Dear Boston 13.1 Team Up with Autism Speaks Runners,
I am truly sorry. I have not kept up my end of the bargain we made last Spring. I was supposed to lead you through your training, inspire you to run long, ready you for the 13.1 miles you will conquer next month. I have done none of those things. Unfortunately, lung issues have put me on the shelf for the last month and I have not been able to lead long runs, any runs really, at all. It has been 28 days since I last laced up; and truth be told, the week leading up to that last run was labored at best.
No, I have been neither a good leader nor team captain, and for that I am truly sorry.
I hope you have been training. I hope you have been running at least three time a week with one long run on the weekends (you should shoot for 10 slow miles this weekend). I hope you’re on target with your fund raising goals.
I’ve got one last challenge for you. I know it’s a lot to ask, particularly as I have been an absent leader, but I ask you nonetheless. As of this coming Sunday, there will be three weeks until Boston 13.1. I want you to convince a friend to come join you in our little jaunt by the sea. It’s okay if they say they are in no shape to run 13.1 runs because you know what? Neither am I! But I will be there – despite the complete breakdown of my running since mid-July, the Blue Afro and I plan on being on the course with you. I may have to walk, but I will be there – and if I can do it, so can a friend.
I can’t promise dinner with Jess (adiaryofamom) since she is not running this year, but I can promise that the team dinner the night before the race will fill you with words of inspiration and feelings of hope and promise…oh, and a chance to break bread with the Blue Afro and me.
I look forward to seeing old faces and meeting new friends on the 14th and 15th.
Sincerely and Apologetically,
Luau
PS: If you can’t join us for Boston 13.1 but would like to contribute in some way, please consider donating to my fund raising page (link below).
Run Luau Run 
They know you’re there in spirit, Luau. You’ve been an inspiration.
Love you,
Mom
Your sincerity and apology come through loud and clear!! I hope this year’s event goes great, and your “situation” gives people an opportunity to take up the slack and help you for a change. 🙂 I just crystallized a goal/idea in my head within the last 48 hours. Even though I can’t be there this year (sigh sigh sigh sigh insert sad sigh here), I am going to run 13.1 here in Tallahassee, starting at the same time as the Boston 13.1, in solidarity with all of you. I’ll be with you in spirit. In more ways than I can express in a silly little comment box. ❤
Luau, I have to revise this. Where was my head when I said this? Well, it was with my heart. I have not trained to run 13.1 and although I could do it, it may not be the best idea. Revision: I will run on that Sunday, I’ll start the same time as you guys, and I will figure out a way for it to be symbolically related to your run. Duh the miles via Charity Miles will be via Autism Speaks! I already miss the experience.
Miss your Sunday runs! I’ve been keeping up and completed a 10 this past Saturday. See you at the race!
You don’t have to be there to continue to be an encouragement and inspiration. Keep up the good work and rest well.
Thanks man!