Running Log

Last week: 28.5 total miles

I was in Arizona last week for sweet Ben's funeral. When I arrived back in Chicago on Thursday, the weather reflected my overall feeling of gray sadness.

The same on Friday.
Anger. Questioning why Ben's cancer could not be cured. A Bitter chill in my bones as rain and sleet drenched me as I loaded my car with groceries. Cold to the bone and couldn't warm up for the rest of the day. My dear friend came over for a glass of wine that night. It was so nice to sit in my kitchen and just talk.

The same on Saturday.
Cold, cold, cold, and gray outside. I was up early to take Annie to her track meet, then meet my group. I had a still-mind-blowing-that-I-can-run-20-miles to tackle.

This time, I would meet my group for the first 10. I mentally prepared myself, starting the night before, to run the last 10 alone.

Running with my group is unbeleivable for the body and soul.

We talked about Ben and his battle with cancer. It was a huge coincidence that Lisa, coach extraordinaire, had gone to a funeral the night before. A friend of hers passed away after a 7 year fight with cancer. His last name, no relation, was the same as Ben's.

After the first 10, I was on my own, left with my own thoughts. I had lots of whys to sort out that I barely noticed my pace which averaged to be a 8:36 mile for 20 miles.

My thoughts were of frustration and disappointment for people who impose limitations on themselves, sitting and waiting for something fantastic to happen, taking life for granted.

Stand up and embrace yourself, your family, and friends.

My prayers are with Barb and Mark.