Hello everyone! My name is Jack German and I am 19 years old. I am returning from last year's 2019 WMass Mothers Day Half Marathon to eagerly do it again for 2020. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the official race had to be canceled, but I will still try my absolute best to contribute to the event again this year. Last year, I came to the race with a specific reason; if you're interested in the read, here is a post from the WMass Mothers Day Half Marathon Facebook page explaining my story, my drive and my motivation for running last year. The comments always bring a smile and warmth to my heart :)
https://www.facebook.com/WMassMothersDayHalfMarathon/posts/2706852652719163?__tn__=K-R
This year, I want to go bigger and somehow even better than last year so after my final decision on April 29th, 2020, I have decided that I'm going to run a FULL marathon this year on Mother's Day (May 10th). Now unlike last year, I physically CANNOT go into this without training as even with my will power, running over 40 kilometers is something that needs preparation for. I started training on April 30th and I will prepare my hardest for the run on May 10th. It's not an official event, unfortunately, but I will treat it as such and give it my 100 percent effort.
Now, to be honest, last year I did not train for the 13.1 mile run due to the whole idea of actually running the race being a completely last minute (Two days before the race!) and a "straight off the couch decision", and this year, it was somewhat (not really) a similar motion as I did not think about re-doing the race again until a couple of days ago. But this year, I am glad that I am giving myself a short time to prepare. When I constantly visited my Mom in the hospital during her fight with lung cancer, I could see that she was in excruciating pain. Now due to her being the absolute toughest person on the planet to ever live, she would never show it. Regardless of how much fighting her cancer hurt her, she thought it was more important to be smiling and completely positive and upbeat whenever my family and I were around, as she wanted us to only see that positive side of her. Not many people, including myself, will ever know the true pain of fighting such a vile and devastating illness in their entire lifetime. I know that whatever hardships I go through in life, it will never be as bad as the pain my mom fought until her dying breath. To me, this makes me invincible, as stated above, it makes me keep going whenever I am pain, and whenever I am struggling. I would do anything for not only her but anyone going through a similar thing that she went through. So if I have to suffer for 42 Kilometers to help raise funds to help those battle their illness, of course, I'm going to do it. I'm not only doing this run for her, but for any mom or any person for that matter who is battling such a terrible illness. I am doing this for YOU!
So when I run this FULL marathon, I know it's going to be hell. I'm probably not going to be fully ready for it, but that's not going to stop me. I know how painful this run is going to be, but that pain will never be as bad as my mother's. I will channel that pain, and just give everything in my heart to finish the distance without walking. And on May 10th it will happen.
; The reason that I just stated above about my mindset on dealing with the race, is exactly why my favorite song (and Artist!) is Avril Lavigne's: Head Above Water. That song has a very special place in my heart, as it is about Avril Lavigne's fight with Lyme disease. The song is a representation of her trying to battle with her disease trying to keep her "Head Above Water". It's a beautiful song, but one of the lines that struck me the most was "I'm too young to fall asleep". My mother was too young to leave this earth, and even though that broke me inside, I realized that it was now MY turn to keep my head above water. I will always try my best to accomplish that, as I am not only doing it for myself but her. I will be playing that song during my run to remind me of her, and to keep me going towards the finish line.
Please consider helping me raise funds to help Cancer Connection of Northampton, MA to help people dealing with cancer, as well as their caregivers and family members. This local non-profit offers a multitude of classes, services, therapies, and support groups to help better the quality of life for those affected.
I know times are tough due to COVID-19, and I completely understand if you choose not to donate, as these are rough times. Any donations, no matter how little, will be greatly appreciated. Remember, batteling Cancer does not take a break from COVID-19.
I hope you all have a great day and I look forward to the 10th!