Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Gone Not Forgotten

You may or may not have seen this, but if you have the December issue of Runner’s World, go get it. Now turn to page 80 and look at the bottom under “Gone not Forgotten.”

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The Virtual Run for Sherry was one of those moments in life that stands still. Surreal. Powerful. It’s probably one of the more meaningful things I’ve done. I still get chills thinking about thousands of people all over the world running in her memory on the same day. Ultimately it was YOU all who brought the most meaning to that day by showing up. So, thank you. And, thanks to Runner’s World for bringing attention to Sherry’s story.

I don’t really know why I started this blog back in 2009. It was kind of on a whim - just something fun to do and a way to record my mundane and crazy thoughts. But, when Sherry was killed, the blog became my therapy and you all were my support. The blog was a gift because it gave Sherry’s story a voice and brought people together in the common sentiments of sorrow, healing, remembrance and faith. So, thank you for reading and for being my community during good and bad times.

When I went to Montana in March for Sherry’s funeral, her mom pulled me aside and said, “Honey, you did something so good. You brought Sherry to the world.” Her words meant the world to me. Yes, gone in the physical sense, but definitely not forgotten. Never.

{Speaking of virtual runs, there is one being held to raise money for Hurricane Sandy relief efforts. Go HERE for more details}.

SUAR

44 comments:

  1. Awesome thing you did. I think about it often.

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  2. ((hugs)) We think about many things when we run. But she's never far from my thoughts when I'm hitting the pavement. She was just out there doing her thing like the rest of us. xoxo

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  3. It was (and still is) an amazing thing. :)

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  4. You gave all of us a reason to run when we need one....if nothing else, we run because we will not let the fear of the tragedy that befell Sherry stop the rest of us from doing what we love so much, and what she loved so much.

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  5. And I'm sure those 25,000 downloads represent many thousands more who downloaded once and copied 100 times! I know that's what my running club did in Bozeman, and we were honored to be able to participate in Sherry's memory.

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    1. Yes, I agree - the numbers are much greater than the 25K!

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  6. I live in Montana and well, there just aren't any words, the actions speak.

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  7. After I read the story the first time, I changed my headphones to Aftershokz (a style that sits outside of the ear) to allow me to hear what is around me so I can be more aware of my surroundings. Just because I live in a little 'po-dunk' town should not be an excuse to think that I am safe.

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  8. I'm so sorry that you lost a friend.

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  9. I was honored to wear the bib with Sherry's picture in the virtual race. I was joined by dear friends and I still think of Sherry when I run.

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  10. I was honored to wear the bib with Sherry's picture in the virtual race. I was joined by dear friends and I still think of Sherry when I run.

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  11. The bib is still on my Wall o' Motivation and will be there as long as the wall is.

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  12. goose bumps which led to tears... honored to participate. so much more careful now too.
    thank you...

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  13. I was just looking a photos the other day from our 'Run for Sherry' in Virginia. What an amazing day. Amazing cousin, amazing friend. Proud to be a member of the running community.

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  14. I did the run for Sherry and I didn't even know about your blog at the time. I heard about it from a friend so we all printed off bibs and ran. I was great running for a cause. I'm so sorry for your loss. I got goose bumps reading this post, you are truly amazing :)

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  15. Beautiful. I feel the same way about my blog and the running community in the face of my mother's death last year. Thank you for also sharing Sherry's story.

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  16. Very awesome. I can't tell you how it felt like I knew Sherry. The whole horrible situation felt very personal and real. Running is a unique bond between people, even when they've never met. Thank you for your awesomeness and keeping Sherry alive.

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  17. What a touching gesture. You have touched so many by sharing her story.

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  18. In case you might have gone all day without someone telling you that you are amazing, well Beth you are! I read your blog every night while the BF cooks dinner and I read it aloud to him. Everyday I find you amazing...not ever because of how fast you run, or because you got a new mattress or your kids left the freezer door open....just seriously because YOU ARE YOU! Way to be your best YOU!!

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  19. I read that and think it's awesome! I even thought to myself, "I know her!" since I read your blog every day. Creepy, I'm sure. Thank you for sharing the story and helpful hints to stay safe. What a great way to honor Sherry!

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  20. We ran for Sherry and wore our bibs proud in memory of her. You have made us think to be more aware of everything around us, and also never take anything for granted.It was amazing what you did for Sherry and the stars are smiling down at you!

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  21. That is so cool!! You have a lot of positive influences on the world, reiterated by this amazing story! You generate so much energy by your amazing writing and huge heart - because of this, Sherry will never be forgotten!

