9:37/8:32/8:44/8:58/8:30/9:10
Met Marsha early. I thought it would be a 'recovery run' slow and easy. But then she started telling me more about herself and her family. She has an insane Uncle, who I won't name, who is one of richest men in America (let alone Utah). She has had personal and family trauma, and tales of overcoming that took my breath away. Suddenly, running side by side in the dark, we were deep into the heart of road therapy. Anyone who runs with me knows, that nothing thrills and inspires me more, than you telling me your family history. I always assume everyone else in the world is normal particularly when they themselves appear unassuming, unaffected, and natural (as she does). I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this quiet stay-at-home mother of 8, who I have seen off and on for years at soccer games, had a pretty serious personal story. It was like finding gold. I always feel so liberated when people can verbalize to me how they learned to get by, and move ahead of their family history/self-destructive tendencies. I have a deep honor and respect for those who have had to dig themselves out of the dirt (even if the dirt doesn't seem so dirty because of money, it's still dirt). Her youngest is 12, and now Marsha is on the verge of reinventing herself at the age of 44. Raising kids can be such an isolating, thankless job. But she has great genes, she's strong, and she's ready. She's never run (except track in high school) and has no idea how much running can give to her at this stage in her life. And I get to come along for some of the ride. | 