Once again, I am back from an extraordinary life breathing event with Team McGraw. The inaugural Rock n Roll 1/2 Marathon in Providence, Rhode Island. The beauty of life is so evident in these events with this special group of people. I am so honored and blessed to be given this gift of perspective into the hearts of greiving people. People who have suffered great loss and adversity, yet choose to live life.
Team McGraw Providence
Not ony was this the first 1/2 Marathon event in Providence, it was a special event for the Lang family. My friend and teammate Pete Lang, headed up the effort to bring Team McGraw to this event in his home state to honor his father Ray. The participation and support of Pete’s family was inspiring to say the least. Everyone on the team was welcomed as family, sharing in the pain and beauty that we all know.
Arriving in Providence early Friday morning allowed time to find our way to downtown and Joe’s American Bar and Grill. Seafood is probably what one should look for, but the steak and veggies here were just incredible!
Joe's American Bar and Grill
Lynn and I were also blessed to meet Al, the mayor of the Marriott. Al is the only full time resident at the Marriott.
Al is 92 years old, a WWII veteran and purple heart recipient, a former 10 year State Representative, a widower to his beautiful bride of 60 years and just a beautiful man who loves life and people. Al says he doesn’t know why he is still here at 92, but chooses to see the beauty in life and live as fully as he is capable.
The Team McGraw dinner on Saturday night was once again a sacred moment in my life. To share the stories of why we are here is again both tragic and beautiful. We are choosing to create beauty in the midst of great pain. Sharing my story brings the heartache of my loss to the surface and is no less painful today than it has ever been, but I choose to allow the pain to surface and this brings me courage to live. Sharing our stories with one another brings us all close and allows us to find renewed life in the depths of our hearts. I am so thankful for these moments of clarity into what life is really about.
A Sacred Time
Sunday morning, race day, brought in the rains, but it surely didn’t dampen our spirits! We were ready to run! The start was delayed by about 20 minutes, which was a bit difficult, but once we started running I was able to regain my focus and find a comfortable pace. The course was beautiful with some nice hills and lots to see. The rains were consistent and heavy at times. My feet were soaked within the first couple of miles, but I soon got use to it. There were lots of puddles to dodge, but after awhile what did it matter. With the humidity, I was quite happy with the rain. I struggled the last few miles, but focused hard on finishing for Christy and for all those I run to honor and support. I did it! I even improved my time again!
With my friends Pete and Carmen
We enjoyed a post race party with Pete’s family and I just can’t tell you how special this was. I felt so loved, so known, so valued, so at home and welcomed! I am so grateful!
Well, next stop Chicago! I surely don’t know how I am going to run 26.2 miles, but I’m trusting coach Kevin’s training advice and I’m relying on the collective strength of Team McGraw. With this strength, I know anything is possible. Ya Gotta Believe!!!
Doug