My heart is troubled. I always vowed that when I blog, I would never make it sound like a bed of roses...for every bed of roses has it's share of thorns...these thorns are not directly affecting my family. I lay awake tonight...thinking about Luke and Macy's little friend that just got diagnosed with Leukemia...a buddy of mine out of work...a running buddy who has a coworker that has not been found in Haiti...a friend and father of two who will start Radiation treatment at the end of this month...he had testicular cancer. (I joked with him about the Doctor giving him Lance Armstrong riding skilz). Usually I try not to let this stuff bother me, I pray for them an move on down the road...not tonight.
Luke turned 9 yesterday. I have mentioned he is a great kid with a big heart. He is anxious to start this spring triathlon season. Last fall, you recall, he came in 4th place for his age group in his first TRI. Four days ago, I get a text message from my wife. Upon hearing about his friends bout with Leukemia, he came out of his room declaring to dedicate this year's Triathlons to raising money for Cancer...he did this on his own.
Five days ago I turned 40...and so when Bren asked what I wanted to do this weekend, I responded...Train.
Saturday morning found me up at 0430 to get out the door. The day would be packed...no pun intended. I ran 16 miles...the first 12 with a 40 lb pack...and those 12 miles were completed in 3 hours 7 minutes....Sunday I completed 5 miles with the pack in 1 hour 12 minutes....The body is holding up well.
On Saturday, I come in from the run at about 8:45, tell Bren to fix me something to eat and to get a map to where Macy's Y princess event was to take place. I literally jump in the shower...get out with Bren holding a map and food...get dressed and out the door...who needs recovery time. Come back from the event...grab Luke to go build his pinewood Derby car...get back in time for Luke to get dressed and to his Basketball game.
I always vowed the make sure my running minimized the impact on the family...even if it means I run all night long.
Times will not always be so dark....my Father told me so..."Let not your heart be troubled...." and so I run on!
(next up Bataan Death March part 3)
12 comments:
It sounds canned, but it is absolutely not..You are certainly an inspiration. You prove training and juggling family life and being right there at everything is possible. Thank you for sharing, I needed that.
Your boy is amazing, bless his heart. I will be praying for these friends......
You have captured what most miss. You manage to train and keep your passion grounded. Making what we love benefit others. I think this is a wonderful example for our kids. You can see this in your sons heart now and that has to be one of the greatest birthday presents you could ask for.
Prayers are being lifted.
Your son sounds like a wonderful kid -- and it's no surprise because you're a pretty amazing role model.
I always want to celebrate my birthday with training, too. Welcome to the 40 club!
You have to be proud - you and Bren are raising and amazing young man. I think that is often missed. Yes, they're kids but they will be men and women some day. He is starting out on the right foot. I'm sure it might have a little something to do with having FABULOUS role models (uh, duh!).
Go Luke, Go...swim, bike, run, sleep, eat, repeat!
You run on and the running helps you deal with that stuff. A time to sort things in your head, let out some stress, enjoy some peace and hard work. Body is holding up well cause you like em Boot Camps and Core Exercises. I almost skipped the last two core exercises I needed to do at the gym this evening then I thought of you and did them.
what the heck did you just say?...really?
You have the BEST kid! I say this repeatedly but we can learn so much for our milk mustache bunch. Prayers go out to your friends family.
Our love for endurance events need to be balanced with the priorities in our life. You do that well my friend. :)
That is just AMAZING!! I am touched by what your son wants to do.
I can imagine a huge grin spread on your face when he told you his new goal. Wow, what a great kid. I'll just echo the others that he is imprinted in what you do. I don't know that enough kids get the same kind of role model. Great job, Dad!
Holler if he wants a training partner. I don't mind running/riding with him (or swimming once the water gets warm enough).
Kari
I always say in times of need running is what gives me sanity and purpose. No matter what, I need to set out the door. I don't solve problmes, but I get calmer to think about them.
It's comforting to know that I have a friend like you out in the world! Also that there are amazing hearts in our youth still! Tell Luke that I'm proud of him!! And I'm proud of you, too, brother! Peace and Namaste!
Mark
You and your family are all inspiring Dave! I'm so sorry to hear of your friends that are going through difficult times. God be with them and their families.
Keep up the training and the positive thoughts!
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