Finish the Run

Dear Ravi,

Yesterday, I ran a 5km race for you. Finish the Run 5km was set up in memory of a local elite runner who passed away on a run in his neighborhood 10 years ago. The first year was just a gathering of his family and his running friends. Over the years, the numbers grew and it turned into something much bigger. Everyone was given a bib with a number and a space to write the name of the person for whom they were running. I chose a bright red Sharpie and wrote Ravi, #TeamRavi, in big letters. It was a very happy race. Strollers and dogs were welcome.

My training runs with the dogs have been slow. Generally, I putter along at about an 11:30 minute mile. I also mix in walking sections to keep my heart rate at a good level. My hope was to run the race between 35 and 40 minutes. Breaking 35 minutes was a reach plan. The day of the race surprised me. It was a beautiful fall day. I felt good. I decided not to look at my Garmin but just run by feel. If I looked at my watch at all, it would be when it beeped every mile. I set off towards the rear of the pack, but ahead of the walkers. The sun was shining, and we ran over Stone Arch Bridge. I looked at my watch at the one-mile mark. To my surprise, my time was 10:23. At that point I fell into a wonderful state of flow. I could feel the miles passing beneath my feet but had no real sense of the passage of time. The next thing I knew was the finish line was in sight. I picked up my pace a bit and dodged some walkers with strollers and dogs. Your dad, Margaret, and Shawn were waiting for me at the finish line. I stopped my watch and looked down. Final time, 30:57. I was stunned. We all shared hugs and pictures and eventually headed home. The veil between the living and those who have passed was very thin at that race. Ravi, I could feel your presence, and you kept me strong. Thank you.

Last night I discovered another 5km race in 2 weeks. It is called Brave Like Gabe. She was a local runner with a rare form of cancer who passed in 2019. Her race has been run every year since 2018. As you know, funding for rare cancers is my jam, so I promptly signed up and gave a generous donation. It just felt like the right thing to do.

Ravi, my love, I feel you when I run. Your spirit races free with me. You are soaring. I was proud to run with you. More races to come. Love you to the moon and back. Mom. #TeamRavi.