Have you ever had your teenage sons volunteer to run a 5K race with you, just two weeks before your major breast cancer surgery? If not, let me tell you, it’s quite the experience. 

And it’s not every day that you get to run a race with two teenage boys who have enough energy to power a small city!

A pre-race warm up before the 5k race with me (2014)

I knew I wouldn’t be able to run for awhile after the surgery and the cancer treatment. My sons knew how much running meant to me and stayed by my side the entire race, obviously at a slower pace for them. Dad (my husband) cheered us on at the finish line with our dogs. 

This true experience is from 10 years ago. The original reference to that story is included in this blog post, Running Back to Normal.

In life, we may face unexpected challenges and obstacles that seem insurmountable. But with the support and love of our family, we can find the strength and courage to face them head-on.

Running this 5K race with my teenage sons had taught me that even in the darkest moments, there is always light to be found. It has reminded me that love, hope, and laughter are the greatest medicines of all.

I want to encourage you to cherish the time you have with your loved ones and to never give up on the things that matter most to you. And remember to always find the joy in life.

P.S. I wrote and published a book, Move For You. The goal of the book is to help the reader find joy in movement. Regular exercise not only helps improve your physical health, but also your mental health. And movement helps your body heal. 

When you find an activity you truly enjoy, exercise becomes a celebration of what your body is capable of. That’s something worth celebrating!