From Terry to Boston: Big marathons with big spirit

On a day when all eyes are on the Boston Marathon, I’m going to shift gears a bit, being that I wrote about Boston last week leading into the race. This is less about training and more about a spirit all runners can draw upon, similar to Boston in a way. I’m referring to the Marathon of Hope.

Terry Fox was a name I grew up knowing. I think most of us did. As a child I knew he was a runner who did great things. As an adult I still know him as a runner who did great things, I just have a whole lot more context than I did as a kid.

I appreciate the massive physical and mental challenge of his Marathon of Hope, his humanitarianism and the ever-lasting impact he has had on this country. From the $650 million raised by The Terry Fox Foundation for cancer research, to the way his spirit lives on and continues to inspire both within these borders and beyond.

Last weekend I was thrilled to be able to fit the Running Room’s Marathon of Hope Celebration into the mix of training. The run marked 35 years since Terry set out on his cross-country journey.

The last time I laced up in name of Terry Fox was in the early 90s while in boarding school at the Athol Murray College of Notre Dame in Wilcox, Sask. I remember it being a special day, not only because it meant I got run instead of sitting in a classroom but because I felt so honoured to be taking part in Terry’s mission.

My mother had always talked about Terry Fox. She took my older brother and I to see his grave when we were children. Living just outside of Vancouver, it wasn’t too far of a trip to Port Coquitlam to visit the site. She describes it now as “simple” and “unassuming.” From the moment he dipped his toe into the Atlantic off the coast of St. John’s she was captivated with him. In her trunk of cherished goods there are many Terry artifacts, from newspaper clippings to books penned about the national hero.

I think that’s how many in my generation have learned of Terry’s story: through the recollection of our parent’s who were fortunate enough to witness his courage, compassion and determination.

So, as I set out last Sunday, I kept in mind the spirit of Terry. I thought about the training that lies ahead and of how, no matter what tough times may come, these will always pale in comparison to Terry’s incomparable efforts. Something we can all tap in to.

I also thought of how fortunate I am to be able-bodied and in good health. And of how privileged I am to get to run whenever I want, healthy and free.

Come September, I hope to fit The Terry Fox Run into my schedule. We’re not setting any race dates for several more weeks, but barring any conflict I will jump at the opportunity to once again run in the name of Terry Fox.