Question:

To all those who have already read the original post of this tread, I apologize for the re-post.  It was a tremendous help for me to write it and to know that others got to know a little bit about my mother.  I wanted as many people to see it as possible. On 5/21/00 at 1:46am I posted: I’ve had an absolutely crappy last two weeks, but things are starting to get better.  I was selected in the first lottery for the NYC Marathon despite missing the Central Park line up.  Of all things, I was out playing golf that day and totally forgot I had to be in Manhattan.  I hope this doesn’t get me kicked out of rec.running.  I promise never again to give golf a higher priority than running.  I applied online on April 14th. This year, I have resolved to give the distance the commitment it deserves. When I jogged/walked it in 1997 it was just to prove to myself that I was on my way to a healthier life.  Prior to that event, I was in a high stress, long hour, little appreciated job.  I rarely saw my family and friends.  I lived alone, which meant, eating fast food everyday for lunch and sometimes for dinner too.  I had gained thirty pounds over my racing days weight.  I smoked a pack and a half a day. In August of 1996, my buddies took me on a hiking trip in the White Mountains.  My pack loaded with gear and food for three days, I took one last drag on a Camel and set off from the trailhead at the foot of Mt. Adams.  I think I got about five steps onto the trail when I had to stop to catch my breath and get some water.  I dropped my pack, took a few labored breaths, turned around, and saw that I could have still shot putted a 15 pound bowling ball and hit my car if I was so inclined.  I was not only embarrassed, I was mortified.  I struggled through the next four hours, calves and thighs cramping with virtually every step.  I ran out of water before I climbed a mile.  At several moments I prayed for some dopey bear to come out of the woods and eat me. I resolved to quit smoking as well as make other changes in my life.  In 1997, I joined the NYRRC, applied for the NYC Marathon, got accepted, and completed it.  Since then, I’ve Oprahed in and out of shape, never really making a commitment to treating myself right. My mother unexpectedly died of a heart attack two weeks ago Friday.  She was slim, ate right, and was active (still working as a registered nurse at age 67).  The only indication was that she had a family history of heart disease.  My father, also slim and active (70 years old and still out performing general surgeons half his age) also has a family history of heart disease.  Among many other lessons, my mother’s passing has taught me that NOW is always the best time to become committed to one’s health. At this year’s NYC Marathon, I am determined not just to finish, but to finish with CARE (see Eulogy For My Mother).  Despite having to start from the back of the pack, I plan to qualify for Boston, which would be, by far, a personal best.  And for me to honor the memory of my mother, only my best will do. — Patrick The eulogy for my mother that I gave at her funeral can be found at: http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/Stu/paro Thanks again everyone for your indulgence. Before you buy.

Response:

Dear Patrick, I am so profoundly sorry for your loss. I think it’s a fine tribute to your Mom to run in New York in her honor. Teresa

Response:

It’s not too late to take CARE into your heart. I do agree with your mother’s CARE. Congratulations for your turning a new leaf. I hope you overcome the history of heart problems in your family. wasantr * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

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