Page 44 - Dr. Nisha Bunke

Running Outrageously!

By Teresa Hawker

Some of my fondest memories were times spent with my friend lofty goal (a stretch for me). While we ran, we talked about
Annalee, sharing early morning runs. And I mean early! Setting challenges going on in our lives, taking turns as “talker” and
the alarm clock to wake me at 0'dark-thirty so we could meet at a “listener”, giving encouragement and support to the other. Soon
pre-determined time was not easy. It made so much difference to we were at the rest area. We turned around and continued running
set a wake-up time when I was meeting up with her. It's interesting, to the rhythm of our words and the soft Pacific’s surf backdrop.
when I know someone is counting on me to be there (even at such Endorphins swirling madly lifted us to higher energy and longer
an early hour) I am pushed, perhaps even inspired, not to let them strides. We flew along faster than ever realizing our seemingly wild
down. and free gazelle trek created boundless pure drive with no limits in
what we could achieve. No distance too far for us! We laughed at
The alarm clock sounds off and I am up in an instant. Too long the vision of gazelles knowing our bodies were not intended for this.
under the warm covers I will surely drop off to sleep... and be late. Alas, though we were sore for days, we would always remember
My running gear and shoes are ready, laid out the night before. The the adventurous journey on that day.
aroma of freshly brewed coffee seeps up from the kitchen. I read
once that drinking a cup of coffee before morning runs opens the I will be forever grateful to have known this lady, my running
body’s tiny capillaries and blood vessels. A side benefit is having partner, mentor, teacher and so much more. Annalee left this world
more stamina and endurance on the run, or so I like to believe. eight years ago and I still miss her. She taught me so much about
life. She lived within the words of this quote often: “Live your life
We meet at an Ocean Beach parking lot while it’s still dark with outrageously! It's the only place that's not crowded!” She lived a life
dawn just peeking through the eastern horizon. The paved of significance.
boardwalk stretches for miles and miles, hugging the Pacific
shoreline. The smell of the salty sea air clears our foggy brains. While she was in the hospital I hadn’t been by for a few days.
Lungs fill and we are off. The pounding surf slaps the shoreline Attempting to apologize for my absence, she smiled and said softly,
giving a natural beat as we stride step by step to its rhythmic “Well honey, everybody has to be somewhere.” This statement has
patterns. We set our course - five miles today. stuck with me. It’s a reminder for me to notice the moment, where
I am and what I’m doing. Our friendship over 25 years was a gift.
A petite lady in her 60s, with blond hair and all of 110 pounds, Through her example of living life to the fullest and in the moment,
44 Annalee always dressed to the nines - even in her running garb. I try each day to live in the moment with intention, and appreciation
Covered in layers of shirts and jackets, her neck wrapped with a
of life and, sometimes yes, even outrageously!
woolen scarf, long slender legs covered in black leggings, and feet
fitted in bright green/blue Adidas, my friend looked the seasoned
marathoner. Yes, Annalee dressed in high style for any occasion.
In contrast, my wardrobe was basic latex running shorts, a loose
tee shirt and jacket. As the miles were run the jackets and scarves
were removed and tied around her tiny waist.

The beauty of the seagulls flying overhead seemed like they were
joining us on our trek. Some dove down close to the water to snatch
a bit of breakfast. Nature displays its purest tranquility in early dawn
before beaches begin to fill with sunbathers and tourists.
We ran for the enjoyment and gratitude of each other's company.
Though a challenge many mornings just getting out the door, once
a mile or so into the run that was all forgotten! We ran and talked
about things going on in our lives. Many mornings I monopolized
our conversations. Annalee just listened and then, without judgment
or advice, replied with a simple “Hmmm”. Sharing the heavy
problems of the moment somehow magically lightened the day
ahead.

One specific Saturday morning in early spring comes to mind. We
had begun the run around 6AM along the Boardwalk. Annalee was
training for an upcoming marathon so we set a goal this morning for
a longer run, eight miles. Distance was easy to track with quarter
mile markers painted along the path. We knew going south to the
last rest area was close to the halfway mark.
We ran with heightened enthusiasm and intention by setting this
Photo Courtesy of Teresa Hawker