My uncle passed away this week. He had a heart attack the day after Thanksgiving.
He was healthy. I remember family vacations with him when I was younger to Fire Island, and he would work out nearly every day we were there. I remember him doing ab and leg exercises outdoors where we’d stay and even teaching me some at a young age. He was actually riding his bike when he went into cardiac arrest. A bystander saw him, called 911 and did CPR while waiting for the paramedics to arrive. Unfortunately, that did not save him. We buried him this week, over a Zoom burial (thanks, Covid).

an old photo of my uncle and me as a baby
I don’t often share very personal stuff here. And, I know this is a post about running, but I feel the need to include just a few sentences about him. And I thought of him on most of my runs this week. Running has helped me get through the challenges brought on by 2020, and this week was no different. It wasn’t an easy week – personally and professionally – and I’m grateful to have running to take some time for myself as I try to find peace.
Here’s what the week looked like:

The week started out with still a lot of snow on the ground and some slick roads. We had gotten 15 or so inches the week before, and as the snow melted and cooled, some of it turned icy. It took until Friday until most of the roads were clear, but even then, it was a struggle to get in some good runs outside this week.
Friday and Saturday were both seasonably warm (50s!) and blue sky for at least part of the day. It was a truly great day and I was able to not just keep up the running streak and get in a muddy but warm run, but also make sure to get in some long walks with the kids (1 mile is still kind of long with them). It was so nice out, that FW even suggested that my uncle “gave us the warm weather,” which I thought was really sweet.
But I still prefer no snow! Here’s to hoping this week’s snow will melt and I’ll be back to just running on clear roads.

Some questions for you:
- Did it warm up near you?
- Muddy runs – yay or no?
I’m linking up with Deborah and Kim for the Weekly Run Down.
oh gosh, I am so sorry for your loss! A sudden passing is always so much more difficult and now with the current situation so much harder not to be able to be around your family. I so sorry for you all xoxo
So sorry for your loss. Like Deb wrote, it’s so hard to lose someone during this current situation. I lost my grandfather to Covid (not as suddenly as yours) and it was challenging. Sending you strength.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It’s all so hard. Love to you & your family. Glad you had running as an outlet.
On an unrelated note, I love your tights. xx
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your Uncle. Sending lots of love to you and your family.
So sorry for the loss of your dear uncle, Melissa. I’m glad we have running to help us through these tough times ❤
I’m so sorry about your uncle. And sorry you couldn’t be together in person for the funeral. Running can be great therapy, but sometimes you need a hug too.
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s so unfair that you couldn’t be together for funeral. You are in my thoughts.
I’m so sorry to hear this. Sounds like he was a great role model for a healthy lifestyle. Thoughts and prayers for your family.