Keep on Running, Rick!



Me, Rick and Meg - meet-up in Boston

This morning I heard the tragic news of the loss of Rick Held, a fellow blogger buddy I had the honor of meeting while in Boston this year.  I am deeply sadden of his loss.  He was a wonderful man - so full of life, loved his wife and family more than anything, an incredible teacher, a passionate runner, and someone I called my friend.  I never knew Rick before the world of the running blogs, but he touched my heart with his running struggles this summer and I was thrilled he was given the green light to go back out there and hit the roads running again.  Just through the world of words did I find a connection with him.  Though there are few bloggers out here on this vast land of virtual world runners and athletes that we actually get the privilege to meet personally, I truly do feel a connection to many - and Rick was one.  In the hour or so we were together, I told Rick a few times how, even though it was 3 in the afternoon, I had not showered yet due to a busy morning, and I apologized for my lack of appealing appearance and that I may smell some from an earlier shake-out run.  How ridiculous I was concerned about my appearance and hygiene, but I didn't want to make a bad impression on him or his dear wife, Kathy.  He didn't care one bit, he was just so excited to meet up with Meg and I and drove 3 hours out of his way just to do so.  He knew of the struggles and torment I endured during the winter and he just gave me a big hug and told me, "In the big picture of life, Jill, none of this matters.  You're here, you've been given the gift to run Boston, your hard work is done, now it's time to enjoy. There are no guarantees in life, just be happy.  Have a Happy Birthday, celebrate life and just enjoy the run."  I thought about his words often when things got dark trudging up the Newtwon Hills and I wanted to bail on that race so badly.  His words held me in there and I made sure I let him know that the next day with a thank-you text.

There are no guarantees.

As I watched the live broadcast of the Chicago Marathon today and my friends' time slowly tank well past the marks they wanted to hit, I was reminded again: there are no guarantees in life.  Just enjoy the ride.

Keep on Running, Rick.  I have no doubt you'll be running hundreds of pain-free miles in heaven!  Your words, wisdom and insatiable appetite to enjoy life will be truly miss here on Earth.

You're eternal running friend,

Jill