Missing You

One year ago today, my good friend Erik passed away. He was running in the Virginia Beach Half Marathon and collapsed, his heart stopped and they couldn't bring him back. Erik was 23 years old and at the prime of his life. He was in great physical shape and ran these types of things all of the time. Erik was a senior when I was a freshman here at CNU and was truly like a big brother. He had such a light and energy about him and really knew how to live life. I was unable to train in time to compete in this years race, which was yesterday so I decided to volunteer at the finish line instead. I had to wake up at 4am in order to get to Va Beach by 530. The weather was absolutely wonderful and couldn't have been more perfect for the runners. Watching the sunrise and listen to the ocean waves I knew that Erik was watching over everyone. I worked at the finish line giving runners cold wet towels. Being at the finish line was really difficult because that was where he collapsed. Whenever I saw someone coming through the finish with the Medical Staff I said a little prayer for them and it took all that I had to maintain composure for the whole race. I was not tired at all the whole day and it was so inspiring to me to watch over 80 people race in Erik's memory. My goal is to train so I can run it next year.