Running brings me clarity. Balance. An outlet. Trusted confidantes. A feeling of power. A sense of achievement. Strong legs. Toned arms. I run because being an adult is hard. And being a runner makes it less hard.

Everyone that I've met on this run would have absolutely loved Jill. She had one of those personalities with which people could immediately relate. She would also be proud that we have been able to educate people about the daunting truth of lung cancer.

Up until a month ago, my longest run had been somewhere around three miles. I ran for no reason but to exercise. I always had a point A and a point B that were close enough to just keep me in shape, but were never that much of a struggle.