Movember Fundraiser Essay

I reached my goal of running and walking 33 miles this November! This month started with the Mike Nolan 5K, a powerfully uplifting community race that was created to honor a teacher and coach from South Glens Falls that had passed away from cancer after decades of inspiring his students' fitness abilities. This race in particular was special due to my experience going back to New Jersey to be with my family for my grandfather’s funeral, a physical education teacher as well.

Mike Nolan’s career as a teacher and a coach inspired so many people in the community to give it their all. “No excuses. Do the work!” was his motto, shown on every race shirt.

During the next couple days in New Jersey, I learned from many people about my own grandfather’s ability to inspire. His fitness aptitude and friendly demeanor brought so much courage and joy to so many. And that is a trait that I truly want to share with others. It does not matter your own starting point in life. We all have an innate ability to learn and grow and inspire others.

While in New Jersey, I decided to run from my father’s new house back to my childhood family home on Beverly Road. It was a 4-mile trek, nearly at dusk, with lots of treacherous hills. But it was very cathartic, especially as I listened to some of my grandfather’s favorite songs. I was able to have a deep connection with him, just by running and listening.

I stopped at my grandmother’s house on the way back to have a private conversation before the funeral the following morning. It was very lovely and illuminating. I learned how quickly the decline was for my grandfather. I am glad that he did not suffer long and is finally at peace. Hopefully now he's up in heaven catching up with his son, Joey, who tragically passed away very young. There is a plaque for Joey at Cinnaminson High School. It's right near the starting line for Cross-Country races.

My next race this month was the Hudson Falls Run 4 Kids 5K at the Hudson Falls High School. I only heard about it by chance when I joined one of the Adirondack Runner’s training runs the week prior. It was exceptionally fortuitous to connect with them again and to learn about this other community race. It was the first race where I got so close to placing in the top three in my age group; by 13 seconds! But it will provide excellent motivation for the next year.

The following week, I headed down to Philly to volunteer at the Philly Marathon and watch my cousin Nick and his wife, Mary, finish their first marathon together. Since I ran the Philly Marathon in 2011, Nick, Mary, and I will forever share a bond that can only be forged by crossing that finish line. Just as we are all connected to my dad, my Uncle Charles, and my grandfather, who all have crossed that same finish line in the past.

Every Tuesday evening this month, aside from the week of my grandfather's funeral, was spent with the lovely folks at the Glens Falls Run Club. It was a great way to reconnect with them as I learned to manage my new sobriety in a bar environment. I was glad to learn that the brewers at Mean Max created a non-alcoholic section, filled with very tasty mocktails and seltzers.

My medicine to control and manage my high emotions and debilitating anxiety has particularly bad side effects with alcohol, so it was a perfect opportunity to try out sobriety. I have made it to 10 weeks and the positive changes in my mind and body are quite uplifting. I feel lighter and clearer than ever, with a renewed ability to not get distracted as easily or forget things as quickly.

These changes have also brought back my love of reading, so I am glad to still a volunteer of the Friends of Crandall Library. We sort and organize tons of donated used books from the public to use for the book sales that the team puts on each year. I used to always be riddled with anxiety at the thought of reading, especially trying to keep up with others’ speeds. But I am able to relax and enjoy a good book again.

I am currently two books into the Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson. It is an excellent fantasy novel that involves the battle between good and evil as well as the power of emotional change and connection. It uses a style of magic involving metals that could be used to manipulate physical and mental abilities. Michael, my soon-to-be husband, is thrilled that I am finally overcoming my anxiety and reading Brandon Sanderson, one of his favorite authors.

And I truly understand why! Sanderson's reading style is approachable and intelligent. The way he approaches character development, world-building, and plot twists is rather intriguing and mystifying.

I have also finished a rather amazing book that came out last year called The Long Run. I discovered it at Crandall Library's summer book sale. The first page I read involved the Cinnaminson track team, with a story set in Moorestown, NJ. The same area I grew up in! Wild to find this book close to 200 miles north, especially given the rather good story of growing up different and dealing with societal pressures.

This month I've focused on reintroducing my newly invigorated, less anxious self into society. Having a therapist and a psychiatrist for the first time in life has reframed my mind, provided psychological tools, and allowed my mind to become more resilient.

While the political changes in the coming years may be different, we all need to remain positive and learn to listen to others. The political divide has remained a constant for too long. It takes each one of us to start to break down the walls of division and find healthy compromise. It will not solve everything and that is ok. Slow progress is better than radical change.

The Movember USA organization is a wonderful opportunity to spread awareness on men’s mental health issues. Donate what you can, continue to spread positivity, and listen to others.

We can do this. No excuses. Do the work!