2.26 Miles - Trail Run

Wednesday evening I completed my first trail run since probably 2018! It’s also the first run I’ve done since the loss of my friend Chris, who is one of the main motivators for me to participate in Pelotonia. 

Photo from my 7/23 trail run 

Throughout her challenge with cancer, Chris remained active as much as she could. We would run and rock climb together when we could. We would also go for slower paced walks when that’s what she could manage. 

Chris and me at a rock climbing gym in 2016

I will never forget her motivation to train for another triathlon or Pelotonia ride. If one day she could manage to walk up two steps, she would never say she was struggling to get around. She would always tell me that she was training for her next event. If she could walk down the hallway at work once in a day, she was training. Chris never gave up on her dreams and goals, and I have never met anyone else so dedicated to their life and motivated to keep going. Many people in her position would have eventually admitted that they may not compete in another IRONMAN Triathlon, but not Chris. 

Her motivation and determination and endless support as a friend helped me keep moving through my own injuries and depression. It still motivates me today. Chris was dedicated to supporting Pelotonia. It was during a Pelotonia ride that she first noticed symptoms that lead to her initial cancer diagnosis and she continued to participate in Pelotonia throughout the remainder of her life. Years that she was unable to ride, she would volunteer on the sidelines to support other riders. 

Chris would have been BEYOND thrilled that Pelotonia added a trail running option this year to their array of riding options. She would have participated in both. I would love to be able to run my 7 mile goal in October, but I’ll be happy to run part or hike it all too. The real ONE GOAL of Pelotonia is to End Cancer. Continued monetary support for cancer research is the only way that can happen. 

Donate to my Pelotonia fundraising goal here: https://www.pelotonia.org/profile/AW975358

If you wish, you can also donate to Chris’s wife Moni’s Pelotonia ride here: https://www.pelotonia.org/profile/MD0069

Learn more about where money raised by Pelotonia participants goes: https://www.pelotonia.org/our-impact

Thanks so much for your continued support by reading and sharing my blog and your donations!! 

Here’s my path from my 2.26 mile trail run along the shore of Clear Fork Reservoir: 

For my friend Chris, (1965-2019)