Beth started running on her treadmill to blow off steam, after she found out that both her parents had different types of Cancer.
If you have ever had someone that you have cared deeply for diagnosed with Cancer, you know that it rocks you to the core. I felt helpless. I didn’t know how to direct my energy or how to help them. It was then that I started running miles upon miles on my treadmill. No particular goal in mind (having no clue how to train for a marathon), but to tearfully run out the stresses of life. I connected with running. It cleared my mind; it helped me to cope with the world that seemed to be collapsing around me. Running became an outlet and a necessity in my life. I never have been a fast runner, but I always could go for long periods of time.
She now runs the Huntsman Hometown Heroes marathon every year to raise money for Cancer.
Within a few weeks of my parents being diagnosed with Cancer, I received a letter in the mail from Team in Training for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
It felt as if that piece of mail was specifically meant for me (although it was not addressed to anyone). It was as if it was hand delivered by a higher power, as weird as that may sound.
The letter was an invitation to attend an informational meeting to talk about what Team in Training was, and so it all began.
For those who don’t know, Team in Training is the World’s largest endurance training program. They train you to participate (and finish) endurance events, in exchange you fund raise for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It was a way for me to connect with my running as well as a way to do something about a disease that was affecting both of my parents.
Since first joining in 2006, I have participated in (and finished) 4 events with Team in Training and 2 events with Huntsman Hometown Heroes (another endurance training program that raises money for Huntsman Cancer Foundation / Institute), as well as numerous events on my own. Fundraising all along the way, between the two teams I have managed to raise close to $18,000 for the fight against cancer, and I have no intention of stopping in that fight any time soon.
Beth is scheduled to participate in another marathon May 19, 2012. She would appreciate it, if you stopped by herDONATION PAGEto make a donation. She has a goal of raising $1,000.00 and she is currently half way there. Any amount will be accepted.
Just remember... "You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi.
I've been mourning Whitney Houston for years now. And as a Speculative Christian Fiction writer, I've been pondering the plight that this particular topic brings up.
I echo the same condolences that I've been reading all over the blogging world. Whitney Houston's end can only be described as one thing: Tragic.
Everyone knew it was coming, but this doesn't make it any less terrible and sad.
It seems that her 'one moment in time', where she was all that she could be, was cut extremely shot by her addictions.
I believe in life after death. I also believe that the way we exit this world is the way we enter the next.
So indulge me with a little speculative discussion.
How does an addict behave when he or she no longer has a body?
What controls the craving, the mind or the flesh?
If the mind controls the craving, how do you think one can get over an addicting substance?
If the body is addicted, but not the mind, then is he or she free?
I have my opinions, and you'll get to read all about them in the book that I'm currently writing, Endless. But right now I'm curious about your opinions. Feel free to comment below.
