Walter Byerly is 80 years old and since 1974 he has run at least one mile a day every day. This Friday will mark the 36th anniversary of his first run. The day it all started. He estimates that he has run around 39,000 miles in that time.
When listening to his story on the radio I thought to myself, as I’m sure many others did, “I could do that.” I immediately asked the overly confident questions of myself that were expected. “Only a mile?” “How hard could that be?” “I’m in reasonably good shape, aren’t I?”
Byerly’s motivation was his health. He had begun to feel sluggish and had put on a few extra pounds. I can relate. But I continued to let my ego get the best of me. If Byerly was 44 years old when he started running, it should be easier for me because I’m only 31. Here’s a quick peek into future posts: it’s not easy. I’m not in as “reasonably good shape” as I thought I was. At least when it comes to running. So there’s motivation number one. The one Byerly and I have in common: health.
But, for me, there has to be more. I’ve attempted running before. I’ve tried to consistently exercise. I push myself for two or three weeks and then come up with any excuse I can for missing a day…and then a week…and then a month. Partially because it’s not enjoyable to me. At all. I definitely need more motivation. And that’s where Mo of Mo’s Miles comes in.
I’m not Mo. My name is Joel. Mo is my mother. Mo is my best friend. Mo is my teacher, my hero, my role model, my inspiration. Mo is my motivation.
If you ever had the opportunity to meet my mother, you knew you had met someone that was more than special. She would hug you when you needed it and yell at you when you needed it more. My mom spent her life making sure everyone else got better. It didn’t matter what she was helping you get better at; she just wanted to help you get better. If you had a goal, she was there to push you toward it. Her life wasn’t a selfish one; it was one that was spent motivating others.
On March 19, 2009, her life changed dramatically. She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Although she put up a courageous fight, she lost the battle on November 27, 2009. The day after Thanksgiving, Mo passed away.
During her time being treated for the disease, we met a number of wonderful people who work for amazing organizations. People that make you want to do everything you can to help. And I want to help. Not just once. Not just a few times. Consistently. That’s my motivation. To help others affected by this terrible disease.
For every mile I run, I’ll donate $1 to those organizations (a few of them are in the Links section to the right) that did so much for my mom during her battle so they can continue to do the same for others.
The goal is one mile a day. I have no idea if I can do it every day, but 365 miles a year one way or another. And I have to be honest; I’ll actually be pretty disappointed with myself if it’s only 365. Those organizations deserve more than that and so does Mo. These are her miles and I’ll do my best to never stop running.
0 comments:
Post a Comment