Runner Girl

A lot of things define who I am but near the top of the list is this statement - I am a runner.

Finishing my first Marathon

I wasn't always a runner.  In fact, sports or exercise of any kind was not really a high priority for me.  And then, my heart was broken.  I was carrying around an immense load of grief after the break up of a long and important relationship.  I didn't know what to do with myself.  I needed an outlet.  And someone said, "Go for a run."  Out of desperation, but not believing that a few miles in running shoes would make a difference, I ran.  And the grief felt a little lighter.  My first few times out running were accompanied by lots of tears and many conversations in my head.  I spent a lot of time pounding the pavement and reliving three years spent loving someone only to lose them.  Each time out, I ran farther and my grief became lighter.  There was one run where I spent most of it listening to my SONY Walkman and not the sadness in my head.  I realized that I had run through to the other side.

Over the years running has remained an integral part of who I am and how I manage my stress.  There is no better therapy than pounding out the pavement.  No better way to celebrate your surroundings than by logging a few miles with Mother Nature. 

Dad and Me at the Annapolis 10 Miler

My Dad and I bond over running.  He ran track and cross country in high school and has placed in his age groups at races over the years.  He is waaayyyy faster than I am.  I am built more for comfort than for speed. We did our first Marathon together and have run 10 milers and 5Ks together. 

Connor joins me for the run to the finish

Connor and Me - Crossing the finish line together

 I used running to get back in shape after having my kids.

Celebrating the finish with Connor and Cate

I was recently sidelined by a surgery to stabilize an aging ankle.  I couldn't run for almost 9 months.  It was as if a piece of me had been taken away.  When I got the all clear to run again, I felt like singing.  Now I try to run every day if possible, even if it's just for a bit.  I have my eye on the 2012 Warrior Dash.

"Running has given me the courage to start, the determination to keep trying, and the childlike spirit to have fun along the way. Run often and run long, but never outrun your joy of running."  Julie Isphording, Marathon winner

Wife. Mother. Daughter. Sibling. Friend. Runner. 

"Bid me run and I will strive with things impossible." Julius Caesar (Shakespeare)

Peace and Happy Miles. 

The Men in My Life

With Father's Day tomorrow I think this is a good time for me to do a blog post to celebrate the men in my life.  So here goes.

My Dad - Anyone who meets my Dad, loves my Dad.  He gives lollipops to the people in the toll booths.  My PopPop was also a happy guy and Dad reminds me of him.  One time when my Dad was having an MRI done on his head, the technician called my step-mother over to point out that my dad's brain looked like a smiley face.  I learned to love sports sitting on his lap watching the Colts, the Orioles and the Terps play.  When I spoke at my Dad's 50th Birthday party I spoke about how my Dad and I grew up together.    He was 18 when I was born.  I was an adult at his 40th birthday party.   I am 44 and Dad still calls me Baby Girl and still reaches for my hand if we are crossing a street together.  My siblings and I are lucky to have him and our kids are lucky to have a such a great PopPop. 

My Husband - I met the "B" over 20 years ago - in a bar - and we became friends immediately.  We bonded over March birthdays and beer at the Vous.  In many ways I think  that the foundation built on friendship is key to the success of our relationship today.  Marriage is never easy, but it is made more so by being with a partner who is willing to love you, hate you, grow with you, talk to you, listen to you, let you fly when you need to, disagree with you, fight with you, apologize, and realize that it is all part of the ride.  The "B" does all of that (with a little spoiling thrown in for good measure).  And everyday I am grateful for such a partner and that he is the father of our children.

My Son - Twelve years ago I became a mother when my beautiful baby son was born.  And although not technically a man, as he grows and takes the steps to becoming a young man, I am overwhelmed at the potential and the possibility all mixed up with attitude, long hair and skinny jeans.  He challenges me everyday to be a better, more patient, more flexible, more loving person.  Being in the tweenage/teenage weeds is rough but as I see glimpses of the person he is growing to be I know it is all worth it.

Peace and Happy Father's Day.
Tee