Momma's Run

COVID-19, “The Rona Era”

July 9, 2011 is when my mom passed away. Normally around this time in July I run a half marathon in a state for her. Well, I only have one state left( Hawaii) for next year. I felt I had to run a half to celebrate, remember her 10th year of not being physically here. My running journey is because of my mom. 10 years ago I was paralyzed with grief and not in a good place. I’m still grieving but I’ve found joy and strength through running, which has changed how I grieve. There are smiles and laughter through the tears and the grief is not as heavy as it was.

So, I had to run a race for mom. I found the Sour Apple half marathon in Deerfield Park, which was 20 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island. Mom’s passing day was Saturday, this race was Sunday.

This was a no thrills kind of run. About 250 ran the 5k, 5 miler, and half. This race sucked. Hills, Hills, and hills. We ran through suburbs, streets, and then a winding back roads. I did not train for hills and my tights killed. I was running in nature. There was only one police car around. Cars would still come and we( runners) had to let each other know when a car was approaching to get out of the way.

At some point, there was a gang of bicyclist running their bikes on this road as well.

I’m happy I had my music. I just kept the course and remained steady. I will admit I was annoyed to hear a couple of female runners just chatting away in conversation as they ran. I didn’t need to hear them because they drowned out my music.

I can complain all day long. This was about my mom and dealing with adversity running those dang winding roads. I survived and am stronger for it. Thanks mom.

13.40 miles/ 10:45mi pace, 2;24:05