W7R2: For my colleague who died on Wednesday

[PhilippaB]

So my close colleague for 13 years died on Wednesday after a failed stem cell transplant. (We are both doctors) He was planning to be back at work in March after a week in ICU and recovery. In fact he had 3 months in ICU then 2 weeks on a normal ward then his last 3 days ventilated in ICU. What a shitty way to die (if there is a good way?). Work has been dreadful for the last 3 days. Trying to put on the normal face for the patients while we are all feeling stunned and sad.

So I got out there in the rain this afternoon and did the 25 minute run PLUS an extra 5 minutes for him because I am alive. The run was good. I enjoyed the extra spring in my step, the gentle rain on my skin and the lovely wet bush smells. I welcomed the forceful heart beats and the sweating after.....

That one was for you Jon!

[Alfie17 Graduate]

So sad. Getting outside does help. I run(struggle) along the seafront when it's not too windy and the canal path. It's great to see the cormorants and other birds. Hopefully the sun will be shining soon and that will help to cheer us.

[PhilippaB Graduate in reply to Alfie17]

For us in Australia is was nice to be a bit cooler and the drizzle. I haven't run in less than 28 deg so far and have been out in 35.

[karenmac70 Graduate]

So sorry to hear your news but what a lovely way to pay your respect!. Keep it up x

[SBG356 Graduate]

Such an emotional blog Philippa. I don't know you or Jon but that really touched my heart and made me cry. Thank you for sharing such a personal part of your running journey and for making us all realise that it doesn't matter how far or how fast we run, we are running because we can, because we have breath to do so. Let's appreciate what we have and enjoy every moment. That's what you just did and Jon would be very proud.

Take care and stay strong.

Sue x

[PhilippaB Graduate in reply to SBG356]

Thanks it certainly made me minimize the aches and pains and made me appreciate all the small delights of nature along the way. p x

[justmole Graduate]

What a beautiful tribute x x sorry for your loss my friend x x

[Caledonia Graduate]

So sorry to hear your news. Sounds like Jon was an inspirational person though, and that's some legacy to leave behind. When I was in a similar position, I took comfort from an old epitaph 'Grieve not in sorrow that he is no more, but in thankfulness that he was'.

Enjoy your running, and the memories you have of him. We can all be inspired by your story. x

[Anniemurph Graduate]

So sorry about the loss of your colleague. What a great way to honour him. You're right, we should all appreciate what we have.

[loulou51 Graduate]

Very touching words. Getting out there and running brings home to you how lucky we are and how complex our bodies are to enable this to happen.

[greenlegs Graduate]

Very sorry to read of your loss. Your thoughts really moved me, and made me appreciate my health all the more. Take care of yourself.

[notbad Graduate]

What a lovely tribute to your colleague, my best wishes. x

[redfacewoman Graduate]

I am so sorry for the loss of your dear friend my heart goes out to you - it puts every thing in to perspective . Thinking of you God bless x

[PhilippaB Graduate]

Thank you all for your kind comments. I think times like us jolt us into enjoying every moment. I appreciate so much even at 52 how I can change my fitness and body shape by persisting in something that I though I could never do. This program is do-able by just about everyone. I have achieve not just the skills to run but the power of the mind to persist and not procrastinate as the rewards after just 30 minutes are so good.