Today is the 7th Nike Women's Marathon! I think I've run the half marathon 5 times and we formed the official "A" Team Runners, honoring Ashley Barth and Aiden Bryan, 2 A.L.L. Leukemia Survivors, after Ashley's diagnosis 4 years ago! One year Tia and I were the only ones who got into the randomly selected race. But the last 2 years we've entered as a group which means we either all get in together or not. Fortunately, The "A" Team has had good lottery karma both times.
Nike does a great job putting on the massive event. Especially as it benefits The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. So many runners participate in memory of a loved one lost to leukemia or in celebration of a loved one who survived. It's quite inspiring!
Behind every poster there is a touching story and even without knowing the whole story you feel a sense of gratitude for people who have that indomitable spirit through hardship.
The Nike race makes me proud of our humanity and our drive to make beautiful things rise out of tragedies or to pay homage to survival. I love the course (how can you beat San Franscico?), the Tiffany finisher necklace, and the comaraderie amongst our friends. But, most of all, I love to run knowing that Ashley and Aiden are healthy, happy, kids! And, that's a huge blessing!
