May 1, 2024 ~ 6 min read
Take it from me, in the midst of unexpected personal trials, sometimes the greatest gifts are revealed through the support and kindness of others.
Running has always been my go-to, rain or shine. It’s my therapy, my joy and my escape. So when health issues started creeping in during my training for my second marathon, I was determined not to let it stop me.
I have psoriasis, a common skin condition linked to my immune system. After contracting COVID-19, my doctors think my immune system was somehow changed. Within one year I had COVID-19, mono, pneumonia, strep throat and tonsillitis: exacerbating my skin into a flare covering 90% of my body surface area. Every day, new itchy, scaly patches were forming on my skin.
The sweat and heat bothered my skin as I ran, but I wanted to continue marathon training as it provided a sense of comfort and control during this uncomfortable time. I kept thinking mind over matter! Unfortunately, my doctor eventually told me I had to stop due to the extreme levels of medications I was on. I was devastated, but I could not mind over matter directly against the doctor’s orders.
But this is not my mind over matter story… it is my fathers.
My father, at age 52, who had never run a full marathon before, ran one in my honor. Throughout his training he dealt with arthritis in his knee. On top of that, a few weeks before the race he hurt his ankle during a long run. Instead of giving up, he set out to run that race… sending me this letter a few days before.
Attached to the letter was a t-shirt reading, “Always striving… together,” along with a silhouette of a father and daughter on the back.
Despite his injuries, my dad began that race determined to finish. I had the privilege to run alongside him for the last few miles as he pushed through severe knee, hip and ankle pain. Witnessing his perseverance was one of the most profound experiences of my life to date. His actions spoke volumes, showing me that true strength lies not only in physical endurance but also in the mindset of selflessness and sacrifice. There was no shortage of emotions as he crossed that finish line and embraced me.
The example set forth by my father resonates with me in ways words cannot express. How blessed am I to have someone who loves me so much that he would endure this pain for me? His decision to run a marathon despite his own physical setbacks, solely to honor and support me, is a testament to the depth of his love and the strength of his character.
If you have been wondering who I received my run with gratitude mindset from, look no further. In reflecting on the race now, he said to me, “Claire I would not have signed up for that marathon without you, and I would not have finished that marathon without you. But sacrificing for someone else is a form of prayer for them.” I am endlessly grateful for his presence in my life, as he has taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, compassion, selflessness and the power of love and prayer.
The following year, after my skin was under control, I was ready to try training for a marathon again. I set out to prove to myself that despite a year of health issues and new medicines, I was still the same, strong girl I was before. My father’s example highlighted grit and strength: inspiring me to navigate any pain with grace and gratitude. I approached this training with a newfound perspective: recognizing the privilege it is to be healthy.
As I ran each mile during training, I carried the weight of past fears and doubts, running not just for myself but also for the girl who once felt imprisoned by her own skin. Every mile became a tribute to the appreciation for healthy skin, my father’s sacrifice and the unwavering support of those who stood by my side through all of the health issues.
I am proud to say I completed my second full marathon with family and friends by side. Those 26.2 miles were a physical manifestation of the mental strength that I learned throughout the journey. I will never run a race again without remembering the gift that running is and the blessings of the support around me.
Ultimately, running can be about something bigger than yourself. It can be a form of prayer, a sacrifice for someone else and a celebration of the amazing feats our bodies are capable of. So join me in this journey of running with nothing but grateful strides.