WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE GIVING UP – BRAIN CANCER AND RUNNING

Iram Leon ran cross-country in college then quit running. A few years later, when he realized he was 35 pounds overweight, he took up running again and ran his first marathon in 2010. Nine months later, he was diagnosed with grade II diffuse astrocytoma, a form of brain cancer. He was told not to expect to live beyond five more years. Iram wanted to give up on life but his love for his 3-year-old daughter inspired him to keep going. And in his despair, he discovered that running could be his lifeline.

Cancer has affected his memory, he blacks out occasionally, and he takes daily anti-seizure medicine, but through it all, Iram has made running a regular and crucial part of his life. He can be seen in races all around the country, often pushing his daughter in a stroller. Remarkably, he is faster now than he was in college, regularly running PR’s (personal records) and often finishing in the top 10 in the races in which he runs. In 2014, four years after his diagnosis, he ran a triathlon, four Spartan obstacle races, and three marathons. He is also a motivational speaker and blogger.

The cancer has taught Iram much about life, such as the importance of making a conscious effort in relationships and not to take anything for granted. He’s not angry with his situation. “Happiness is my default position. Everybody dies. I’m just trying to do some living before I do.” (See more about Iram at  http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/brain-cancer-wont-slow-this-dad-down.)