Forums >General Running>My running partner died a year ago.
I feel like this is a good place to chat about it...
Some of you may recall me sharing this story a year ago. Mike and I were training for MCM and at mile 8 he dropped dead of a heart attack, dying in my arms on the side of the road before anyone ever got to us.
Worst day of my life.
So yesterday, on the 1-year anniversary of his death, I figured I'd go out and run the loop that we started out on. My wife looked at me like I was crazy, "Are you sure that's what you should be doing?" No! I wasn't sure of anything! I just felt like it was something I needed to do to honor/remember the man. To finish what we started and do the whole 13 miler.
I started out at the same time as last year, hitting start on my Garmin at 6:04am. The first several miles were nice and smooth, keeping an easy pace and just re-living the miles and last conversation I had with Mike.
Mile 7 - the dread started to sink in. I was not looking forward to turning the corner at mile 8 and the memories that would come with it.
When I approached the spot, I was hit with such a wave of emotion that I had to stop and just weep. I'm pretty strong and in control over my emotions, I think - but it hit so hard and fast that it just stopped me. It was such a traumatic experience that I think the flood of emotion took over. I took some time to collect myself, pray for his wife and kids, and picked myself up to keep going.
Mike would kick my butt if I ever stopped.
The last 5 miles were incredible. I liked to envision Mike's hand on my back, pushing me along, encouraging me to keep moving forward...
I ran negative splits and finished very strong.
I am forever grateful for knowing Mike. I'm a better person for it. What a wonderful husband, father, and friend he was. He left a powerful legacy behind. I'll never understand or fully be "ok" with these things, but I know that God is in control, and nothing is ever out of His grasp. I fully believe He never makes mistakes or says "oops". So I can rest in that.
Thanks for letting me share. You people rock.
Mark - thanks for sharing this. Your friend am sure would have been proud of you.
I dont sweat. I ooze liquid awesome.
Thanks for sharing. What a great tribute.
A fitting tribute to your friend and running partner. I recall your posts last year and thought of you from time to time as I pondered my own mortality - mostly on long runs. Peace to you.
I also remember your post. Very touching story, thanks for sharing it. I can imagine how good those last 5 miles felt, your story reminds us of how the memory of a friend or loved one can provide inspiration in the times we need it.
I remember too. That had to be really tough, but I hope it helped. Thanks for sharing.
#RunEveryDay
It's a pretty memorable and sad story. I remembered it as well.
What a run to do a year later! Nicely done!
Half Fanatic #9292.
Game Admin for RA Running Game 2023.
rectumdamnnearkilledem
You are strong...I don't think anyone who had gone through that with a dear friend wouldn't have the same response. Your friend's family are lucky to have a friend like you. I'm glad the run was a good experience for you, too. That was a really beautiful way to honor him.
Getting the wind knocked out of you is the only way to
remind your lungs how much they like the taste of air.
~ Sarah Kay
Interval Junkie --Nobby
I'd like to think that my running partner would honor me in such a way when I'm gone.
How we remember our dead is perhaps the most sacred part of life.
2021 Goals: 50mpw 'cause there's nothing else to do
You are a good friend.
Mark,
I remember your post and your story. I've thought about you over the past year.
Sometimes, a person's life through death can lead so many people to better understand Him.
I remember your profession, and remember your challenges as you deal with your youth.
Stay strong, my friend!
Brian
Life Goals:
#1: Do what I can do
#2: Enjoy life
not bad for mile 25
Mark, it seems as though in your run you symbolically as well as literally ran past the place where you lost Mike - and you have drawn strength from him as you passed that point. It was the right thing for you to do. Best wishes; we can only imagine how painful it is to lose someone like that.
Am I doing this right?
Wow! It is dusty in here.
What a great tribute. I too remember the original post (that one was pretty dusty too if I remember correctly). I can't think of a better way to remember him than to do that run. Sounds very cathartic.
No excuses....
Maggie & Molly
I remember. What a wonderful tribute.
"It does not matter how slow you go so long as you do not stop."Wisdom of Confucius
HF 4363