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My Long Run

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I am currently on a solo run of 1002 miles in a calendar month. The distance is of course based on the date of Lance?s diagnosis, and is in memory of my Dad who died of Cancer of the esophagus five years ago in September.

Dan Robinson Crewsade for Cancer

To complete the event I will need to cover an average of over 32 miles per day and as I type this I am 12 days into the challenge and have covered 401 miles. Up until late yesterday things were going really well. Of course running more than a marathon a day is hard physically but I felt strong and was ahead of my average. Coincidentally the invitation to write this blog came just as I have sustained a bad injury to my left quadricep. I had to abandon my run this morning and have spent the day frantically having treatment. I think that those who know me would say that I do not quit easily and I have an enormous feeling of guilt as I sit here for the first time having missed my daily mileage target. I have tried to be responsible and do what I can to give my leg a chance to recover. Ultimately though it is probably like trying to crack a sledgehammer with a nut. I am likely faced with another 600 miles more or less on one leg.

It hasn?t taken me long though to stop feeling sorry for myself. I logged onto the LIVESTRONG website and reminded myself of why I am doing this. The stories I read there are always inspirational but most of all humbling. I would not think of myself as much of a person if I couldn?t withstand nothing more than pain to try and help in some small way. People, Lance included, have said that having cancer is the best thing that has ever happened to them. My Dad?s cancer was the worst thing that ever happened to me and yet the way he dealt with it has changed me so profoundly and given me so much determination. LIVESTRONG is a way for us all to share in these moments of strength and inspiration and I could not be more grateful for that chance. 600 miles? 1 Leg? Well, like the man said, – ?pain is temporary??

-Dan Robinson

  • http://Livestrong byessian

    You are amazing. Keep up the hard work. You are a true inspiration.

  • Cheryl

    Dan, God Bless you & what a tremendous way to remember your father! Jeff Keith, who lost his leg to cancer, did a similar run across America & has since start Swim Across America which has raised millions of dollars for cancer centers all across America! Good luck & I’ll be cheering you on!

  • Vipul Jadhav

    Hey wish u all the very best Sir, for your tremendous dedication and a very unique initiative of spreading awareness amongst people about cancer and setting an inspiration to fightback this disease.God Bless You :)

  • Donna Webster

    God bless you and your feet friend. You inspire me! I am doing my first IM triathlon in honor of my sister who passed away from breast/brain cancer this November and the run freaks me out BUT your story gives me strength..if you can do this on a daily basis I can surely do one day….blessings…Donna

  • http://facebook Jim Lynch

    You are an amazing man! God Speed!! I know how you feel when you lose a parent to cancer, My Mom died about five years ago and I still miss her dealy and always will. I am doing the 2010 NYC marathon this year for the Determination American Cancer society. I am doing it in my Mom’s honor. Like you said, pain is temporary!! She was an amazing woman ans she left her spirit with us all.Sending you very positive energy!!

    Your friend in Determination!
    Jim Lynch

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Joe-Schneider/600668209 Joe Schneider

    Dan..inspiring stuff. Keep up the amazing work. Get the wheel healthy, we are all thinking about you. Thanks!

  • Allison

    You’re my hero. And always remember “it’s not that you finish, it’s that you had the courage to start!

  • http://facebook Holly

    I wish you the best! You are an inspiration to us all! I don’t think there is one person out there anymore who has not been affected by cancer somehow, either because they have had it or know of someone who does.
    Rest your quad. You have strength of mind and determination. You will persevere.
    All the best,
    ~Holly

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  • Dario

    Dan Robinson, you are an inspiration! my best wishes to you.
    Be strong and always remember that your Father is with you.
    Good luck
    Dario

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Donald-Jacks/549956704 Donald Jacks

    what is your route i’m in chesapeake Oh 45619 i hope to catch up with you

  • Ernesto J. Cuevas

    Dan, you know that cancer affects not only those who suffer,like me, but also our family and friends. So, in honor of your dad…LIVESTRONG BUDDY!!!

  • Tim

    Impressive and such an inspiration! Will be thinking of you with every stride. All the best.

  • Nathan Conrad

    Hey Dan, hope the leg responds to treatment. Love what you are doing and the reasons for doing it. Good luck and best wishes.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Roxanne-Kujanson/1513387593 Roxanne Kujanson

    You are awesome and an inspiration! I’m sure your Dad is smiling and proud of you. LIVESTRONG and happy trails.

