Why I'm running

This Sunday I'm going to run my first official 5K, and it's for a cause that has a lot of meaning for me and my family.  I'm going to be participating in the Inagural Team Gey 5K Run Toward an ALS Cure.  Earlier this year we lost my Uncle Geoff to this cruel disease, and less than a week after the race I'll be flying up north to attend his interment at Arlington National Cemetery.  I've thought about him a lot during my workouts throughout the last few weeks, since deciding to participate in this race.  Some of the things I'll remember about him are his love of cooking, music, and surprises (he loved putting together elaborate surprises, usually involving multiple clues and hints.) He always seemed to me to be proud of his service in the Navy. I looked for a Navy T-shirt to wear in the run on Saturday, but they aren't quite easy to come by here in Tally.  Uncle Geoff had a quality of refinement and social ease; Stewart's family still talks about the blessing and toast he gave at our college graduation dinner. That being said, he wasn't above being silly (a certain shirtless hula dance comes to mind.)  It goes without being said that my family misses him very much. 
On Sunday I'll be running with my friend Krisita, whose family has also been affected by ALS.  I've been running pretty consistently so I'm not too worried about finishing the run, but I know if I get tired I'll think of my uncle and have great motivation to make it to the finish. 

Here's one of my favorite pictures of me and Uncle Geoff in his kitchen, somewhere in the early 90's

Comments

[mom]

OK, I pretty much cried all the way through this post. I totally do not remember this photo! I just found another of the two of you outside the Biltmore in Ashville and will include it on the CD that Ty is making. I have another of Uncle Geoff & Ty just before golfing - its a hoot!
Anyway, I'm so proud of you running in the 5K - you are awesome! (please take your inhaler...)
I love you! mom

[Lea Whittaker]

Good luck....you will do great I am sure!! I will be thinking about you.