Death Swarms Over...

I went to my doctor last week to get a physical before the running season gets fully underway. I just like to make sure that everything is in good condition before I put my body through the hell that is marathon training. Invariably, every year I end up hurting myself in some way or another. I have already been having issues with my hip (although it feels ok right now). Unfortunately, my good intentions seem to have failed as I have caught a bug and I really feel like hell right now. I know I have been fighting something for the past several weeks (some of which I chalk up to allergies) but this has taken me down for the count. Oddly enough, this weekend was the Miracle Mile run that the Galloway program does to determine speed and group like paced runners together. I ran the mile in 6:34 which is fairly decent considering it is the beginning of the season and I was under the weather. Since then however, it has been all downhill (no running pun intended).

Kim has been awesome as I know I have been a baby. I feel like hell and I know I have probably worn thin on her nerves. Which leads me to the question... when did I start to become like my father and become a baby when I get sick??? I guess it is true what they say about the apple falling from the tree. Anyway, thanks Kim for all your patience...

A long time coming...

Most of you that know me well will undoubtably know that my birthday is actually not a day that I usually celebrate. (Well, that isn't exactly true, sometimes I runaway to the caribbean to forget about it, but anyway...) For some reason, I guess I have always focused on the fact that I am another year older and inevitably further down a path of getting old. Granted, I still think that way a little but I think I am coming to accept it. Besides, just because I grow older doesn't mean I have to grow up, right? :-) Hm, I guess I AM a living example of that statement.

Anyway, this last year was good for me. It was filled with some difficult moments but also a lot great memories. I guess from an outside perspective looking at the events of the last year most people wouldn't understand why it was a good year for me (besides taking some really nice vacations). For me though, I got a lot of things that I have been long searching for - forgiveness, acceptance, and peace. I have put a long chapter of my life to rest. I was forgiven by the person I most needed it from. I also have found myself looking to the future optimistically again. Finally, I feel good again about where I am and what the uncertain future holds.

So this birthday, even though I am not in the caribbean, I am still happy (at least it is warm here today - LOL!). I'm not running away for my birthday and I'm not hiding from my age (I'm 36). Instead, this year I will mark the moment when I realized that I am back on track again. I am happy for what I have and who I have to share it with. Everyone, thank you for all of the birthday wishes they really mean a lot!

BTW, thanks Kim for this... whether you agree with me or not, you always understand me and that is all I can ever ask for - and for that, I love you!