Brother/ Sister Unity Run: Mother's Day Version
ERA of WTF…………………………………..joy and resistance
As I think about it, I realize last weekend was my first time running since the half marathon in May. I’ve been doing the elliptical and going to strength training classes, but I haven’t been running. This wobbly, degenerative meniscus and worn cartilage have been resting, icing, and taking it easy. Today will be a test day.
I can still say I’m a runner because I have a runner’s mentality. What does that mean? It means knowing I probably need to recover and be patient since I’m running another half marathon the first week of June. But my mentality is also telling me that if I run this weekend, then I’ll be halfway to my goal of running six half marathons for ’26. I’m still thinking about it.
Back to the second Saturday of the month, which is our brother/sister run with BMR. Today was cold, overcast, wet, and rainy. I needed to move my body and see my people. This week has been exhausting.
First, it’s finals week, so I’ve been doing a lot of grading and answering the end-of-the-semester emails. Then my period started, which explains why I’ve been feeling agitated. On top of that, the nonstop political chaos and attacks on communities, rights, and public resources have felt overwhelming- Voting Rights Act overturned, Buffalo being pushed off their land in Montana. It’s exhausting watching policies and decisions unfold that seem disconnected from the well-being of everyday people.
So I needed to run. I needed to move. I needed to see my community. Running is a point of joy for me — a way to breathe for a minute so I can think, process, smile, and laugh.
This morning started with a light drizzle, and I hoped it would stay that way because I definitely did not dress properly for heavy rain.
When I got to the Reggie and parked, the rain was still light. I showed up before 8 a.m. The way I was raised, if you show up on time, then you’re already late. I know how we operate.
Slowly, folks from BGR started showing up. Jen and Marie arrived first, and it was so good to see them. Jen is working on her sixth star — she ran the Boston and London Marathons back-to-back. Later Annemarie arrived, followed by the BMR fellas. The hugs, catching up, laughing, and simply being in each other’s space felt like joy.
This weekend there was also an international jiu-jitsu tournament at the Reggie, so the inside of the track was rearranged and packed with vendors and participants. The tournament started at 9 a.m., but we still had access to the track for dynamic stretches before the run.
This week’s options were a 1-mile, 5K, or 5-mile route. I wanted to do the 5-miler, but I started thinking, let’s get through a 5K first.
We ended up having a solid 5K crew. The route was similar to the 26.TRUE half marathon course. By the time we started, the rain had stopped. It was still gray and overcast, but at least it wasn’t pouring. One of the BMR guys, M, came prepared with his own theme music playing while we ran. I couldn’t even be mad at him. We were out there taking up space and not apologizing for it.
I got to chat with folks throughout the run. We talked about kids not listening, moving, landlords, and just trying to survive the craziness of the world right now. At one point, we even had a little dance break while waiting for the light to turn green.
Running with the group, I finished 3.14 miles at an 11:20 pace in 35:36. The time went by fast, and most importantly, my leg felt good.
Who knows what I’ll decide to do this weekend.
