“How old are you?”
Every now and then, Shelagh would ask me that on a Saturday morning run. More often than not, I’d just said something incredibly immature.
Then there were the times she’d turn to Emily and say, “I hate him!” We’d all have a good laugh, and somewhere along the way, we’d always manage get a few more miles in.
I liked pushing people. That was part of my personality. So was making a comment that probably deserved the age question.
Of course, I had my moments, too. On one team run, I reached the point where I couldn’t take another step. Shelagh’s now-wife, Gina, saved my ass that day, and Shelagh’s instructions were pretty clear:
“Get in the car.”
We’ve shared a lot of miles and a lot of laughs. Too many stories to fit here. But those are a few of the reasons Emily and Shelagh mean so much to me—and why, when my own Boston plans ended, my thoughts went to theirs.
Emily and Shelagh have their own stories, their own reasons for getting out there. I’ve watched them put in the miles on Saturday mornings when plenty of people their age were still sleeping.
Emily’s little girl, Harper, faces numerous challenges. Both Emily and Shelagh are running for Children’s as part of Team Harper. Harper is truly the heart and soul of why they run—and why they’re working so hard to raise money for Children’s.
When I found out I wouldn’t be running Boston, my attention went to them pretty quickly. Through my golf tournament, we had an opportunity to help. It felt good knowing some of what we’d raised on the golf course could support their efforts.
The money was still going to Children’s. It was just getting there through their fundraising efforts instead of mine.
While disappointed about my own news. I was also happy to be able to do something for two friends I care about. Again, two things can be true at the same time.
I know what goes into asking people to support a cause, training through the winter, and getting yourself out the door on a Saturday morning. Being able to help Emily and Shelagh get their fundraising started meant something to me.
It also made me think about everyone who helped make Fairways 4 Kids possible. People came out to play golf, spend time together, and give. Now some of that generosity is helping these two friends work toward something that matters deeply to them.
I’m grateful we could do that.
I won’t pretend I’ve worked through every feeling about Boston. But I’ve said what I needed to say about my own plans, and for me, this chapter is now closed. There are people I care about to cheer for, things I want to build, and a whole lot I’m looking forward to.
For now, Emily and Shelagh have a lot of miles ahead of them. I’ll be rooting for them and Team Harper the whole way.
And Shelagh, if you’re wondering whether helping with your fundraising efforts means I’m finally going to act my age—
Probably not.
