Ugly Feet... Beautiful Brother.

I'm proud to say that I've been running so hard that I've developed callouses on the underside of my feet! I now know that I'm using my heels and balls well.

It's been a good year in terms of running.
Before this year I could hardly do 1km non-stop.
Now, I average 3-5km regularly, and am gunning for my first half marathon come December.

Today while running, I counted my steps per breath.
I once had a conversation with my brother a while back about how to breathe while running.
My question was - how often to breathe?
He said that he would take 4 steps per breath.
At running stride of course.

So I examined my breathing during my next run.
I was doing a ghastly one breath for every step!
Practically panting, close to hyperventilating, in other words.
Boy was I outta shape!

Since then, I've come a looooong way.
Today, I was taking a breath for every 3 to 4 steps.


******
The fateful Sunday we received news that Reuben's body had been found, I swore to myself and God that I would keep a part of my brother in me forever.

I wanted his patience and control over emotions...
His determination, passion, and self-discipline.
And I also wanted to be able to be fit enough to tell the world proudly that I am Reuben Kee's sister.
I figured that since we're siblings, I must be genetically predisposed towards being fit... I just had never worked hard enough at it before.
So I vowed that I would become fit.
Probably never as ribbed and fit as Reuben was... but fitTER by my own previous standards.... and fitter for life.

My first goal and milestone was the 10km Shape Run.
Check.
Next up, 21km.


I have not forgotten that resolution.
The callouses on my now ugly (but currently moisturized!) feet are the sign.


Every step I run.... is in memory of my beautiful brother.
He will always be young and vibrant and beautiful in my mind's eye.
Never to grow old, ugly, or frail.

Thank you Reuben, for teaching me - even after you have gone.