Christine's Fountain

Christine Brimley.

I'm sure that some of you who read the Grrrlie Chronicles regularly knew her. Others, who may not be from around here, or maybe aren't (or aren't yet) part of the tight running and triathlon communities that fill up this town like bees in a jar, may just feel her presence every once in a while in my stories or shared memories.

Christine died last June after battling colon cancer for ten months. She was only 38 when she left us. We weren't ready to let her go.

Our friend Anne Kilgore is spearheading the effort to install a water fountain in Christine's honor on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail at Foothill and Parley's near the I-215 onramp.

(I've been thirsty here before. It's a good place for a drink.)

If you knew Christine, or if you knew of her, or if she beat you soundly in any of a hundred races that she dominated, please consider donating to the Christine Brimley Memorial Fund at any Wells Fargo Bank so that we can make this happen.

Christine was one of my best friends. She was my training partner. And she was these things to a lot of people in this bee jar. We miss her. A lot.

If you have any questions, please email christinesfountain [at] gmail [dot] com.

I write Christine's name on my hand when I race. I use a pink sharpie because pink was her favorite color. I started this when she was sick, and I kept doing it after she died. I will continue to do it until maybe one day I won't need to anymore. She helps me while I'm out there. In the long hours of the last leg &mdash when I hurt, when I reach the edge. In those moments I need to convince myself to keep moving (and keep moving faster), I look at her name inked on my skin &mdash smudged and runny and faded &mdash and I go.

I still call her cell phone to hear her voice. I just did.

Damn, damn, damn. I miss my friend.