I saw a post on Facebook yesterday that finally drove me to wrote a blog post I have been thing about for while, the unexpected death of runners. Like many people, I run to keep healthy, to reduce stress and to get that awesome runner’s high. Running makes me feel alive, even when it makes me suffer. That said, nothing makes one focus on life quite like unexpected death. Running does not make us immune from death. There have been many instance of “perfectly healthy people” like Ryan Shay dying while running. I firmly believe when it's your time to go, it's just your time ... that should not, however, keep you from living and pushing yourself.
A couple of events the past few weeks brought this sharply into focus. While running the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile on April 1st I saw a man down at mile 9. He was laying on his side and was already surrounded by a number of other runners. There was also a policeman already on the scene directing us away from the spot where he way laying. He was a bit older, but looked like a fit runner. His love of running was demonstrated by the Reston Running Club shirt he had on. After the race there were many of us who were trying to find out more information and if he was okay. According to people who were behind me, and who posted on various sites, they saw the EMTs frantically working on him and giving him CPR. Others saw him taken away by a helicopter. No one with the Cherry Blossom organization would give any updates despite many requests by other runners.
Earlier this week I saw that a group called “The Fallen Runner” had been created on Facebook. According to the group the runner, 71 year old Lloyd Blackwell, had a massive heart attack. The update I saw yesterday indicated that after 7 days in a coma, he died on Easter Sunday. I didn’t now Llloyd, but I will never forget seeing him as his life slipped away.
Picture posted on Fallen Runner page of Lloyd before the race
A few weeks ago the death of another runner hit closer to home. I had a friend on Daily Mile named Martin. It’s funny, for lack of a better word, that we can become so close to people in a virtual community like Daily Mile or Facebook. Though I never met Martin, he lived in Massachusetts, he was one of my greatest motivators and supporters as I trained for the Shamrock Marathon. He knew I considered the race my last chance to qualify for Boston. I also followed Martin’s daily running. I eagerly watched for what he had to say about each of my running post.
My Daily Mile buddy Martin
A few days after I ran the marathon, I saw a shocking post from another Daily Miler that Martin has died while at the track running. Martin, by his workouts and appearance was a fit and active person with no signs that he would suffer a heart attack. His last post was like every other day:
"Sunday, March 25. Weather 42 damp with a little drizzle at 6:20AM. Ran an out and back 4 miler working on running form. Early morning run ran concentrating on foot strike and foot placement by running straight on the break down line. That really took concentration and I could feel that my mechanics were slightly off. All in all a good run. splits were 8:48 - 8:09 8:05 and 8:03. shower and off to see my grandson play some indoor football just turned 6..... Have a great Sunday"
The next day, after his grandson turned 6 and the day before his own birthday, he died. I realized that I would never see another post from him again.
This is never an easy topic to read about or to talk about. I guess that is when you have to take this wake up call and apply it to your own life. For me, it was being a better mom for my girls. To be a good role model. That is what I see in runners too. You keep on when it is tough, and thank your lucky stars for your virtual motivators! Thanks for sharing such personal thoughts!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post because we forget that running doesn't make us immune from other aspects of life. I too keep reading about runners - typically middle-aged men -- who've passed during or immediately after a run. One was found in the bathroom along a popular trail in his hometown. Who knows if it was just their time or if some underlying congenital condition or poor diet were able to overcome all of the good from vigorous exercise.
ReplyDeleteWell said Marlene. Fortunately, I have never seen or known someone who died as the result of a run, but it highlights the importance of getting regular checkups as part of your training regimine.
ReplyDeleteThere is something to be said for dying doing what you love. We lost Eric's dad to a motorcycle accident on his way to the dentist. You can shake your head at the futility of it, or you can be proud he died doing what he loved.
ReplyDeleteMartin sounds like a great friend. Sorry for your loss, and at the same time, it sounds like he made the most of the life he was given.