Challenge

I did my long run today which was 10 miles.  I thought when I got done it I would be crawling home and dead tired, but I acutally felt really good, like I could almost run some more.  I think that was probably the runners high kicking in, but it was a reasuring feeling to know that I could do it and have some strength left. 

While I was putting my daughter to bed later(which took a LONG time tonight)  I was thinking about how challenging this marathon is going to be.  Then I started thinking about when I gave birth to Constantine and how much of a challenge that was.  When I think about this marathon I can't help but compare, especially since I am running it for Constantine.

When I had Constantine I obviously didn't know what to expect since I was a first time mother.  I was in good shape from running through my pregnancy and I was pretty mentally prepared.  I had him at the Birth Cottage in Milford, New Hampshire and walked around through most of my labor.  When I started to push I got into the birthing tub where I stayed for about four hours.  The first three I pushed. THAT was the hardest thing I have ever done.  I used every muscle in my body and every last ounce of effort that I possibly could.  The room was filled with my closest friends and family and my husband was there in the tub with me, but I was so in the zone that I didn't notice anyone or anything. 

When he finally came out everything came into focus and I saw everyone there and was just amazed that this little person was here.  I think that experience released massive amounts of endorphins becasue I spent a week after his birth just laying in bed staring at him (95% because I was so in love with the little guy and 5% because every inch of my body was sore).

This marathon is a little bit similar in that I am going through this hugh challenge not to bring him into the world, but to do my small part to help sustain him, save him.  The challenge of giving birth to him was mine alone, but this marathon challenge makes me feel like I'm part of this big network of moms and dads and relatives and friends who are each contributing to saving my son's life and their son/daughter/friend's life.

With such a hugh collective effort of each family embarking on their own fundraising challenge I can't help but feel in my heart that there will be a treatment soon.