I cannot believe the love and beauty that I ran into in New York City this past weekend. I have been training for months to run this marathon to honor my Christy and bring hope to the many who are and have been experiencing the traumas of brain cancer. For me, the training has been a healing agent as it has given me a way to fight back. To do something to make a difference and to share the deep love and respect I have in my heart for those whose lives have been affected by this monster.
I ran for love and I ran into love in a big way. I experienced the heart of Team McGraw in NYC and it moved me deeply. I am so blessed to have these beautiful people in my life. I cannot describe the fullness of this love in words alone, but I know each one knows what I am saying here. My heart was held this weekend by so many as I held many hearts myself. I could not help but be moved to tears over and over again. I met new friends and bonded deeper with those whom I met in Nashville. I met Steve and his beautiful family as they came to be a part of the team. Steve has brain cancer and is fighting a beautiful fight. His heart is beautiful and he reminded me so much of Christy. So positive, so courageous, so loving and strong. At 56 he got is first tatoo “Ya Gotta Believe” on his forearm. 
How can I not run for this man. How can I not give my all. I must!
As I said, my emotions were really out there, from the time we arrived at the hotel and were greeted by Kevin, Jeff and Genvieve with such love, I knew something special was happening. The gathering on Saturday at California Kitchen was such a time of heart sharing for those we love and hold so dearly. As each person shared a little of their journey to becoming a marathon runner for those they loved, the room was filled with such beauty. Jeff closed with reading a beautiful letter from our inspiring and courageous friend Jen, a brain cancer survivor and team runner. Leaving that place, we all knew without a doubt, we were here for a purpose so much bigger than the marathon. We were truly on sacred ground for a sacred purpose. 
Meeting the next day at 5:00 a.m. we began our journey. Arriving at the runners village it was very cold and the wait was long. I remember the plane with the message “Live in the moment”. Through chattering teeth, I surveyed the surroundings and tried to take it all in. the sights, the sounds, the big screen, the national anthem, the start, the cheers as the runners began crossing the bridge. I couldn’t wait to run! I wanted to experience everything I was supposed to experience, to learn, to receive. There was a small group of us sticking together making our way to the UPS trucks and the start corrals. We were all feeling the enormity of the moment. We hugged and wished each other good luck. Katie hugged me and prayed with me, giving me a very special gift that I wore around my neck. I cannot tell how beautiful these moments were.
Finally, it was time to run! The bridge run was long, windy and cold on the lower level, but the view was incredible. Elvis was running with us. A good sign for sure! Finally out in the sun I started to get into a good pace. I felt good and the streets of Brooklyn were packed with people cheering us on. I was really moved by all the enthusiasm. Lot’s of G2 and water. Porta Pottys were a pain to have to wait for, but when ya gotta go, you gotta go! 13, 14, 15 miles down and I still felt good. At mile 16 -17 got some good medicine seeing my Christy’s smiling face in the midst of Team McGraw beauties (thank you Lynn for the heart gift). Katie had just made it through their hugs when I came up and we ran off hand in hand, such an awesome and beautiful moment!!!! Heather soon joined us and the 3 of us pushed forward. I soon found these girls to be my angels who would get me to the finish as I started getting a severe muscle cramp in my right leg. Had to stop around mile 21 for medical attention to get the cramp relieved enough to keep going. My girl Heather stayed with me and after walking a short distance, I was able to start running again. Slow, painful steps for the last few miles. I was moved to tears as my thoughts were on the cancer survivors who where going through so much every day. My pain was so temporary, I had to keep going. At mile 25, I was so moved to see Christy’s smile face once again! I needed to see her, what a gift! Thank you again Lynn, you are amazing! As we had previewed the finish line the day before, I knew I was close. Heather made sure I was OK and then let me run the final 500 yards on my own. Crossing that finish line was such a beautiful moment. I will not forget the tremendous amount of love I felt in that moment. All the training, the lonely miles, the pounding was all worth it. I knew I had been a part of something very special, a sacred time in a sacred space for such a time as this!
We followed up with a celebration party at Foley’s Irish Pub. A good way to end a beautiful day. It was wonderful to finally have a big, juicy hamburger!
Team McGraw, I love you all so much! You all have been such a part of my healing. You believe in me, you love me, you see me. I am honored to run along side of each of you in this fight for life. I saw beauty in such a life changing way this past weekend. Thank you for that. God willing, I look forward to the events ahead that we can once again honor those who have and are fighting so hard. Such a gift to be able to give to those we love!
Thanks to all who supported me and Team McGraw at the NYC marathon. Your financial support, your prayers, your encouragement, your love is so appreciated and was so needed! I am such a blessed man.
Doug