. Sweet! Also on the way to the race, we ended up behind a local running legend/superstar, an 83 year old woman who started running in her 40s and even was a professional body builder in her 50's. She can be seen at just about every race every weekend. I had the pleasure of being on relay team with her at the Northern Ohio Marathon last fall. When we parked, we briefly talked and she was in a bit of a hurry so we parted ways. She hadn't been seeing my Facebook posts about the race and didn't know I even had a team so later on when we saw her again, we made her an "honorary" member and she hung out with us and be in the team picture afterwards.

Unofficial 2018 Just Keep Swimming...and Running team photo.
Hopefully the  official one won't be missing half of our teammate. 

Go time
Eventually we all met up in our designated spot. I went for a short warm up and I felt good. Nothing hurt! It's a good thing because I had gone for a run on Thursday and while I didn't hurt, it was a horrible run and I felt so behind the 8 ball in my training because just running 3 miles was a serious effort. But my warm up felt good and I had decided I was foregoing any race goals this year and was just going to run because of what the race meant to me so I was in a good place mentally. I passed another person warming up and we commented on how perfect the weather was..sunny, mid 60s, cool. Ha, little did we know that would change come race time.

The survivor's ceremony started at 8:45 so we listened to it for a little bit and then headed over to the starting line because I know what a cluster it can be. Surprisingly this year, we weren't totally packed in like sardines as is past years and those of us wanting to "run" the race lined up just far back enough to let the people "racing" have their space. The gun went off and so did we.

The course
I am not going to go into the details of the course because it's been the same course every single year so you can read more about it in my 2017 race report or other previous years posts if you are so inclined. Luckily my hamstring didn’t bark, not even a yip PTL but the race was hot, mentally challenging and tough, my lungs hurt, and there were times I wanted to stop and walk….I had to keep  telling myself I could slow down but walking was not an option, to fight through the suck because the people I was running in honor of were fighting something far worse than a tough race in the hot sun. In my many moments of self-doubt, I would look down at my inspirations (purposely turning my watch around before the race so I couldn’t see my time) and thinking about them kept me moving. The mental game was horrible. I was trying to focus on the songs that were purposely selected for this race but that wasn’t really working. There were several times I'd "kiss" my inspirations (literally putting my lips to my arm) for a "power up" because I was miserable. There were a few times during one song I'd reach up to the sky as I ran. I'm weird, I know, but that's how I roll. And did I mention it was hot to boot? There wasn't much shade during the race so the sun was beating down. 

My five inspirations 

The finish
Going into the race I was hoping for MAYBE a time in the 26s because that’s where my 5Ks have been this year but the way I was feeling as the race went on, I figured that wasn’t going to happen. Imagine my surprise when I got to the final stretch and could hear the announcer calling times in the 24s! I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t have much for a final kick so I kept my pace, heard my niece-in-law and older sister cheer me on,  and crossed the finish in 25:02. After I crossed the finish line, I was really struggling to catch my breath and almost went into panic mode that something was wrong. But as I kept walking and drinking my water, I felt better. I went over to watch the rest of my team finish and afterwards we stood around and chatted for a bit.

Awards weren't supposed to be until 10:30 (they are usually at 10) so I had our team picture scheduled for 10:15. Since we were all together, we were able to get our picture early which is a good thing because they ended up starting the awards at 10 anyway. This race doesn't have live results like my other ones do so we always stay for the awards because my brother-in-law usually wins an AG place and I won an OA Female survivor award in 2016. A few teammates knew they weren't winning anything so they said their goodbyes, I thanked them for being on my team, and they went home.

My brother-in-law won 2nd in his AG and our local running legend, whom we made an honorary team member, won 1st. They quit doing Top 3 Survivors Male and Female Divisions last year for some reason and once again, had they offered the award, I would have placed.

After the race, we went to the local Fox and Hound restaurant for lunch which has kind of become our "go to" after this race. Good thing because I was STARVING! I don't eat before a race and all they had were granola bars this year post-race. =(

Final thoughts
The other 5Ks I've done this year felt "good." Sure, they weren't a walk in the park but I thoroughly enjoyed them and it was after this race when I figured out why this one hurt (no let's be honest, it sucked) like it did…that's because I was pushing myself and didn't realize it…racing a 5K isn't supposed to feel "good" so it wasn’t that I had lost my fitness, it's because I was actually "racing." I needed a "pick me up" to get out of the slump I have been in and this race did just that!.

My time might have not earned me any AG awards however I was victorious so many other ways. I managed to move up the ranks in my AG to the #5 spot, I was 5th OA cancer survivor, and I was 175th out of 1469 people. HUGE HUGE victories to me. Not to mention I was able to run pain free and as I write this post race, still have no hamstring issues.

I realized when I got home that’s only 19 seconds shy of my RftP course PR of 24:43 which was set in 2016 and only 3 seconds off from my time in 2017 of 24:46. I never guessed in a million years I would even be CLOSE to that. I guess the lack of training this year didn’t put as big of a dent as I thought it would.

Coincidentally, I am a 5 year survivor, this was my 5th time participating in the RftP event and I had 5 people who were my inspirations for this year’s race. Hmmmm..lots of 5s going on there and you know how I am about numbers and their meanings. ;-)

Thank you to everyone who supported a race that means so much to me, whether you were on my team, made a donation, or cheered me on from afar. But the biggest thanks, other than to God of course for giving me another day, goes to the ones who inspired me and got me to the finish line in a race I wasn’t sure I’m make to. You gave me hope when I thought it was lost and crossing that line and running in your honor is my biggest victory and better than any award I could ever win. Just keep swimming!

**Edited to add**
Many people think that because this is fundraising race that it is more of a community-type event  with people just there for the event. While it is such a race, it's also where some serious contenders come out as well. This year was no different as you can see by this year's results here. The top ladies in my AG always run times in the low 20s. The top runner in my AG this year ran 19:59 giving her 3 OA female.  The record for my AG females is 19:37!!! This year to top 3 ladies ran in the 23's and on a good day I don't think I could run this race that pace (my lifetime PR is 23:47 and that was a struggle). The record for Rick's AG is 14:55!! Yeah, some serious contenders for sure!

Stats
Time: 25:02
174/1469 OA
4/105 AG **Updated** on 6/5 the result changed and now I'm #4 not #5 as originally posted because #1 in my AG won 3 OA female so the online results were updated this afternoon to reflect that)
5/135 OA Survivor
3 OA Female survivor

Splits (coincidentally, looking over my past race reports, my 2nd mile is split is always significantly slower than the others).
2018 7:59, 8:45, 8:17
2017 8:07, 8:43, 7:59
2016 7:58, 8:42, 8:04 

Wonder if it’s because it’s the hilliest part of the race or????

The Gathering Place will accept donations through the end of June for the RftP so if you are interested in supporting me, click on this link. As always, thank you.

If you would like to see all my pictures from this race (there are too many to post here), check out my Just Keep Swimming Facebook page.

#NCSD2018 #NationalCancerSurvivorsDay #celebratelife #racefortheplace #justkeepswimmingandrunning #nevergiveuphope