Tri for the Cure

For the past two years, very good friends of mine have raced in the Tri for the Cure, while I played the loyal - and very loud - cheerleader.  I also provided room and board, as they were traveling from Boston and NH.  This was great for the 1st year, and pretty good last year.  I wanted to race, too.  But - as usual - I didn't feel I could, because of migraines.  Cripes, I couldn't even run 2 miles w/o getting a migraine, how in the world was I going to swim and bike as well? 

Shortly after this past year's race, my friend Steph and I decided we'd do the relay. I used to be a good runner, and used to run 5K races quite frequently.  Sure, there was a very good chance that I would end up with a migraine, but it was the last leg of the race, so I could finish the run and quickly go get some medicine.  I mean, seriously, how can I complain about a 5K run followed by a migraine that I can take care of relatively quickly, when there are ladies running this race who have very recently recovered from cancer?  I can't.  Steph had biked the Trek across Maine, so the bike leg of the Tri would be cake for her, so we just needed a runner.  While discussing this at Venue over the summer, someone at the bar overheard us and said she'd like to join us.  She herself had just won her battle against breast cancer - she is my age.  She had no problem taking on the challenge of the swim.  We gladly took her on as a teammate.   Her name is Christee.

I found out this past week that Christee found out over the holidays - because that's the perfect time for horrible news - that the cancer had spread to the lining of her brain (I think I got that right?) and had just had brain surgery, and is now going through radiation.  Let me remind you, she is  my age (35).  And she still wants to do the Tri for the Cure.  It will give her something to work towards and focus on as she recovers.  Of course, there is the chance that she may not be able to race, but that's not always the point, is it? 

As it turns out, we did not get a spot for the Tri.  It sold out in about 2 minutes.  We're on the waiting list, so there's still a chance.  In the meantime, Steph and I are hoping that Christee will take us up on our offer to run a few 5k's with us this summer.  Not quite the intensity of the Tri, but it'll still give her something to work towards.  My friends - please say a little prayer for my new friend Christee. How are there people like Christee, who can even THINK of a triathalon so soon after BRAIN surgery and in the middle of radiation?  That right there is a strength I like to think I have, but I'm just not sure I do.  Seriously, just the thought of this makes me want to curl up into fetal position.  I barely know this person and I have so much admiration for her.  I am so disappointed that we didn't get into this race for her.  I feel like I would do anything to be able to participate in this.  Fingers crossed that somehow our name comes up on the waiting list....