On Path to New York City Marathon IV

Sunday 10/26, I laced up my shoes and went for an 8ml taper run, with Michael and Venkat. It’s very foggy and chilly in the valley, but I can’t think of a better way to wrap up this season and NYC Marathon is so close, yet so far for I have come a very long way…

NYC Marathon is another high profile international race that’s very difficult to get in, and one that I have tried to get an entry for several years. I was thrilled when I found I had gotten into the NYCM 2013, but with twist of fate I never made it to the start. Very sadly 50,000 runners started the race without me. NYC Marathon requires more than the typical 14 to 16 training program, for me it’s a “Dream Race” that I have spent an entire year to come this close. My quest of running NYC Marathon is more than just completing another 26.2ml marathon, it’s about running to against cancer, running to feel alive, running to enjoy freedom, and it’s about running toward a stronger me with healthy body, mind and soul.

One thing I heard a lot from people is “you are such an inspiration,” but I would be lying if I tell you that I am strong and fearless. When being strong is the only option I have, there is really nothing inspiring about me at all. Just because I am not showing, it doesn’t mean I am fine. I worry about not having the opportunity to say good-bye to people that I care and love, and everyday I have to deal with physical discomfort, blurry vision and the spinning and dizziness in my head. But with all these being my norm, I am training myself for NYC Marathon from square one, with baby step and snail pace. I can’t accept defeat without putting up a fight. and I am determined to outrun cancer — I promise myself that.

For the last twelve months, NYC Marathon is THE goal of my life and one that keeps my mind off all the labs works and doctor appointments. This is a very personal goal event for me, but also one that I can’t do it without the support from my running friends. Yes most of my close friends are runners, local or virtual, and they have been with me every step throughout this journey. From the day they found me checking into hospital to post surgery recovery, and my inching back into running…, no matter how short or how long my training run is, there is always someone running with me to make sure I am safe, to check the color on my face, to hear my breathing is normal…etc. And friends far and near celebrated my every milestones: walked 10 steps in the hallway, jogged 15mins at the park, completed a 10k race, did a Half Marathon at 10min/ml pace, or waited for hours with hot soup for me when I finished Chicago Marathon. These are my family while my family are not around; they show me what true friends are, and that running isn’t just about running only.

Here I am, 6 days away from NYCM, excited and grateful, and I can’t find any word to describe how lucky I am to have you in my life. The best thing on the path to New York City Marathon is you, my dear friends!