Changing

I fought the notion for years that people don't change, everything changes around them.  I would argue that we were in some shape or form that same person we were ten years ago and the same person we'd be ten years forward.  I was more than wrong, in fact I may have changed more than anyone.  Although I may be the same person in some shape or form my outlook and views are much different than years past.

Perhaps some of my changing has come from getting older but most of its came from a good combination of good luck, shitty circumstances, watching the kids grow, a bad ass soon to be wife, and exploring miles of trails.

This past weekend I completed the Bull Run 50 Miler, a course I ran in 2012, and through some unseasonably warm spring air I took time to reflect on the whole "where I was and now where I am".  I started the race with my good buddy Rich and after the first few miles together we wouldn't meet until the last few.  There were stretches throughout the day were I found myself alone, no one in sight.  It was during these times that I enjoyed the silence and took a personal inventory of my life.

I've had some tough times over the last couple years but I've also been fortunate to have more than my share of good in my life, actually I have a ton.  Sure enough the bad sometimes overshadows the good but again I am fortunate to find those silent miles on dirt trails.  They remind that I'll always have memories, but most importantly they help restore gratefulness.

As the race came to an end I found Kelly a few miles from the finish line or maybe she found me, that could be a matter of opinion, and we were able to share some trail miles together.  I really was excited to see her, although from what I was told my face didn't show it (love you Kell!)  As much as I was shocked to see her (I thought it would be a finish line hug) we caught up to Rich and his wife Crystal and we'd all finish close together.  

BRR50 was important to me, although my finish time was a little slower than anticipated it was a boost of confidence, especially after DNF'ing last year at Vermont. 

As always it's part of a puzzle....See you at Grindstone!