8 May 2008
Friendships
Posted by Deborah Pieri under: Deborah Pieri .
My daughter was over earlier tonight. I had just walked in from what will be my last run before the race. It was a four mile run around Reed’s Lake with some others from rungazelle. It’s been a very long and busy week at school. I have been tired and stressed. My daughter asked me how I was. I launched into all the details of my life: the important decisions I was facing at school, the stacks of papers I had to correct, lesson plans to write, a newsletter to write, Mother’s Day presents to finish tomorrow, and yes, worry about my aching heel and wanting to do well in the race, etc. Justine just said, “Deep breath Mom. . . deep breath, like you used to tell me.” I know she’s right.
When Justine left, I sat down, took a deep breath, poured a glass of wine, and read the blogs for the first time in a week. I laughed and I cried. It’s funny how people wander into our lives, touch our hearts, and leave their mark. The road warriors are truly a unique and yet very ordinary group of people. We don’t have much in common other than our love of running and for most of us parenthood. Through the many hard months of training, friendships have been forged. I am so grateful to have been given this wonderful opportunity to be a road warrior and to get to know all of you. Remember when Mike and Terry had us doing those repeats on the track at the Y in January? It seemed like such a hard thing at the time. But it’s amazing how strong I felt when we brought our speed work outside to the track in EGR or doing the tempo runs! It’s not like I’m fast, but boy is my self-confidence high. I sense the same self-confidence in all the other road warriors! We are going to do this race and do it well!!!
After reading through the blogs tonight, I noticed that a couple of comments had been posted by two very dear friends of mine. I scrolled back to my last post to read them. That’s when the tears started, not just from me, but from Tim too. The first comment was from my friend, Joann. She is one of the women I most admire. She has a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone who needed her help or didn’t need her help. She is an amazing and talented woman. I have trained for and run three marathons with her. She applied to be a road warrior, but was not chosen this year. . . hopefully next year! She has been a constant supporter and encourager to me! The second comment was from Joann’s husband Patrick. Patrick and Joann were our original running partners. We trained to run Chicago together and did it! We have had many years of friendship. . . .many miles on the roads and trails together. We have rejoiced in our children’s accomplishments and cried together when our children were in trouble. Parents with young children do not understand this yet, but will appreciate it’s significance some day. Faithfulness is a beautiful word. It is the word that comes to mind when I think of Pat and Joann. When I was diagnosed with breast cancer three and a half years ago, Joann started her own little fundraiser for me, selling pink ribbon runner pins. She made enough money to buy me a strawberry blond and a gorgeous red-haired wig when I lost my hair to chemo. Patrick said I looked good with no hair. I know he lied, but I appreciated the comment. Joann just wanted to see me as a redhead! Our love of running has been a common thread that has bound us. Running does that. Pat and Joann, thank you for always being there, being faithful, through good times and bad. You are “semper fidelis!” . . . . always faithful, always there! That’s Marine talk! Thank you! I love you both! Patrick your comment made me sob. I know you did that on purpose and by the way I am only 1 year and 1 week older than you. We will see who’s faster pal! You set the date!
So here’s to friendships new and old among runners. Run strong, run with joy, and run to dream! I always will!
Blessings, Deb
3 Comments so far...
Heather Says:
9 May 2008 at 7:29 am.
Deb,
Terry told me I should read the blogs that have recently posted they are funny. So of course, I come to work and starting reading the first blog on the site, yours! Not funny but very inspiring and oh yes I told Terry this year I would not cry while reading these like I did last year when he was a Road warrior participant and not a coach. You have succeeded the challenge and yes I am at work reading glancing at the blogs and the first one - boom the tears are flowing. You are a wonderful person and an inspiration to all - Let the Lord give you the wings you need tomorrow to fly to the finish line.
Go Get Em’ Deb
Heather
Shelly Says:
9 May 2008 at 7:41 am.
I agree–your blog actually brought tears to my own eyes, Deb! I have noticed we were getting pretty punchy this week–especially with our comments–but this is why you are such an inspiration to me. Not only a great runner, but a cancer survivor and a mom to SIX children. That whole combination leaves me in awe of you. I look forward to seeing you at the finish line–you will run an awesome race! Then I will try to finally make it down to your Pilates classes so you can whip me into better shape for some good fall races! (that’s fall like the season, not fall like Shelly’s going to break her whole leg or something)
michelle rohn Says:
11 May 2008 at 10:32 pm.
Deb,
we are so very proud of you. You are an amazing woman wit hso many talents and above all so many passions. You on this Mother’s Day make me feel so proud to know you and to have experienced your love and compasion on a daily basis. Friendship the greatest gift from God.
You Deb are the true meaning of Road Warrior.
We love you
The Rohn/ Jermstad Clan