Every Race is an Adventure!

I've had a lot on my mind lately, thinking about various issues close friends and family members are facing, and today running just didn't seem very important. I decided to go run Eagles View anyway. None of the other normal Monday runners showed up so I went for a solo run. As much as I enjoy running with my buddies, today running solo turned out to be a great blessing.

The sun was warmer than I expected and I drank in every ray. Shortly into the run I found myself silently praying for struggling friends and family members. It's amazing how long that list can get sometimes. Adversity seems to visit everyone, just to different degrees at different times. I kept the list short today to those who seemed to need it most right now. I found myself feeling intensely grateful for the peace I've felt in my life lately.

My life has not been free of adversity. Just this morning I had to pay nearly $1900 for unpaid back rent and to buy out a rental contract I had cosigned. Still, I was able to find direction from the Holy Spirit about how to respond to the offending party, and I felt peace knowing that I was doing a worthy work and that everything was going to turn out okay.

Relationships, not money, are the true treasures of this live...and I'm a wealthy man. God has truly blessed me. I wish everyone in the world could feel the peace and joy I felt today. I know it comes from my faith in God, his faith in and love for me, and from the love I feel for and receive from so many wonderful people.

Yes, even though my pace was slow, I had a great run today.

Today Larry and I did an easy run to the Cascade golf course and back. We sure have some great conversations, which sure helps the miles go by.

The weather is supposed to be pretty nice today. I may try to slip in another easy run at noon. We'll see how the day goes. 

I was planning to run Lake View at an easy pace today, but Will was the only other one that showed up . He likes to go a little faster, so the pace (7:39/mi) was more of a marathon pace. We were conversational the whole run, but it was definitely intermixed with a little more heavy breathing than an easy run. It actually felt pretty good to push the pace just a little. My foot's feeling better, but I can tell it's not ready for too much additional mileage or speed quite yet.

Larry and I did an easy run (9:30-ish pace) to the Cascade golf course and back again. Standard run...talk about things we see...talk about our lives and families...talk about running...make sure Larry's dog is staying close...greet a few other runners...solve a few of the world's problems. Running is an awesome activity/hobby/lifestyle.

I had a nice run with Tom at noon today. Will came out with us for a bit but had to turn back early. There was a light rain but it wasn't too bad. We ran an easy pace (8:35/mi) and talked as we wandered around the streets west of the freeway and eventually back to work. I fear the weather tomorrow might be far less pleasant.

I was very surprised to see another runner when I met up with Larry this morning. At first I thought I was finally going to get to run with Wayne or Kevin again, but it was Kent. Kent has only run with us once since he ran St.George in 2006. It was great running with Kent again. It was like old times. He wouldn't commit to returning to running again, but I think the door is definitely open. We only went six miles in the snow and the cold (we usually go farther on Saturday), and we took one walking break in the middle, but overall Kent handled the run real well. I don't think there are too many people that choose to return to running on a dark and cold snowy morning with a six mile run. And I think he actually enjoyed it. I hope we see more of Kent.