Day 11: Hope and More

(just south of) Bouse, AZ to (seven miles southeast of) Salome, AZ
Today: 31 miles / Total: 367 miles

Guest Blogger: Mike Sheehy

After yesterday’s manic day of playing Frogger with the Sunday traffic, the Cures Rock! Team decided we needed to start early as possible. So before the sun crested the mountains and with enough light to see the trail, Jen R. and I were off and running. Since we ended on an ATV trail yesterday, the first 10 miles were back on the same trail. So we continued the cross country running and enjoyed the dirt trails. Before we knew it, ten miles was done and Jen R was on her way back to San Diego, CA for a brief visit with her family before heading back out to Phoenix for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona 50K. (See you soon Jen R.)

Then our most recent addition to our team, Colin, had the chance to run the next 10 miles. The great thing about Colin’s leg is that he and I got to run into the town of Hope, AZ. Colin is a cancer survivor and if anyone knows about hope, it is Colin. He is not the loudest guy in the room and he definitely doesn’t need to be the center of attention. But he does know what he wants and that is a world without cancer. He fought cancer with the utmost conviction and unwavering strength. That is why Colin is a Team In Training Captain and is why he is a part of the Cures Rock! Team. He is an inspiration for everyone. Therefore, it was only fitting, that I had the privilege of running with Colin into the town of Hope.

When we ran passed the green town marker with that simple white word “HOPE”, I knew we were doing something special. I do believe we will find a cure for cancer. I do believe that there is a scientist or doctor that is close, so keep trying. I do believe people will continue to be inspired to do things (some more insane than others) to raise money to fund research. I do believe that one day we will talk about cancer the same way we talk about the black plague, not in fear but as history. I have hope!

Never give up hope! Keep looking for your unique and fun way to raise research dollars. If you are a doctor, nurse or scientist keep up the outstanding work. If you are a future oncology doctor, nurse or scientist, “Thank You” for picking this challenging profession. And keep trying and pushing the limits of science. We all need to work together in this fight! Each hour of everyday 12 people are diagnosed with a blood cancer and 6 people lose their fight. Please keep the hope alive by making a difference in your community in your own special way.

The “Live Life to the Ultra” moment today came not during the run, but after we were in our new hotel getting ready for tomorrow. When we get into the hotel, while I stretch the team gets everything ready for the next day. Packs the coolers, restocks supplies, etc. So Suz and Colin were chatting about life in general while doing the refit and she asked him, “What is your anniversary day for being cancer free?” Colin goes “April 19….Marathon Monday”. And we all just smiled. You see, Colin qualified for the Boston Marathon this year for the first time, just to prove to cancer it didn’t slow him down one step. We are proud of you Colin and we are all better runners and people for having you in our lives.

The song of the night is Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard by Paul Simon. Why? Because Colin sang it all day! Let me correct that, he sang the title over and over and over again all day. There we are running miles 10 – 20 today and he just keeps singing “Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard”…..over and over again! Now it is stuck in my brain. I have to run 31 miles tomorrow, and I have this line stuck in my head! Anyone, please send Colin the rest of the lyrics!
That is enough for tonight. Keep sending us your love and comments! Keep spreading the awareness of the Cures Rock! Tour and remind everyone you can still donate.

Tomorrow we head from Salome, AZ south on Highway 72, across Highway 10 to our stopping point 10 miles down the road.

Good night, Jackson!

Pictured: Julie, Suzanne, Colin & Mike in Hope, Arizona.