Jessica Baker Yoga

It was the best of times and the worst of times (only because it so so freakin hot)! Proud of myself, my team, our captain (who is 77 and it was his last one), and everyone who ran this last weekend. The community was incredible, the volunteers and community members who kept us extra hydrated, sprayed water on us, and handed watermelon, popsicles, and gummy bears- you are the real MVPS. You kept us going, and I can honestly say, kept me from passing out!

And now, I’m gonna rest, as for two days, I slept about 1 hour. 😂

This is not the half marathon post I thought I would be sharing, but here we are….

I had the intention of running this for my papa, as many of you know, he has been fighting a long battle with cancer for 12 years exactly this coming May 2nd. This last month he has been placed on hospice, after fighting for so much longer than modern medicine thought possible. His heart had more to live for… his wife, his daughters, but mostly to see all four of his grandsons enter this world. In his prime, he was one heck of a track athlete. A decathlete, long distance runner, and the first Prefontaine memorial award recipient. He, too, went to marshfield high school.

I struggled with whether to run or not, as my training was virtually non existent, with the roller coaster we have been on the last few months- but decided I’m doing it for him. I went and saw him in bed before I left on Saturday for Eugene, and he woke up briefly to tell me to “run like the wind, baby.”

Yesterday, as I crossed the start line, I felt him, a wave of emotion as tears rolled down my face. My family made the commitment to have me finish the race before telling me. I ran faster than expected, as he was my legs. I crossed the finish, snapped a few photos and opened my phone, and collapsed on the track to the news of his passing. Laying on the track that legends run upon, I knew he was there. The kindness of a stranger stretching next to me, comforted me, as I told my story. He listened.

I made my way to the med tent, where more strangers took care of me, and gave me a quiet place to finally talk to my sister and mom. My sister told me, that he passed right at 7 am, right as I started. I have never believed more in God than now. The most bittersweet moment of my life.

If you’re still reading this post, I’ll leave you with these words from my dear friend and brother who shared this with me post race.. “Peej and I shared that love of track and field.. he loved the rhythm of footsteps, the chasing of goals and dreams and the spirit of competition. Today I think he decided to run with you.. at UofO.. through your footsteps.. your beating heart.”

Now and then… tonight, Trevor’s birthdays swipe ⬅️ for his birthday three years ago, and our very first picture together. Happy birthday to the one who makes me laugh, enriches my life, and rolls with all the punches.