This was the last time I saw my Mom outside of a hospital bed.
I had moved to Michigan four months earlier to pursue my running dream. She was very sick here, but still made the ten hour drive with my Dad out to see me. We went to a Tigers game, and just soaked in the time we had together, reminiscing on how they took me to my first Tigers game when I was two weeks old.
The thing was, when I moved to Michigan, my Mom had already been diagnosed with stage four melanoma, a terminal diagnosis. I had just graduated from PT school, and was offered a chance to run professionally with the Hansons Brooks Distance Project. It was a dream for me, but I wanted to stay in Pennsylvania to be with my Mom, as we both knew her time was limited.
But she wouldn’t have it. She insisted I go, she wanted me to pursue my dreams and take this chance that may never come again. I’m sure her Mama heart was conflicted, as was mine, but she just wanted to see me fly. What a gift she gave me in pushing me out of my comfort zone, of letting me go, even when I desperately wanted to stay.
I came to Michigan, ran a lot, got injured, eventually met Patrick, and have formed a very full life here. Without my Mom’s blessing, I never would have come. Because of her, I am a Mom to three beautiful children today. That love is what motherhood means to me. Happy Mother’s Day 💛🌻
Super proud of @therealsparklemotion for crushing 50 miles this past weekend in Kentucky!
Training through this past winter in Michigan had been no joke, and Kirsten is so dedicated to the process of working hard through all the cold, snow,ice, and wind that Michigan threw at us for the past three months.
A great step towards her big goal of 100 miles at Kettle Morraine in June!!
Big congratulations to @sdegroff who showed up to the Jackpot Ultras this past weekend with the intention of ripping a fast 50 mile.
She ran fearless and hard from the start, and hung on when things got tough, earning a PR of 6:45 and second place 🥈 overall!
A great start to an exciting season ahead!! 🔥
#aravaiparunning #jackpotultra
@theultrawizardramble
Fun in the sun at Echo Valley in Kalamazoo ☀️
Thank you Nana and Papa for another fun family weeeknd ❤️ We will cherish the memories!
@danielleheumann@dcmonette13
Trail season if officially kicking off and @lauren.runs.for.grilled.cheese started off strong last weekend with a 🥇overall at the Sparrow 6hr as she is starting to gear up for @cocodona250 in May.
Who else has goals on the horizon as the temperatures warm up and the trails thaw out in 2026? We have openings for coaching, just reach out if you’re interested!
Happy 12th Birthday Peter!
It’s always fun to look at pictures from the past year and see how you’ve grown and all the fun things we did together, and the adventures we took as a family.
This past year we went to Mackinaw Island together, went white water rafting in West Virginia, hiked up mountain trails at Shenandoah NP, and went to an amusement park for the first time. You got to go on a special trip to Kansas City to see your beloved Cheifs play, just you and Dad. We also spent lots of time with cousins and family, which is always your favorite.
You found your groove on the football field and had a great last season with BJB as a cornerback. This winter you’re playing basketball and have tried wrestling for the first time as well.
What a blessing to see you grow! Onwards to #12 💙
