MY RUN (MOVIE REVIEW)

Last night Pigeon and I saw My Run at my local theater. It was a night away from home for Trailmomma that didn't involve working! Woo hoo!

My Run is the story of Terry Hitchcock and the movie is narrated by Billy-Bob Thornton. Here is what the movie is about straight from the movie's website:

"After tragically losing his wife to breast cancer and struggling to raise three young children on his own, real life super hero and modern day Forrest Gump, Terry Hitchcock seized on an idea. He wanted to accomplish the impossible: run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days to bring attention to the incredibly difficult lives of single-parent families.

He ran in spite of freezing rain and unbearable heat, in spite of chest pains and bone fractures that wracked his 57-year-old body.  He just kept running - each day, every day - strengthening an unbreakable bond between father and son--- not stopping until he broke the finish line tape in Atlanta."

This movie was very touching. I knew what it was about going into the film but what I had not expected was the first 30 minutes being the story of his late-wife Sue Hitchcock's battle with breast-cancer. Her passing is what inspired Terry to do what he did and his three children helped him see it through.

I found myself quite misty eyed the first 30 minutes or so (maybe it was the hormones but I don't think so) because the story of Sue and her love for her family was so incredibly powerful. In the end, she knew she was going to leave Terry and her family for a life in heaven but the little things she did along that journey were mind blowing. It really touched me.

Terry was left to raise his three kids all by himself without any immediate family nearby to help. I could relate to this story because my own dad raised my brother and myself alone when I was barely 17 years old after my mom had passed. Like Terry it was a struggle at first for him to figure out that we needed dinner cooked, the house needed cleaning, supplies for school or rides to practices or games. Lucky for my dad my brother and I were quite a bit older and able to manage by ourselves at times but no child likes to see their father in distress or grief. Terry's kids were younger, much younger and his struggles were harder.

I don't want to give away too much of the movie but I do think it is worth going to see or renting on video when it comes out. The relationship that evolves between Terry and his oldest son Chris was inspirational and touching.

Terry ran through amazing obstacles to complete his goal. Two broken ankles and a broken patella were just some of what he had to endure. After the movie Pigeon and I found ourselves laughing at how during the American River 50 Miler last year we were complaining about our aches and pains and how insignificant that seems now compared to what Terry had to run through. Pigeon is about to run her second AR50 next Saturday and I am sure this movie will pop into her mind during those 50 miles at times. Terry stressed in the movie that running those kinds of distances is not just purely physical, it is extremely mental which is a side he had not expected when he set out on his journey. Pigeon knows all about the mental aspect and is ready, I have no doubts.

If you want to see the trailers for My Run then click here. What was also great about this movie was that at the end of the movie, after everyone had left the theater assuming it was over, there was a Q&A interview with Terry and his son Chris. It was very interesting and again, made me tear up just a bit to hear of Terry's struggles after his amazing accomplishment and how his children stand by him even to this day. We also discovered that portions of our ticket price went to Livestrong and cancer research. Nice.

While at the movies, I also ran into Shannon, the Trail-Turtle! It was so nice to see her and chat for a bit. Shannon will be pacing at AR50 and her partner in crime Pam will be assisting at the medical tent at one of the aid-stations before pacing another friend. I am very excited to be out there next Saturday cheering on all my ultra-friends and helping Pigeon succeed in her second AR50.

Earlier this week I read this quote on some one's Facebook wall and even though I am not generally religious person, this quote stuck with me and continues to stick with me:  "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference."

I think it can come in handy whether you're running 50 miles or struggling through the stress everyday life throws you. I feel as if I am being dumped on lately by life and stress and I know I am not alone.

Luckily I have the Peanut to keep me grounded and to remind me that raising her is another type of marathon. I have to remember to pace myself but in the end, the end-goal is worth more than anything in the world.

Peanut's Spring Glamour Photo from School

(SO no like her but totally cute)

I know I promised photos and a recap of Van's messy mountain bike race last Sunday but time has escaped me and the photos happen to be on my home computer. I promise, they will get posted!