Days of training: 101; Total miles logged to date: 564; Pounds lost: 0; Number of broken toes: 1; Miles to go: too many to count.
It's an awfully humid day in mid-August. I'm on mile 10 and I have 3 more to go. I'm dehydrated, hurting and becoming delirious and it's at this point that I start humming to myself (to the tune of Phil Collins' "Another Day in Paradise):
She calls out to the man on the street
He can see she's been crying
She's got blisters on the soles of her feet
Can't walk but she's trying
Oh, think twice....
Can someone please tell me why I'm doing this? I mean, I'm not a runner and it's not like I enjoy doing it. I'm reminded of what a friend of mine recently said to me. I don't get the point in running a marathon. If you know you're not going to win, what's the point in racing?
But suddenly my endorphins kick in, I have a surge of energy and Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" is now going through my head. It all becomes clear again: I'm running for a cause that is very close to my heart.
It was a little over 3 years ago that my mom, Sandy Hillburn, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, Stage IV brain cancer. Since then she's undergone two craniotomies, radiation, chemotherapy and is currently receiving a monthly vaccine as part of a clinical trial at Duke University's Brain Tumor Center. Through all of this, my mom has walked miles and miles almost every day, has golfed with girlfriends several times a week and she continues to celebrate the many joys of life: She watched my brother get married, was there for the arrival of her two new grandchildren and has coordinated multiple family vacations. My mom spends a great deal of time connecting with friends and family across the country, inspiring them as they battle their own illnesses and problems and teaching all of us what the expression "grace under pressure" really means. Her quality of life is excellent because of her strength and great attitude, which includes finding the humor in every situation, and because of the Duke University Brain Tumor Center which has taken such good care of her.
Considering the grim prognosis we received in 2006, doctors are amazed at my mom's progress and that she is still with us today. I feel extremely fortunate for her current health and I am grateful to her team of doctors for giving us this extra time together. In support of their efforts, I, along with my aunt, uncle and cousins, will be running the NYC marathon on November 1st as members of Team McGraw on behalf of the Tug McGraw Foundation which raises funds for pioneering brain tumor research at Duke University and other leading medical institutions.
The Tug McGraw motto is "Ya Gotta Believe!" and I do believe. I believe that I will finish the race and that my mom will be at the finish line to give me a giant hug. And more importantly, I believe that a cure for brain cancer is very close, and that it will come in time to help her. That's what keeps me lacing up my shoes and I hope it will inspire you to make a donation to this cause. Please visit my fundraising page at http://www.active.com/donate/teammcgrawnyc09/tmnycKHillbu or visit www.tugmcgraw.org for more information about the organization.
There are 12 weeks remaining till the big day and the training schedule has become intense. Is there anything less appealing than running miles and miles in the sweltering heat? How about running at 9:00 PM after a long day at work in the sweltering heat?... with a broken toe. Thank heavens for my team of motivators that are helping me get through this... Sandy Hillburn & Company, my friends, my Great Performances family, Emily and Michael at Sotheby's, Rose, Lindsay and Amy of Team Robin Hood (they have temporarily adopted me and given me the opportunity to train with them) and Elizabeth Carr of New York Road Runners. I am truly grateful for all your support.