Why I Run
by Guest
The following is a note we received from a Team LIVESTRONG member, Carissa Nettle. She will be representing Team LIVESTRONG in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon and Half Marathon this May. You can be part of Team LIVESTRONG too. We have openings in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon this October, ING New York City Marathon this November and the Austin Triathlon in September. Sign up and take part in honor of yourself or someone you know affected by cancer.
Why I Run
My brother, Donny, was a runner. I, being the little sister, wanted to run too.
I didn’t have his speed but I wanted to run to be with my brother. I often set out to run with him but could not keep up with his pace or distance.
I wanted to run and ran sporadically many times after he lost his battle to leukemia in 1995; Two months before my 21st birthday.
In 2002, just 1 year after our wedding, my husband was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Again, I set out to run.
And this time I ran and I ran.
I ran through his four rounds of chemotherapy.
I ran through his two surgeries.
I ran through his remission.
I ran for therapy.
I ran for clarity.
I ran because I could run.
I run in memory of my brother.
I run in honor of my husband.
That is why I run.
This year I am proud to be a part of Team LIVESTRONG and excited to run the Pittsburgh half marathon.
Carissa M. Nettle
