The Phoenix Marathon
In 2012, Phoenix announced a new Marathon, The Phoenix Marathon, an annual event with the first race being held on March 2, 2013. I decided to run this event because March is National Kidney Cancer Awareness Month, and it was my way of raising awareness. I felt a calling to return to the pavement. Here's the background.
2019 Marathon:
Time to come out of retirement! A lot had changed in my life in 2018. I got a chance to get refocused on what was important to me and I decided to the Marathon was something that is important.
On October 8, 2018, I registered for my 5th Full Marathon. It would be the 4th Full Marathon that I was able to run in and the 2nd that I ran without training. Intentionally! The run was February 9th, 2019 and in true fashion, I did run the event and finished in 6:41:19, and did not train at all.
Why? Well, If you know my story you'll know I already did this one time previous in 2015, so I knew I could do it. I did some Facebook Live posting this time, you can find the videos at #bks262 on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram!!
There was a point during the run that I wanted to quit, but I knew I couldn't. My motivation to continue was twofold.
1) I said I was going to do it because I want to continue to do things to help raise awareness for early cancer detection; and
2) There are those that woke up that morning and every morning facing the reality that they have Cancer and NOW they are faced with doing something that aren't prepared for or trained for. Fight the Fight. So, to show them that the mind is powerful, the body resilient, and drawing upon the strength and support of others, you can and will get through the unknown.
March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month. I ask my friends and family to share with their friends and family my story to raise awareness of the importance of early cancer detection. I'm certain that I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for my early detection.
I had no desire to beat my best time. I want to prove that as long as you live a lifestyle that is "mostly" healthy by staying active and are happy in life and have a strong mind, that you can accomplish anything. The only thing I kind of regret was the cigar I had the night before!
It's actually a lot of pressure to have people waiting for you at the finish line. It's meaningful to me to say I'm going to do something and do it. It's an example as a father that I want to set for my daughter. I created the hashtag #bks262 so supporters could follow me on social media. They showed their spirit by wearing orange and posting to that hashtag via FaceBook or Twitter! Why orange? Orange is the official color for Kidney Cancer Support. Check out the hashtag #bks262 on FaceBook and Twitter !!