Always A Runner

Layne got out of bed earlier than I did today. It reminded me of days gone past. He used to be consistent about getting up early enough to exercise before heading over to work (and before that campus). I got used to a guy who considered himself a runner. It was just part of who he used to be. He still has the spirit of a runner in the marathon of life he's engaged in right now. But, the early morning exercise sessions are no more. There are no more plans for the next event. A 5K used to be for the day's workout and a t-shirt. There were also other events that were a bigger deal. He ran the Salt Lake marathon the year before he found out about his cancer. He was scheduled (but never made it) to participate in a Ragnar the day after he was scheduled for his surgery to remove the cancer and part of his colon. He enjoyed some races that were 'triathlons' (in quotes because of the shorter distances - he likes to bike, but never was a fan of figuring out how to breathe while swimming). Since he's been diagnosed, he's been involved in a 5K and a bike race - both done through Huntsman to raise funds for research to fight cancer. He's also been a great help to our boys in encouraging them with their exercising/fitness. He's into making sure the girls are active as well. But, the current scenario is that the boys are working on their personal fitness for scouts. Thus, the reason he is helping with a specific goal of theirs at the moment. He used to exercise with them - modifying what he used to do. He doesn't even do that anymore. These days it's an accomplishment to actually go over to the Rec. Center with them. There are times I've taken them instead and they do the workout on their own. I will always be grateful I had a chance to see Layne in action...to see the fighter cross the finish line.

A Real Trooper

We're having our 'Layne's Still Alive Party' on Saturday even thought Layne's not feeling so great. He decided earlier in the week not to do the 5K that morning. He thought he'd at least be able to walk it. He wanted the whole family to participate together. The rest of us had already thought that it was off the schedule because we didn't have a plan and he wasn't feeling well. He still went into work yesterday (for a couple of hours) and to YM last night. He's a trooper.

Always a Runner

I was thinking this morning about Layne running his 5K tomorrow. I was reminded of him running a full marathon in 2011. He was all set to run a Ragnar in 2012. But, ended up having surgery the day before instead of being with his team. (He was hoping he could have the surgery and then still run after recovering. It was about a month from the time we found out he needed a surgery until the time he actually was scheduled for it. I guess he thought two or three weeks was enough time to recover from a surgery and still compete in a Ragnar. When it took some time to get the surgery scheduled, he started thinking that maybe - just maybe - the surgery would be after the race. No such luck.)
Our stake has a 5K they've sponsored for the community the last several years. In 2013, our family ran/walked it together. Layne wasn't doing any running at the time. I remember it was very hard to watch someone I love - that considers themselves a runner - not be able to run a 5K. It was hard realizing he really struggled with the fact that he just wasn't able to do it. A harsh reality for someone who used to consider a 5K enough to count for an 'easy' day of exercise, but certainly not a challenge. The challenge would be in trying for a faster time or some other personal best...not the distance.
This year, 2014, he'll be running the 5K that goes along with the Salt Lake marathon. Jacob will be running with him. It's interesting to me that there's something to remember from each year. I wonder what 2015 will bring. (Maybe I'll try (walking) one with him.) I'm reminded that 'once a runner, always a runner'.

Another 5K Post

I had another idea this morning. I was thinking about the fact that some of my family members have offered to run a 5K on Saturday morning in order to support Layne and Jacob in their run. Or, maybe it's mostly to honor Layne and have something else that we can remember together as a family.
I had an idea to have as many people as we can run a 5K that morning. It would be fun to see how many people could do it and from how many different places. We could go from coast to coast.
If there were more time, I would put it out there on some social media and we could see if we'd be able to get someone from every state...every continent...whatever.:]
Hmm...where to go from here. I think I'm just glad he's doing this. He had a tough time yesterday with his run - so, I'd like to give more support somehow. It wouldn't even matter if people ran, walked, strolled, hopped, skipped...

Another Runner

Jacob has decided to run with Layne in the 5K this Saturday. He's been running faster than Layne for the last little bit. I think he started out acting as if he was sprinting and wondering why his Dad was just doing a 'fast walk'. He's able to pace himself a little better now. It's quite possible he'll end quickly and wait for Layne at the finish line. We'll see how it works. Maybe we'll sign him up for track and field. He likes to run fast and jump - so, it might be a good fit.
Jacob is actually signed up now. If you feel so inclined to donate to Huntsman's Hometown Heroes for his run, you can do that here.

Getting Ready

We're getting ready for the 5K. Jacob and Jonny have been running with Layne. They just might run with him during the actual race. I'm not sure about the me and the girls. We might walk - we might cheer.
The 5K is a fundraiser for Huntsman. If you'd like to donate - just click below.

Click here to donate.

5K

Layne's going to be running a 5K in April. It's a nice thing to hear him talk about training again. The oddest part is the fact that he's training for a 5K. He used to be involved in 5Ks as a way to get his exercise on an 'easy day'. I guess once a runner - always a runner.

The run is actually to help raise funds for Huntsman. We think it's a good cause. So, we'll see how that part of it goes. Maybe I'll put a link up for those who might be interested. (Although, obviously no pressure.) I'm pretty sure he thought it would be a good cause for a come back.
I just realized most of this is a repeat of an earlier post. Sorry.