Last Run

I just got in from my last run of 2011.  It felt great, Brody and I ran for 1:40 and even managed to get off the pavement and find some trails.  All in all it was a good solid run, it was the way I had imagined ending my 2011 running.  Speaking of 2011, here's to you! 

Dear 2011,

I would like to thank you 2011 for all that you offered me and all that I learned.  If it weren't for you 2011 I wouldn't have known that I had the courage, will, and determination to end up where I am today.  A better person, better runner, better dad, all in all just plain out better.  Although as much as you were a stepping stone I can't wait for 2012, next year is going to be amazing.

Your Truly,
John

Before I sign off I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!  If you can't think of a resolution think of a way of bettering your life.  It doesn't have to be through running, it can be anything that puts a smile on your face and enlightens your soul.

A Dog, some Thoughts, and a Trail

Last weekend I ran with one of my favorite running friends, my dog Brody.  Brody is hands down one of the best dogs I have ever owned and for some reason he is also one of the most grateful.  Brody is a rescue dog that went from riches to rags.  He was bought as a puppy from a pet store by a wealthy singly lady who lived in D.C., was pampered for with all the luxury treatments including daily doggy daycare, but Brody grew up.  He grew into a 85 pound handsome white boxer that was too much for a busy single professional.  It wasn't long he was turned into a local shelter, laying on cold concrete floors, and having his face all over Craigslist.  After one meeting the adoption was inevitable.

My dog may be a better runner than walker, he's a great pacer, and most importantly a great listener.  This past weekend we ran a loop at Rosaryville together.  It was a cold Sunday morning and it couldn't have been a better day for a run.  My fellow dog owners know all to well that if dogs could talk we would all be in trouble.  But yesterday Brody listened to me and seemingly listened more so than normal.  I talked about the holidays, what's in store for next year and we talked about our honored TNT teammate Erin Dean.

I mentioned Erin and one of her quotes in an earlier blog over the summer.  And as I said before although we have never met I feel that through her FB posts, updates and chat through Team in Training, and her spirit that she may be one of the most beautiful people that I've known.  Erin has endured more than an army but continues to shine.

So as my dog and I ran the trails of the park that I have ran many times before we left a path behind us filled with philosophical thought, hopes, dreams, and prayers to those in need.  And without saying a word or really knowing what I have even said I was lent an ear from my four legged friend and I was allowed to leave with a somewhat uncluttered mind and some clarity.

Birthday Girl

I mentioned a couple posts ago that I finally pulled the trigger and signed up for my event.  I signed up for the Vermont 100 miler, and I am using the credo "Go big or go home".  And as December days tick away and the holidays get closer I am reminded that I only have seven months or so to somehow get my stuff together, and somehow manage to push through 100 miles in less than 30 hours.  But I am also reminding myself that this time of the year only comes once and to make the best.

What also comes once a year is birthdays.  Tomorrow is Zoe's 4th birthday and I couldn't be a more proud and excited father.  Not a day passes that I don't learn more about being a Dad.  Zoe has a way of slowing me down, making me laugh, and keeping a wide open view on life.  Children are innocent, unbiased, and live life by the minute.  Happy Birthday Zoe Katelyn Gee, you my dear are where I find much of my inspiration and as much as I can't wait to run and laugh together on the trails I want you to grow slow, real slow.