Terry Fox and How I Move Ahead

A few nights ago I watched an ESPN documentary on the amazing run Canadian Terry Fox ran in 1980. Fox, who had a leg amputated as a result of Cancer, embarked on an ambitious run across Canada. His goal was to run a marathon distance a day from East to West Coast. Along the way he would raise funds to fight Cancer, and bring awareness to millions. Sadly his Cancer came back and forced him to end his cross country run when he got to Thunder Bay Ontario. He died not too long after his famous run.

Fox's endeavor is a testament to the will that some runners have, or aspire to have. I am nothing like Terry Fox. I do have my physical limits though, and I know it will be some time when some doctor may tell me I can't run. As you know(or may not know if you are new to the blog), I was born with clubbed feet. My right foot has never been perfect, and the doctor believes that the way I walk has led to the beginnings of arthritis in my hips. When I run long distances, like a marathon, it can by physically difficult and painful in the latter stages of a run, but I push through. I have a strong will, and determination to finish, and finish I have.

As I look to possibly running Boston, I see lessons in Fox's story that I can use to inspire me as I train and race. Giving up may be an option, but it is the absolute last option. You have to be strong.

Charlie