  • http://www.LivingInSantaClarita.com Michael Feicco

    Dan, you can and will do it! You are a true inspiration! “many of life’s failures are people who didn’t realize how close they were to success when they gave up” Thomas Edison…

  • http://mindscapesdesign.com Christina

    Dan, you are amazing and an inspiration to us all!! You can do anything you set your mind to! That said, be careful of your injury. It’s not worth doing permanent damage. Give yourself the rest & recovery you need (without feeling guilty) and you can pick up right where you left off. Congratulations!! I’m sure you’re father would be very proud :)

  • marius

    a real HERO.
    60 km a day…that is realy a . even for dutchman lot.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Jonathan-Martinet/574446425 Jonathan Martinet

    Wow…I’m speachless…
    This is an amazing goal and act, as well as crazy!…but hey, I think you’ve got courage and determination, and I hope you will keep it during your “crewsade”!
    Watchout though regarding your injury, take the time it will take to recover! A giant good luck and LIVESTRONG from Canada.
    Jonathan.

  • Neil

    Dear Dan,
    Please keep up the good work!!
    From out off Holland we wish you all the luck and fortune in the world!!

  • Andin

    Hi Dan, you are doing an amazing job: maybe you may accept the 25 km I ran this morning as a moral contribution to your effort. Be the road friend to you. :-)

  • Jesse

    Wow! What you’re doing is amazing, man. All the very best to you and your cause.

    You’re an inspiration.
    LIVESTRONG
    Jesse C

  • Steve Schaefer

    As a three time cancer survivor I appreciate what you are trying to do. I wish you the best of luck and my heart is with you all the way.

    Steve Schaefer

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Andy-Anderson/687254440 Andy Anderson

    Dan
    Don’t know you! Never even heard of you – until now … but BEST IRISH WISHES for the successful completion of your endeavour. It’s amazing and awe-inspiring!

    “…
    May the road rise to meet you
    May the wind be ever on your back
    And my the Good Lord keep you safe …”
    [traditional Irish blessing (part)]

    Good Luck & Best Wishes
    Andy
    Bangor, Ireland

  • Abel

    Read about you in one of @lancearmstrong’s tweets. Truly inspiring. Hope your leg responds well to treatment. Good thing is you seem to be ahead of your daily schedule. Hang in there!

  • http://www.parrabuddy.blogspot.com skippy

    Well you have one leg, so get on the bike and peddle with your right foot ! Not an easy decision to have to change format but which of us were there when you started. You will succeed in your Quest, of that i have no doubt!
    Pedalled one legged, two stages of the TDF from Calais to Antwerp and to Hue and it was better than quitting !

    Good luck whatever the decision !!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/April-Sheehan/1163063833 April Sheehan

    Dan ~ I was soooo shocked when I read your info… I lost my father 5 years ago this July to esophageal cancer … I could not get over the coincidence… I wish you well & all the best with your challenge… I would love to talk to you sometime about our fathers… If you ever want to look me up on facebook or something, I would love that … Sincerely, April Sheehan :)

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Michelle-Zamora-Aguilar/100000424462484 Michelle Zamora-Aguilar

    Thank you for all that you do to get the word out. You are a great inspiration. I am glad to have someone on our corner. My son was diagnosed with testicular cancer early this year. Cancer is surround ing my. My three anuts have had cancer one beat breast cancer two of my aunts lost the battle a few years ago. A uncle from my ex-husbands side of the family lost his battle. Again thank you for all you do. You are a true HERO!

  • Mark A

    Proud of you Dan! Keep going!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Kristie-H-Boon/100000810470898 Kristie H Boon

    Just Fantastic, We are pulling for you and know that your Dad is watching you and is so proud.

  • Katie

    ?Life is not the way its supposed to be. It?s the way it is. The way you cope with it is what makes the difference.? Virginia Satir
    This quote was found among my dad’s belongings after he passed away from esophageal cancer 5 years ago too. I watched him livestrong-graciously accept his diagnosis, suffer through 6 months of not being able to eat or even swallow his own spit, battle the chemo and radiation and in the end was brought down by surgeries riddled with complications. His cancer is the worst thing that’s happened to me, but like you, I’m empowered by his attitude. I learned you can livestrong while dying. Have an amazing experience and let the setback fuel your ride!

  • Dee

    You are amazing Dan! So inspired by you and the sacrifice you are making for those of us with this disease. I’ll continue to follow your progress and wish you the best. Will you be coming through Missouri?

