On April 28th, I ran the Country Music Half Marathon for the 3rd time with the Tug McGraw Foundation (Team McGraw). Once again, I was honored and grateful to raise money and bring awareness for the support of brain cancer and brain trauma research, treatment and miracles! Returning to Nashville once again provided the environment for one more step of healing for my heart.
Arriving in Nashville always brings a special excitement. I love coming here. The expo was the first destination, but Starbucks took precedence! The expo is always an active event in itself. We wrote on this beautiful “wall” to the kids at St Jude!!! It’s being taken back to the hospital for all the kids to enjoy after the marathon is over tommorow. Wow!!!! Lynn had a flip-flop blowout and shortened our browsing time as we were in search of either new flip-flops or another solution. Duct tape was found and the blowout was repaired! Now off to the main stage to hear coach Kevin speak. Kevin’s talk was amazing and really grasped the connection between physical, mental and for me, spiritual aspects of running this event.
“The Wall
“Coach Kevin
The pre-race dinner Friday evening was a sacred time to share our stories, our grief and our courage. As I run to honor the memory of my sweet girl Christy, I was brought once again to a place of grief. The pain of such loss was shared by many at the pre-race dinner on Friday evening. As each runner shared their reason for running, we all felt the commonality of our pain and the courage to stand as one and do what we all could, at least for this event, to carry on the legacy of our courageous loved ones.
Kevin and Lynn!
Race morning, up at 5:00 a.m. I prepared as best I could, everything the night before. It is really interesting how the nerves can make even the simple choices seem difficult. We met with most of the team in the hotel lobby and walked together to the parthenon, which is close to the start corrals, for team photos. I am emotional as I remember the first time I visited this spot with Christy and this was the spot of my first team photo with Team McGraw. This will always be a special place to me. As photos, prayers and hugs, it is off to the start corrals. I still am amazed at the crowds and number of runners (30,000+) who converge on this beautiful city. As I stand in the start corral and look back, I soak in each moment with gratitude. Such a sacred space, such an honor and privilege to participate in this event. I still cannot believe I get to do this again. I feel the connection of love as I look around and see so many running to honor their friends and family members. The names written on their shirts and bodies, pictures pinned to shirts and shorts. It is such a beautiful display of love! I AM SO HONORED and BLESSED!
The day was warm and humid with lots of sunshine, not really the best running conditions, especially with the rolling hills of Nashville! I hydrated well the day before and didn’t miss a water or gatorade station. I took S-Caps and salt packs and I still struggled the last couple of miles. Breathing was a problem and I had to be very deliberate in calming down my breath. I remembered what Coach Kevin shared concerning the pain and accepting it and leaning into it. I thought of all that Christy endured and I knew, I could do this! The finish line again was filled with emotion. Such a bittersweet combination of emotions. Can’t explain it, but I feel this deeply in my soul. My life hasn’t or will never be the same.
Team McGraw, my friends, my family. I love you all so much. I could never have imagined having such beautiful people in my life. I am surrounded by love in such an overwhelming, unconditional manner by so many. Most of you, I didn’t even know 2 years ago, but all have and are significantly and positively impacting my life. We are a family and we are making a difference. I am so proud of everyone who ran, cheered, prayed, watched our pets, donated money and just plain opened their hearts.
Tennessee was a special place for me and Christy and it is a special place for me today. As I am able, I will continue to come back and embrace the beauty that is in the memories and in the NOW!
Blessings,
Doug