Of Races, Flat Tires and Rain

Last Monday, on July 4th, I participated in the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta. The Peachtree Road Race is considered the nation's largest 10k, and an Atlanta tradition, so it goes without saying that the energy was literally bouncing off the roads. As I mentioned in an earlier post, my sister Rachel was by my side every step of the way. For this reason, I'm very proud of her. It was not an easy feat. Because of everything my parents did to her, she lives each day in constant pain. I think when something bad happens (like what happened to my sister) those who watch from afar want to see the judicial system hand out a judgement that fully vindicates the victim. Unfortunately, many people who have been abused, like Rachel, go about their lives with a lasting physical reminder of what happened to them, once upon a time. This is a reality that most people would like to forget.

I have watched my sister accomplish many amazing things, but I've also seen where she pushes herself too hard. So much, in fact, she is rendered immobile, her body searing with pain from injuries inflicted years ago. Because of this, I had to make sure to take it slow for her sake. She is a full fledged survivor and does not often let anything get in her way, including her own health.

The first three miles of the race were smooth sailing. The following two miles were for the most part on an incline. These were the hardest for Rachel and we took breaks often. Not because she wanted to, but because I made her. I didn't favor the idea of her ending up like a few of the others we'd passed who'd fainted and were surrounded by medical staff.

By the time we crossed the finish line, it had occurred to me more than once how it was very symbolic to be running a 10k on Independence Day, accomplishing something hard in honor of freedom. It seemed very symbolic of our journey together as brother and sister. Together we had fought to break free and although it hadn't been easy, we'd made it. One year ago, I set a goal for myself that I would run a 10k. Although I don't believe it will be my last, I can now proudly cross it off my bucket list.

Later that day, on our drive over to Atlanta'a Centennial Olympic Park, our back tire blew out on the interstate...in the rain. Thirty minutes and one spare tire later, we were sitting on the grassy lawn staring up into a rainy sky to view the firework display. So what if our tire blew out? So what if we were soaked and cold? We had the freedom to celebrate together as a family, a freedom that we'd fought hard for. Independence doesn't mean getting everything that you want, it means fighting for all you've got and enjoying the moments together. As long as you remember to do that, no amount of flat tires or rain could ever take it away.

New Memories...Old Traditions

In just a little less than two weeks, I'll finally get to cross off one of the items on my bucket list. On July 4th, I (along with sixty thousand other atlantans) will participate in the Peachtree Road Race- a 10k held annually on Independence Day in Atlanta, Georgia. The Peachtree Road Race is an Atlanta tradition and one that I'm excited to be a part of for the first time.

I must admit that when I signed up to run the Peachtree three months ago, we had just thawed from an unusual snowstorm that us southerners came to refer to as snowpocalypse. At the time, July seemed to be ages away. When I completed the online registration form it was without hesitation, and until last week, race day was still something of the future. All of that changed when I received a package in the mail that included my race number along with some additional race day information. I would like to say that I immediately dropped everything that I was doing to run a few laps around my neighborhood. Instead, I shoved the package and it's contents it into a drawer, as if by doing so I could buy some more time. You see, while even with the best intentions, I have found that it is not always so easy to wake early in the morning to go for a run. Actually, there is nothing easy about it at all. When you get right down to it, I love to sleep.... I am a huge fan of it, and I fully support it's cause. That's not to say that I haven't practiced for the race- I just haven't practiced as much as I would've liked.

Nevertheless, race day is fast approaching and I am not one to give up. Barring a heart attack (I'm not kidding- race participants must conquer a hill known as "cardiac hill"), I will complete the race and wear my t-shirt proudly. What I look forward to the most is that I will not be alone. Rachel, my sister, has enlisted to run the race with me. Whatever the outcome of the race, it's great to know that we will be creating new memories and replacing old family traditions.