Running back-to-back 24 mile runs on Saturday and Sunday had me commenting, to myself, that I had forgotten how much it hurts to train like that. To be fair, it was really only the Sunday run that hurt. That's typical. Saturday seems like a normal, if slightly slower run. Sundays can be a bit painful.
Of course, that thought came to mind about 24 hours too late. Much of the day, Saturday, people were asking me why I would think about running 50 miles in memory of someone. Or run 50 miles in one shot, regardless of the reason.
As I thought about it on Sunday, it only makes sense, to me. And it's the same answer. Because we forget.
I ran 50 miles, last October. After that run, I hurt in ways I had never hurt, before. But I forgot the pain. I ran 40 miles in September and hundreds of miles in training weekends. But that was last year. I forgot how much it can hurt.
When I do this run in honor of Ron, I will keep in mind that the pain I'll experience is temporary. I'll forget about it and move on to the next event. I'll also keep in mind that the pain his wife and daughter are going through will not be forgotten. It will last far longer than anything I'll face. And the pain of loosing a loved one like this is far worse than the pain I'll endure.
In the end, I can always stop. If it gets too bad, I can stop running. I can call for a ride home. I can hop into a hot tub, get a massage, take a nap, or do countless other things to make the pain go away.
Ron's wife and daughter have to face their pain. Time will make it easier. The pain will be dulled. But it will never truly go away.
So, for one day, I'll endure the pain of a race and hope it can, in some small measure, help to ease the pain of Ron's family.
If you'd like to help, follow the link below. When making a donation, enter "Ultraman" in the "Note to Seller." They will know that your contribution is a part of the Run for Ron Ultramarathon Challenge.
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