Despite Gabriel’s cancer diagnosis and treatment, certain elements of our lives have had to stay normal, and a major component of our lives for the past decade has been Chet’s ultra running. Not only has it been a healthy outlet for Chet, but it has brought us into contact with some of the most amazing people and through those contacts, we’ve made incredible friends. As you may or may not know, Chet’s transitioned from running primarily 50k and/or 50 mile events during the first 5 years of his ultra running life to primarily 100 mile events.
Last year, Chet ran the Western States 100 and he again was selected, through our local running club’s lottery, to run the race. Chet found out of course before Gabriel was diagnosed at the end of December. After Gabe’s diagnosis, Chet and I had a bit of soul searching to do regarding his running for the next year. However, running is such an important component to our lives, and ultimately, it really was a no brainer – of course Chet would be running.
While we were all dedicated to supporting Chet as he trained, this year his training took a new tone and style. Meaning, Chet basically got his training completed on the weekends. But, he has been training and running.
One of our “standard” events every year is the Silver State 50/50. I run the Ranch Creek aid station and Chet runs the event. This year, Brynda, our neighbor helped me out at the aid station, and I have to say it was a jolly good time. Brynda definitely kept things interesting!
We have one of the most beautiful locations on the course to set up our aid station, and oooh, yah, there’s a little story behind that. With all the distraction I’ve had this year, I didn’t give a single thought to where my aid station was until after I was driving up there. Clearly my brain cells were totally malfunctioning, because I started setting up at the wrong aid station. My gut kept telling me I was at the wrong location, but I didn’t trust my gut. Fortunately, we were alerted (thanks Lon) with plenty of time to break down, relocate and set up again. Thanks to Brynda for indulging my brainless self that day. Haha.
Brynda was an incredible volunteer and so helpful to me and the different runners.
Chet ran the 50 mile event and looked amazing!
Overall, it was an awesome day. Not only did Chet and I enjoy having a bit of our normal existence, but Gabriel’s counts were high enough that he was able to go to the pre-race event and hang out at the finish line waiting for Chet. It was a blessed and beautiful day.
The rest of May and June didn’t involve too much excitement for us. We transitioned from the interim maintenance phase of Gabriel’s treatment to delayed intensification. But, fortunately, Gabriel’s little body tolerated the methotrexate he was given that we had the opportunity to have one very special event, and it involved the Reno Aces. Stay tuned, part 3 of A Whole Lot of Catch Up will be filled with amazement and excitement, I promise!
The Endless Evolution 