  • http://www.way2hype.com Rabah Rahil

    This is amazing! Congrats ! Celebrating your father’s life and commemorating him with this monumental challenge is nothing short of phenomenal! I wish you the best of luck and hope your quad recovers quickly :)

  • Elizabeth B

    Well done, Danny. Good Luck for the rest of the running. Elizabeth

  • http://hotmail Elizabeth B

    Well done, Danny. Good luck for the rest of your running. Elizabeth

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Laurent-Martorell/1449755958 Laurent Martorell

    Amazing and very impressive : gr8 respect for your endeavor. Wish you all the best for your challenge !

  • pete

    Hope you are on the mend and/or back on the road. As a marathoner and sarcoma survivor, I drink up every reminder to live strong. So moved that your father’s influence resonates so strongly in the world. One foot in front of the other!! Thanks for fighting the fight!

  • mike

    Dan,
    I think you’re nuts and should probably seek psychiatric help. Engaging in an extreme, obsessive, physical trial because you feel guilty about who knows what is not inspiring and does nothing to ‘fight’ cancer.
    It is alarming. I do wish you the best. However, that ‘best’ is to end your silly extreme running, get some rest, allow your body to recover, and redirect your focus (and energy) away from the crowd of sycophant runners (aka: whackos).

  • Vali

    That is amazing running 32 miles a day and at 401 already. Even if you don’t recover to make it the rest of the way you are a true champion!

  • Gail Werner

    You are your father’s legacy and he lives through you. Thank you for making this Titan endeavor on behalf of all who has survived cancer and for the families of those who have passed!

  • http://LivestrongUpstateSC.org Angie Suttles

    With every pound to the pavement, you are making a difference in our lives.
    Thank you,
    Angie Suttles

  • Diana Heyde

    You are an inspiration to all cancer survivors and families who remember the loved ones that passed. I too lost my dad to esophageal cancer, but 6 years ago in August. You make your dad proud every additional day you can run. You may have lots of watchers now, but we are all behind you and support you however far you go. Heal well and pray often!

  • james nash

    My son Luca is 2 years old and has lost the use of his legs due to his cancer spreading down his spine. It has not stopped him being a very active and happy person.
    Your great attitude to this run reminds me a lot of him and the way he never stops trying no matter what.
    You are a great inspiration to me and to everyone who has lost a friend or is themselfs fighting cancer.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Oscar-Ortiz/1505754681 Oscar Ortiz

    You really are amazing. You have inspired me to start running. Of course not a KAGILIAN miles like your self but I will strive to some day run as much.

  • Brenda Blanton

    My Dear Dad passed away this year on Thanksgiving morning to Lung Cancer. I wear my Livestrong bracelet every day…You are amazing!!! You rock this world!!! Good luck!!!

  • Renee DiPilla

    Dan you are amazing……I am sure your dad is looking down on you with pride!
    Take care of your body….you only get one!

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Brian-Graboski/1333902204 Brian Graboski

    Awesome! Keep on truckin’ Dan!

  • http://Www.caringbridge.org/visit/teamalexis Jonathan Agin

    Run like the wind. I am a runner and cyclist and my 4 yr old daughter who is battling the worst pediatric brain tumor is my inspiration. Keep pounding it out.

    http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/teamalexis

    http://www.raceagainsttheodds.com

    Jonathan Agin

  • Pamela Batungbacal

    Good luck on your endeavor. Be sure to take proper care of yourself. We all know you can do this, especially with your determination. Enjoy yourself and many wonderful thoughts of your father and life as you continue to put one foot forward. You are an inspiration to many.

  • http://www.parrabuddy.blogspot.com skippy

    kept this link open as i was expecting an update !

    Someone please advise the URL for the Dan Robinson blog !

    contact to skippi@ausi.com please .

  • http://www.pickmbts.com pickmbts

    Keep up,i like sport man.haha

  • daniel rivas

    youre the man……….

  • kendaleegee

    Great effort and still going well despite your leg problem – bravo! Thinking of you and enjoying reading your progress on your blog so thought I’d share the link in case others might like to pop over too. Keep at it!!! :)

    http://www.crewsaders.com/site/index.php?ID=65

  • http://www.crewsaders.com Daniel Robinson

    Hi,

    If anyone would like to read more about how I’m getting on follow the link below

    http://www.crewsaders.com/site/index.php?ID=65

    Dan