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  22. that's wonderful, you did bring Sherry to the world.

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  23. I think of Sherry often and her story/tragedy has changed the way I think about my runs. Her death has raised awareness among many women - and has hopefully prevented future tragedies.

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  24. I still keep Sherry's bib in my running bag. It is a reminder of her life as well as the positive awareness that you brought to so many of us. Sherry is with us all each time we set out to run thanks to your words and actions.

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  25. Speechless! I have realized very recently what a wonderful awesome group of people the running world is! Example, I am getting ready to run my first marathon in 10 days. We are here in Jersey. The marathon is just over the river in Pennsylvania, Washington's Crossing. Of course, everyone is aware of the devestation from Hurricane Sandy. There are people registered to run the marathon who still have no power and who, because of the storm and the stress in their lives from the storm, have been unable to complete their training, or if they have, are feeling "not ready".

    The amazing part is how people through the marathon's Facebook page have reached out there hands and hearts to these people, total strangers, offered them encouragement, advice, a place to shower after the race, a ride to the race, whatever they need.

    Yes, this world of runners is an amazing group of people, and Beth, you are definitely one of them!

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  26. What a beautiful post. You did bring Sherry to the world. She's always close in thought when I run outdoors, both in memory and for safety.

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  27. So very cool for Sherry's run to be mentioned in RW. It was a very cool and intimate event for me and I am sure for everyone that took part. I remember it so very well, it was a perfect crisp, blue Colorado day. I think I was the last to finish the 5 mile loop around the lake, yet I felt so good to be a part of that day. I too still have my bib and my Sherry braclet. Good job Beth!!

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  28. Fantastic! While I am not a runner, I do walk very briskly every day for about 45 minutes. When Sherry went missing and as we found out what happened, my husband insisted that I no longer go walking outside.

    I however insisted that it was my right to walk anywhere and everywhere I wanted. He gave me his can of bear spray and I wave it cheerily at anybody who drives by. Later on, as I was looking online for stories about Sherry, I ran across your Shut Up and Run site. I immediately ordered the shirt and wear it faithfully.

    My husband still feels that I shouldn't be outside exercising. To that, I say that one good thing that came out of the whole tragic and horrible situation is that it made all women become more aware of their surroundings because as we saw, bad people who mean you harm can be anywhere.

    God Bless you and your family.

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  29. Beautiful way of remembering...

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  30. You did a great thing for Sherry and her family, and to all of us fellow runners to be more aware and safe. Your blog is great and inspires me to SUAR!

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  31. So lovely to have read this last month. Great way to remember her, and I hope you continue to hold these virtual runs.

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  32. I thought of Sherry last night as I ran in the crisp fall air. I will always remember her even though I did not know her. Like is not always fair.

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  33. I knew Sherry through the coaching world in Montana. I ran the virtual run without knowing about your blog, but just hearing about the run from a friend. I wanted to run to honor Sherry and her family, but also, I wanted to run to prove that fear could not control me. At the time, I didn't know there was a bib. It was later that I discovered your blog and made the connection. Can I still download the bib? Your thoughtful idea was a beautiful tribute indeed.

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  34. That was a special run. So many people I saw out that day were running for Sherry. It was very powerful experience to run for her, to think about her, and to know so many people everywhere were doing the same.

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  35. You did an amazing thing! What a special run. I still have my Sherry bib in my basket of running clothes. EVERY TIME I go running, I see it and think of her. You did that!

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  36. I live in Billings, Montana, but Sidney is my hometown. It has been incredibly hard for the people of that community to lose Sherry and to also lose their sense of safety. The pictures from around the world of people participating in the virtual run were heart warming and so touching. You did a great thing by creating a running tribute to such a wonderful person. Thank you for getting her story out and for giving the world a connection to Sherry Arnold.

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  37. I am so glad you got this mention & I'm hopeful that her death was not in vain in that many of us who run alone became emboldened to carry mace & to be aware of all of our surroundings (although that would not have helped her). I'm glad she's gone but not forgotten. (We designed the bib & are STILL getting downloads - even before this article came out). The virtual run renewed my belief that the running community is bigger than all of us -- I'm glad you created this tribute. Prayers still to her friends and family

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  38. I will blame my long run fog. I am glad she's not forgotten is what I meant - she sure touched a lot of lives in her short time her.

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  39. I still think about Sherry and the virtual run. I hope her spirit lives on and her family has found love and some sense of healing through all of this.

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