Another reason to run.

When I first started this blog, I was running in memory of my brother, Robert. Since then, I have run for many reasons: for fitness, for solitude and for fun. This Sunday's run, however, will be for Elizabeth DiNunzio.

On Tuesday, April 28, 2009, Elizabeth was on a short 3mi run near the campus of Mount St. Mary's, her would-be alma mater. She was in the final week of her taper before Sunday's Pittsburgh Marathon. She had been training since December 2008, and had run through countless injuries. She was struck and killed by a pick up truck at 3:16 p.m. She was 22.

I never met Elizabeth. I came to know her through the Runner's World Online forums. She was always cheerful, supportive and kind. She was dedicated to her marathon training. For the last six months, Elizabeth, myself and a group of several other amazing women contributed daily to our forum. We came to know each other well, and all of us were excited about Elizabeth's upcoming summer: She would graduated from college, run a marathon, move to South Carolina to start her first teaching job and be closer to her boyfriend.

On Wednesday, we grieved together. We continue to do so.

We are attempting to honor Elizabeth in different ways. We have contacted the Pittsburgh Marathon race directors and they have agreed to have a moment of silence before the start. Forumites from all over the RWOL boards will be wearing blue & gold ribbons, the Mount St. Mary school colors. We are contributing to a flower arrangement for her service. And on Sunday, we will run in her honor.

Those RWOL forumites that are racing on Sunday have offered to dedicate their races to Elizabeth. Those of us that are in training have agreed to run at 7:30AM, the start time of the Pittsburgh Marathon. Her aunt will take Elizabeth's place, and her friends have agreed to forgo their own time goals and run with her instead.

I am so impressed and so moved by the support the running community has shown in the wake of Elizabeth's death. As much as I wish these generous acts of sympathy were not taken place, I am proud to be part of a group of people that honors and takes care of its own.

This Sunday I will head out for an easy 3mi for Elizabeth. I will use the time to remember her. I will use the time to remember what I myself am thankful for. And when I get back, I will use that time to remind the people close to me that I love them, and I will remind myself that I am lucky to be a runner.