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| The Boys with John after he ran the Vancouver Marathon in 2010 |
On Friday night the boys and I watched the
historic attempt by 3 world-renowned marathon runners on their quest to
complete the 26.2 mile race in just under 2 hours. The race was streamed live
over the internet and was held in Monza, Italy on a Formula one race track. The
idea was to create the perfect conditions in order for a runner of this caliber
to be able to break what many view as an “impossible” feat. The race did not
disappoint, it was riveting and incredibly inspiring, despite Eliud Kipchoge falling
just short of the goal by just 25 seconds. There is something extraordinary about
witnessing people challenge themselves beyond the limits of what we only dream
to be possible. Their drive, focus, dedication and passion touch every part of
our human spirit, which is why John loved stories like these. He drew so much
inspiration from what others were able to accomplish, especially when what they
faced seemed insurmountable. I know John would have been blown away watching
these men compete, he loved being witness to things of this nature and it made
him feel like anything was possible.
Yesterday the Annual Vancouver Marathon took
place. Back in 2010, it was the very first marathon John ever participated in
and the one that catapulted his drive for running this distance. John was never one to do things half way, it
was always all or nothing, so he decided to get started by joining a running
group. At this time in our lives the boys were still young and I had just gone
back to school and was enrolled in the Educational Assistant program, which
took place on a few evenings during the week. Between John’s work schedule, my
school and part time work schedule, and the kid’s schedules, there was little
time for much. John’s training therefore, had to fit around everything
else. There were times he had to get in his run the minute he got home from
work and before I left for classes and times he had to train late at night,
when I got back from work. Most weekend
mornings were not spent sleeping in, but rather up early and off on longer runs
with his group. At times I questioned what the purpose of all of this was, John
made his training seem like yet another job, he was always on the clock,
checking off lists of things he had eaten, the number of miles logged, or planning
additional work outs he still wanted to add in. I was exhausted just watching
him do it, and I envied his disciple to keep going.
On the day of the race John was not looking
for much fan fare, in fact he didn’t want a large barrage of family and friends
lining the course and cheering him on, even though it was his first marathon
and to most people, an accomplishment to celebrate regardless. Instead there was a small group of us
cheering him on at several check points and then we all witnessed him finish with
amazing strength and grace. His time: 3 hours 10 min…a clear sign that although he was just shy
of his 35th birthday and started this journey later in life, John was meant to do this.
Jack, Hunter, Cole, and Jack’s friend Cam, ran a few stretches of the marathon course yesterday in support of their coach and
friend, Braden Ralla. This was Braden's third time running Vancouver's BMO marathon and each time he has done so in honor of his mother Devi. She, like John, also loved to run marathons, but sadly succumbed to her own devastating battle with cancer this past Christmas. Watching Braden run today
and seeing the boys supporting him was a true sign that the spirit and love of
those who are no longer with us can be found in the manner in which you
continue to live life. I was very proud of all of them and know without a
doubt, both John and Devi were smiling down, happy to see their boys
running together. Perhaps you will see 3 boys in the future, testing their limits and running a race to not only honor their father, but to honor life.
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| 2010 - BMO Marathon |
