marybatchellor

Directed by Tim VandeSteeg and narrated by Billy Bob Thornton, My Run is a documentary that tells the real life adventure of Terry Hitchcock, a then 57 year old man, who lost his wife to breast cancer and decided to run from Minneapolis to Atlanta in 75 consecutive days in order to call attention to single parenting and the trauma and struggles of single parent kids. The film title is as much about the emotional growth and journey he and his team took as it is his daily marathons of 26 plus miles per day.

Terry Hitchcock is so likable and genuine that the film pulls you in right away. You want this guy to accomplish his goals and you want him to do it without killing himself and breaking every bone in his body. The film is straightforward, touching and often lighthearted and humorous. I appreciate the lack of mean spiritedness when it addresses the tough times, difficult situations, and one or two very humbling circumstances.

There were two goals (1) finish the course - i.e. get to Atlanta before the Olympics and (2) raise awareness of the plight of single parents and their children.

My one criticism is not so much directed at the film as it is the second goal. Mr. Hitchcock raises awareness. Yup. There are a lot of single parents out there struggling to raise kids and a lot of kids growing up with one parent. He gets our attention. But we're left wondering what we're supposed to do about it? Volunteer somewhere? Donate somewhere? Build a playground? The second goal actually evolved into a message of hope and endurance more than awareness. There's joy in the journey, even when there's not. This film proves it.