It’s the holiday season and a time to be grateful – for many things.

One woman I coached for a number of years, Carol Chaoui, 46, is grateful for running and friendship. She’s run for 33 years. Yes, she has four children – age 15, 13, 10, and 7 – and running has always given her time for herself, for challenge, and for friends. She named Patti, Stephanie, Meg, and Ellen, just recently.

Running also gives her time to think. She’s had a lot to think about since July. Then, she was diagnosed with third stage breast cancer.

“After my diagnosis, I tried to run every day until my mastectomy,” she said. “It was my quiet time to myself, when I could cry and think things over.”

After the mastectomy, she was back running. “I had to wait four weeks after my surgery but both my oncology nurse and oncologist encouraged me to get out there and run,” she said.

She then endured a course of chemotherapy – through which she also ran.

” I think I have surprised others by running/racing through chemo. Myself, I am always surprised at how tired my legs feel after a run. Everyday can feel like a marathon. I also worry about heart damage from the chemo and potential heart/lung damage post-radiation. When I had my heart scan and lung x-rays after my mastectomy, the docs said that I had a strong heart and big runner’s lungs. I hope that won’t change too much.”

Running has helped her, she said, “on so many levels.” She’s not only run but also raced – 5 and 10Ks, mainly. She astounds those of us around her with her perseverance and strength.

“People have been surprised to see me racing,” she said. “The running community has been so supportive and kind.”

WomenRunningTogether toasts Carol. She’s a terrific runner – a veteran of seven marathons – not to mention a thoughtful, generous friend, and a proud mother.

She starts radiation in January. We invite you to join us in saluting her courage and energy.

Carol Chaoui