Guest Blogger: Krysten

I am Krysten from The Misadventures of a Darwinian Fail, and a fellow BRCA gal. And just as crazy as Erin, because 7 months ago, the day before my prophylactic mastectomy I ran my first half marathon.

So why do we do it? Why do we run?

I run because I am stronger than genetics.
I run because I am stronger than this set of circumstances.
I run because my spirit is stronger than everything that has happened this past year.
I run because I am fierce.
I run to beat heart disease and breast cancer.
I run because this surgery will not break me.
I run past muscle fatigue.
I run through mental road blocks.
I run hard
I run fast
I run strong.
I run because I can.

This race was for me. It was about saying that despite everything that had happened this year, and everything that was about to happen - I wasn't going to allow anything to interfere with my life and my goals. It was about saying that I am stronger than all of this, and that I was a fighter. And more than anything else I was running this race to say I could!

I ran those 13.1 miles so I could be proud of my body for what it can do and instead of just how it looks. And when I drifted off to a drug-induced sleep the following day I was smiling because I know that I am strong and that I won.

 

Today I am cancer-free and in control of my health. So I run to thank myself for making healthy choices for my body - even when those choices can be hard. I run to remember what beauty really means. 

Real beauty is a woman who believes in herself and who knows she is capable of anything she puts her mind to. Beauty comes from strength and determination, a joyful heart and grateful spirit. Real beauty really does shine from within.

I know all of this now. 

So I run to be thankful for this flawed, defective little body of mine because it is finally strong and healthy!

Love Your Favourite Darwinian Fail,
Krysten