Downtime

I took about a month off from both running and writing about it after the marathon.  Between the hours of training, both physical and psychological, I just felt tired of it.  This was a long journey and it seems like only yesterday that I started training, even though it was last June.  Along the way we lost Jean, and I still think of her every time I drive by the spot near the parking lot where she died.  Since the race I have been doing sports conditioning boot camp type classes at the gym and trying to mix it up a bit.  Truth be told, if someone wasn't telling me to, I would never do a single push-up.

I have only run a couple of times, and tomorrow will be my longest run, possibly between seven and fourteen miles since the race.

I am glad to have set and accomplished a big goal this year, and our endurance club will be having our year end party soon, at which we set our goals for next year.  I am not sure what mine will be.  Perhaps another marathon, perhaps not.  I have been wondering lately if I am doing what I am supposed to be doing from a broader life perspective. Miles of running gives you that time to start filing those thoughts, and now I am going back through some of those archived conversations with myself.

I also have decided this blog probably needs to incorporate more of the "Thoughts" part from the title, so am expanding on what types of things I will write about.

The family is doing well.  Aiden often asks if I am going running when I leave the house, and lately I have been saying "nope, not today, just off to the gym or to work."  I sometimes wonder if he will get into running. I think all fathers ponder what, if any, sport their children may gravitate to.  If he chooses anything, it will be his choice.  I can merely tell him what I get out of running and let him discover if any of it makes sense to him.  I think Catherine is glad the marathon is over as it did take me out of the house a lot.  I am fortunate to have such support at home.

Life is good. I am trying to remind myself on a daily basis how blessed I am. The economy is still stalled,  and I have a good job and am able to provide for my family. This is a lot more than many people have and something I would do well to remind myself of on a regular basis.