This was a milestone run. Few of us who started training together believed we could run 10 miles so soon. But we did it, and we did it on or better than pace! Next week we get a break - a recovery run of "only" five miles. Today Teri joined us from one of the other sites, and she did a fab job keeping up with Mary & me. Her usual group is a minute slower. We discovered that each of us is blogging about our training.
We're also starting to dedicate our runs to someone living with or who has lost their battle with HIV/AIDS. I'm not sure who I know that HASN'T been affected or known someone affected by this disease. My ex's cousin, who was infected by her husband and who left two children to be raised by their grandparents. My friend Robin, who donated to honor her dear friend John, an early casualty. My bff from high school - her husband's HS buddy, also John, a hemophiliac who received infected serum. My employee and friend, Carter. So many stories, so many lives.
A lot of people seem to think that this disease is no longer a big deal, yet every 9.5 minutes someone in the US is infected with HIV, and AIDS is now the top cause of death of young people worldwide. People still stigmatize those with HIV/AIDS, believing that it's their own fault or that they somehow deserved this.
30 years later, there are still people who believe that this disease is punishment from God. All I can say to that is that the God I believe in does not work that way. But for every person with no compassion for their fellow person, there is someone who cares.
Be someone who cares.
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