It's been a long time

It's been a long time since my last post, but writing has never been a strength and the thought of writing a post is daunting to say the least. I feel like the world has opened it's doors to me and it's scary and exciting at the same time. When I used to rock climb multiple pitches and be hanging from a rope 1000's of feet above the ground, my climbing partner always told me my fear was actually excitement for the unknown. And right now, I think that's where I am. I tell myself I have worries and fears, but deep down, I know it's excitement for the possibilities to come.

Training for Western States is exciting. I find myself thinking about the race on a lot of my runs. Trying to imagine the terrain from the videos I've seen or from the descriptions on blogs I've read. I picture myself crossing the finish line and get teary eyed deep in thought. It's amazing how dreams can drive you froward. I find that I can transport myself from the immediate moment which could be one of struggle to one that is filled of complete euphoria.

And coming back to reality.....tonight I am tired. I didn't complete workout today, but I feel I did the best I could. I'm working 50+ hours and today I feel the strain. So much excitement for starting my new private counseling practice, new directions in my steady 40 hour a week job and the ability to notice improvement in the way I approach my running. My body is responding differently. I'm faster and don't tire as easily.

Wednesdays, I run with a new group, or I guess they were new a while ago, but having been so lax in blogging, probably not so new anymore. I'm the slowest of the group when I run my tempo runs. I run with people only when they're running "easy" days. Wednesdays are humbling days. Days that I learn to shut out the negative chatter and run because I love it. I run on wednesdays for the challenge and the company of like minded people who think running at 5:00am is the only natural thing to do. Waking up at 4:15 doesn't seem so crazy.

Monday was a Pisgah hill climb morning. Kristin Jossi Zosel says 3x up Mt. PIsgah = Devils Thumb on the Western States course. Monday I went up 2x before I had to quit and get going to work. But 3x is my goal. Maybe 4 or 5 on weekends. I loved it. The stars were out, I brought my dog Buddy and up we went into the darkness. Feeling the warmth of my body pressing into the coolness of the morning. Headlamp glowing, the steam of my breath and morning fog blocking my line of sight. Monday was made more special by giant orange full moon smiling at us on each descent!

I'm finding joy in the little things. My morning baptism as I run through the Eugene rain. Seeing my happy dog prance through the streets. Knowing that I'll stretch out my post run hot shower to the very last minute until the hot water runs out or until I smell the coffee that Tim as brought trying to coax me to the next step of morning routine.

Life is good for this runner.