A Passion for Running

My Run for Ryan Shay

passion for running category: running on Monday, November 19 2007

I’m so proud of my friend Jeff for rallying the web’s runners around Ryan Shay’s family.

This sort of thing hits you on so many levels. First, because once we get fit, we runners tend to think of ourselves as invincible. We are not. Ryan was an elite athlete with a heart defect. He was, to most of us, superhuman and was still struck down at the age of 28.

The second thing that hits you is empathy. Empathy for Ryan’s family and wife. Once upon a time I thought I’d lost my son. Near misses like that make you appreciate your loved ones in ways you could not have imagined previously. My heart bleeds for the Shays.

So, I did my part and ran 5.5 miles. They were quiet miles. Quiet thoughtful miles.

The one positive, albeit sort of morbid thought (I guess this is an appropriate time for being morbid) I had while running those miles is a thought I often have…

…When my time comes, I hope it comes like it did for Ryan - doing what I love doing - running down a dream.

God bless.

12 Comments »

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Comment by darrell

Monday November 19, 2007 @

Amen!

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Comment by jank

Monday November 19, 2007 @

Failing the heart attack at about mile 7 of 12, I’m planning to go get eaten by a bear before my kids consign me to a home.

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Comment by Israel

Wednesday November 21, 2007 @

there was one time when i thought my child was in extreme danger, it wasnt a good feeling. i felt anger, fear, and had been overcome with something i have never had.

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Comment by Anne

Wednesday November 21, 2007 @

Glad you were able to join “us” last Saturday. I had several people ask who he was and as soon as I said the guy who died during the Marathon Olympic trials, they knew who I meant. They didn’t know he was just 28. Figured if his ticker went, he must have been a lot older.

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Comment by anish

Tuesday November 27, 2007 @

hi …
i am pursuing my masters from VCU. For the purpose of a research study on runners & joggers i have come up with a tiny little survey which will give use more information about runners & joggers in general.
It would be great if you could participate in my survey. It wont take more than two minutes of your time.

http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB2277ERNQEPQ

I assure you that this survey is only for educational purpose and to be shared with a class of 23 students.

thnx for time!

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Comment by Susan

Tuesday December 04, 2007 @

Mark. Where are you?

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Comment by lingli

Sunday December 16, 2007 @

mark? Some of us are worried.

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Comment by Anne

Tuesday December 18, 2007 @

It’s been a month since you’ve posted anything. Everything OK?

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Comment by Rus

Sunday December 23, 2007 @

Merry Christmas Mark! Ok, one month out of this is good and .. as long as we still alive, (don’t we ?) we keep on moving further. I’m not sire if I was always polite here or something, just want to tell that your page was a real inspiration for me, especially in winter times. I will be glad to see you back to your page. Ahh, almost forgot – Happy new miles, new races & New Year Mark!

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