Hello Runners!
I know it hasn’t been too long since the last post. Not much has changed, I’m still doing my usual. I just feel like while I have shared a lot about myself as a runner, I haven’t included enough personal background for people to understand what really makes who I am. And to be honest, those things really go hand in hand…
It has come to my attention that there are some things that some of the people I have met since moving to Colorado especially might not know. I am going to start for now with my star tattoo.
I got the star when I graduated high school. I had never felt compelled to get a tattoo until I knew that I MUST get this specific one. Just a tiny star on my right wrist (so my Garmin doesn’t cover it up, don’t forget I’m a nerd).
For those who don’t know, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2016 and died in 2018 when I was 15.
She shone so brightly. She was the kind of person who would walk into a room and make anyone feel special with just a smile. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader, a lover of the outdoors and a good cup of coffee. The person who got me into running and is still my biggest inspiration. My best friend above all else.
Cancer is a fucking bitch, but she fought so hard for so long (profanity need not be excused when in reference to cancer). It seemed like she was coming out of the woods the first year. To celebrate, she and her sister got little star tattoos on their wrists.
I love talking about my mom, but since it was now ~four years ago since she died not many of my friends or teammates knew her or the struggle I went through when she was sick. Death can be uncomfortable for a lot of people to talk about, so often people who have lost loved ones just don’t get to talk about them. I get it, this doesn’t always come up naturally in conversations with my friends and teammates, and when it does it’s often quite the shock. That being said, it was and will continue to be a big part of my life and who I am.
For now, my star is a symbol of her toughness and grace. This is how I remember her. Strong and ready to try something new. Celebrating the good and bright even when things were dark and cloudy.
It’s right where I can see it when I need it the most. Before a race, when I feel doubtful or overwhelmed, or just when I miss her a little extra. It’s my reminder to be brave… that I have what it takes.
I am a big fan of my tattoo, I have loved it every second since I got it when I graduated high school. This is about tattoos and this isn’t about tattoos. I really appreciate learning what they mean to someone, I think that can be really special. What my star stands for is an important symbol that we can do hard things.
Happy Running,
Anna
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