Motivation

I had a GREAT run today. It is the first time in a while that I haven't felt beat down before, during and after my run. I think it might be because yesterday was a cut back week and I only ran for an hour verses three plus hours. Yesterday when I got back from my run I almost felt like I cheated somehow, because I wasn't totally exhausted to the point of wanting to cry. Normally on Mondays I take the day off but since yesterday was so easy, I had extra energy to burn and so I do what I normally do when I am feeling stressed: I run.

Today was doubly sweet. I received an email from a friend (actually he used to be my boss's boss back in the day) who has been diagnosed with a wicked and rare blood disease. I was SO saddened to hear the news about his diagnosis. I sent him a little note to let him know I was thinking of him and that I believed if anyone could kick this thing, it is him. He and his family have always been so amazingly kind to me. Years ago when I was dealing with my own personal crisis they were so supportive. Simply put--they are good people through and through. So when I heard about what he and his family are going through I made a plan to show my support one of the best ways I know how: through running. I decided to dedicate my fall marathon to Jeff (also a marathoner). I plan on designing a cool shirt with Jeff's name on it. I have some other ideas too but I will save those for later. I feel like it is the least I can do.

So the second reason today was sweet: Jeff emailed me to let me know he was really touched by my plans to run for him. I think maybe in some way running a marathon is allegorical to what he is going through, if only slightly. I was so very happy and lifted by his message--it gives me the extra oomph to get out and log those miles even if I don't feel up to it. I am running this race for him until he is able to run it himself someday.

This one is for you Jeff.