On November 9th 2024, I did a half marathon and raised $1,705 for cancer research 6 months post cancer treatment.
This launched my Miles For Mayo effort where I’m taking on brutal physical challenges and you can bet on my suffering (literally), watch it unfold, and we raise funds for my cancer research fund.
You know I keep it 100, my training regimen was a sh*t ton of donuts the day before and a pint of ice cream the day before before. I also had not run in two weeks. My nutrition plan during my run consisted of hoping for the best and that some dude would be nice enough to give me some of his beer. I suppose I was running on good vibes, adrenaline, and cancer research. That was my fuel.
But let’s take it back before the race. I decided custom shirts were the key. Naturally, I started started working on it the day before the race. REJECTION CENTRAL BRUH. I got the who are you speech like three times man and of course some straight up nahs. You’ll like this one, this one place, they say so no in an email, but sent another email telling me to come in… I thought that maybe they changed their minds. I got played, they just wanted to apologize. Still no shirts for Kam. I didn’t even know what I was doing anymore. I sat in my car, listened to Adele and wondered what just happened.
Then, I was scrolling on my phone and found a guy! While negotiating the price, opps, he offered a huge discount. The job wrapped up, and he mentioned something about the price in the beginning. For some reason, I thought he said he needed full price. There was just this terribly long moment of silence as I was preparing my counter offer. Then, I realized I had just misunderstood the whole thing. He was saying he changed in it because he felt close to my mission. He went on to say the price was because his mother is battling cancer in another country with limited healthcare. My jaw dropped. This truly reflected the heart behind their talent and business. Needless to say, they’ve earned my future business. If you need some shirts, customtshirtsmore.com is the way to go. Quality. This felt like another reminder of God’s hand at work. He is behind all of it. Thank you, God, for the difficult search. Your plan is always perfect. Trust in His guidance, even when it’s challenging. He guides us where we need to be, even when it’s hard. Just trust Him.
Next morning I slept like a logggg and got WOKE to the Greatest Showman playlist. On the drive there, the sky inflated into a beautiful cotton candy sunrise. My angels are always showing up. And I know Grandpa Jim is always there, I’m certain every strange 2 am sound is undoubtedly Grandpa Jim making his presence known, but in this moment, raising money for the disease that took him away from us, about to do a half defying cancer, and sharing that moment with my family just lit a fire under my booty.
Standing at that start line, chatting with peeps, seeing what it all meant to them, it was just this big, beautiful, slightly surreal moment. I’m doing it mama!
Then I started. It was a blast! Was running with superman for the first couple miles until I hit the gas on him. Seeing my family at the check points was so much fun.
At the mile 7 fork in the road, everyone had their bets on me accidentally signing up for the full marathon. Take it! I only was slightly disoriented before remembering.
And you bet, near the 10 miler, my dream came true and some dude even offered me a beer! The environment was absolute pandemonium, there was things going on the whole time, and the group stayed big. Also felt like I was going to shit my pants at 11 miles because I took this gel, and man I guess it didn’t sit well. Probably should’ve tested those bad boys out knowing how powerful they are now. The sign was a perfectly timed one…also the squint as if she could tell…
Twelve miles in, us halfers were on the left and the marathon podium pros were on the right. Then, all of a sudden, a minivan just drives onto the freaking course. I honestly figured an official vehicle until she started GUNNING IT. No like she burned rubber. My fists clenched for a sec. The pro beside me just screams “WHAT THE F*CK ARE YOU THINKING WOMAN” Her classy response, a middle finger out the window and a nice “f*ck you” Luckily, everyone was okay. But then, as if it could get any better, the pro zoomed past (as if I was tree), we made eye contact and just cracked up with each other. Unforgettable moments.
Going around monumental square, then seeing my family, and crossing that finish line all I could let out was one giant grin. Couldn’t help it.
I did it. I ran a half marathon, and raised $1,705 for cancer research. It really felt like I’d not only made a difference but also gave cancer a little eat it moment. And special sorry to the security guard I acted like I couldn’t hear because I wanted to go get my hat… my bad sir.
I’m running it back in the Carmel Half Marathon in just 18 days. Time to place your bets. I’ll be fired up, pushing my pace, and running for everyone in the fight.
Fighting for our right,
Kam
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