So I am over feeling sorry for myself. I only had to hang out at the Lost Soul finish line or attend the morning after breakfast to get over myself. There will be plenty other races in my future (if I take care of myself).
On Sunday morning, I attended the usual Lost Soul breakfast celebrating the athletes and volunteers. It’s usually a joyous and fun occasion. This morning was no different but it definitely started on a sombre note. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the hall for most of the morning. It started when elite athlete Dave Proctor who shared his news – He’s running across Canada in 66 days to raise money and awareness for rare diseases.
He brought up a couple who are searching for answers for their child. The father gave an emotional speech that had everyone at my table reaching for tissue. I invite you to watch the video (above) or head over to XCanada4Rare to find out more about the motivation behind this amazing athlete’s push to explore what is possible. (On a side note Dave is one of the most genuinely nice runners out there.)
Friends, family and runners later paid tribute to the late Master Cpl. Alfred Barr. I noticed his photo was at HQ on Friday afternoon. I asked Karen (?), one of the volunteer co-ordinators, the story behind the photo. She said Al was a SAR Tech and had died at age 31 in March during a parachute training exercise. Al was an ultra runner and huge supporter of the race. Karen searched her phone to show me something he was known for saying – RFM or relentless forward month. Members of the Canadian air forces ran in his honour. A rock with his name on it has now taken a spot on the course.
The presentations at breakfast served as a reminder that life is precious. We should make every moment count. And if we are able to reach for the stars, we should reach for the stars. Life is too short to not put one foot in front of the other.
So yes I am over feeling sorry for myself.
Related:
Search and Rescue Technicians (SAR Tech)