My best friend at university died this week. I have so many great memories of good times with her, although we'd drifted apart recently (different countries). She had a relatively common but not very well-known lung disease, pulmonary fibrosis, where your lungs scar and can't take in oxygen. No cure and you just get progressively worse. Most people last 5 years after diagnosis. As did she. Seeing her gasping for breath during our last visit to England was tough.
And of course our old gang are now all in touch with each other and one of them is in a wheelchair after a botched hip replacement. She can just about walk on crutches around the house.
Both younger than me.
So I ran today because my lungs can still take in oxygen. And I ran because my legs can still power me round. I ran because I can.
Stay healthy folks.
Written by
JaySeeSkinny
Graduate10
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Fantastic and very moving post. I have just graduated from C25K at age 61 and am still a pretty pathetic runner, but I do appreciate the fact that I can run. Thank you for reminding me that we are very lucky to be healthy.
Sad to hear your news. I went straight out for a run after hearing one of my schoolmates had died a couple of years ago. Because you can is the best reason to run. xx
Really sorry to hear your news. Running because we can is the best thing we can do for us and it gives us so much in return including the space to remember those we wish were still with us.
So sorry to read your sad news. Yes, let's all seize the moment and run while we can. Let's also hold those who aren't with us, and those who can't run, in our thoughts while we're out there. Keep running xx
That's very sad. None of us know what's waiting for us so let's make every day count. To carry on and be happy is the ultimate gift we can give to those who've left us.
Running outdoors is such a spiritual sport. A time when body and soul are connected as one, absorbed in nature. I'm so sorry to hear of your sad news. I also have lost some school chums recently and when I run I feel the air in my lungs, the sun on my skin, the rain, the cold, the pain and the high and I think of them.
I am so sorry for your loss, and also for the mobility difficulties your friend is facing. You are so very right about running because we can, and how precious it is to us.
So sorry to here your news but glad you have some very healthy coping mechanisms in place. You will remember your friend when you run now always, and how much you enriched each other's lives. Keep going. x
Hi JaySeeSkinny ....I’m sorry for the sad loss of your friend...life is hard & deals us some hard knocks sometimes doesn’t it? Running because you can is good therapy....it lets your mind escape & makes you thankful for your health & everything that is good....sending you a virtual hug...be kind to yourself & allow yourself time to get your head around what’s happened...x
Lots of love. I can totally relate to that running because I can feel. Cancer got my friend and whenever I struggle, I always think of their struggle and realise I can't compare! Running got me through/gets me through my grief too. I hope it helps you during this sad time. A lovely inspirational post xx
So sorry about loss of your friend. Lovely story. I just lost my dad. Like you I found that appreciating fact that you can run and you’re alive and well is emotional experience. X
It's tough when you reach the age where it too often seems life is taking more than it has left to give. My thoughts are with you on the Passing of your friend J.
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