“Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”
“Settle down kids, we’re half way there,” my dad reassured us on the long drive to Grandma’s house. We settled back in the big black vinyl seat with our comic books and toys. There was something comforting about “half way there.” It showed we were really making progress. On second thought, there was still a really long way to go. We celebrated the milestone anyway.
This morning I ran a half-marathon in my training for the Dec. 5th marathon. This equals the farthest distance I have ever run, when I did the San Jose Half Marathon last October. It seemed so insurmountable back then… now it’s just a training run.
It’s also a milestone to celebrate. I’m half way there to the big 26 miler, and I’m adding 2 additional miles every 2 weeks. My coach (brother Jeff) recommended the Galloway run/walk method and I adopted a rhythm of “run a mile, walk a minute.” My overall time was 2 hours 34 minutes, a decent marathon pace. I even felt good enough to run the last mile in 7:09 (I wanted to see what I had left.)
I’m running my marathon by choice, supporting a separate and simultaneous race being run by my brother Jeff, who is battling multiple myeloma. He doesn’t have a choice. I’m happy to report that he’s about half way there too. The first round of chemotherapy is done and all the numbers are looking good. In 2 weeks he starts into the next phase – stem cell harvest followed by stem cell transplant in October.
We both still have a long way to go, but I wanted to celebrate the milestone. I also want to thank all of you who have passed along the story and generously contributed to MMRF research. I set a goal of $100 per mile or $2600 and ironically, we are just over half way there at $1340!
Next time you get half way there on a goal you are striving toward, take a moment to celebrate and give yourself a half-time pep talk. Then tighten your shoelaces and get back out there and win the game.
By the way, the half marathon is 13.1 miles. Just to make sure I passed the threshold of believability… I ran 13.2.
Click to read “Faith Ain’t Easy” and donate to MMRF research. Thank you!
Way to go Davey Gravy. Awesome run and last mile. I am sure you are proud of that time. Really love what you are doing for Jeff. I can’t remember my time for my 1/2 marathon now but I remember that feeling of accomplishment and so happy at my time. So enjoy! Keep it up! Very proud of you
Love your cuz
Shell
Thanks Shelley! It’s interesting how motivation changes when your perspective changes. Thanks for the support!
Congrats on the half marathon. Keep up all your good training cause I have a feeling that second half might be a little tough. I have all the faith that both you and Jeff will win your battles.
God Bless
lb
DG – You guys are an inspiration and I feel that you’re both going to achieve your goals. Keep the faith – you can do it!
Wow David, I didn’t know the story. We are proud of you and your dedication to this run and your brother Jeff. He is blessed to have a supportive brother by his side.
Wishing you both the best!
Blessings to you,
Renee