Leave a Legacy Run - a Return to Running (sort of)

Who do you run for? In the Legacy Spirit 5K this past week I ran for my dad and brother, both who were taken by cancer. This annual run supports the local cancer center and their work providing support to patients and their families. This year there were almost 700 entrants making it the largest event in western Kansas by far.

For my dad and brother, both taken by cancer.

My knee has been feeling so much better now that I’m only working it once a week. That seems to be the limit of my joints ability to function without too much discomfort. With that in mind, I made a plan to add some running into my 5K walk. The plan was to walk 2:30 seconds and then run for :30. That seemed doable. The goal was to finish without trashing my knee, not to meet a specific pace or beat a certain time.

The morning was typical October crisp, meaning it was downright nippy at 45 degrees. At least the wind was not blowing so we didn’t have to worry about wind chill. I met my friends before the run and we compared our race plans. Of course, Amber being Amber, decided to run even though she isn’t cleared by her doctor. Stacy is recently back to running after surgery, and Claudia (Yes, Claudia!!) was going to try the 10K even though she is battling a few medical issues of her own. Wow! We are a sad sack bunch of runners!

It was crowded at the start and hard to find a clear path to run but I zigged and zagged my way to the clear. My first two walk/run segments went well and my knee felt pretty good with hardly any limp at all. Another lady ran up to me and said “It looks like you have a plan, do you mind if I stick with you?” That’s what these events are about. Meeting new friends and sharing the ride. So I shared my plan and she was onboard. That also meant I had to STICK TO THE PLAN!

Claudia, Amber, Staci, and I. Love these girls!

My new friend Pat and I exchanged information during the walk sections and kept up a nice pace during the run. Before we knew it we turned the corner for the last three blocks to the finish. I never once looked at our pace or the overall time, just the minutes of running and walking. I felt fantastic! I wasn’t tired and my knee didn’t ache. Pat and I hugged and congratulated ourselves on finishing in style. My time, it turns out, was the fastest for me in over a year and a half. What a pleasant surprise!

While this run is dedicated to those fighting cancer, I mark this as my anniversary of my diagnosis and start of treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Four years ago I used this race as my declaration of defiance against this disease and my determination to keep moving no matter what. I may have had to adjust my activities, but I think I have succeeded at thumbing my nose at my disease and following my vow to change the meaning of RA from Rheumatoid Arthritis to Run Anyway. It hasn't always been easy, but I am moving, and that's winning the battle!