Turning 61

Today I celebrate the 61st anniversary of this life I've had the privilege to enjoy. There have been a couple of constants throughout most of it.

The first has been family. From the one I grew up with in Geneva, Indiana, to the one I've continued here in Oregon. They have brought me joy, pleasure, heartache, worries and always love. Family has accepted me, faults and all. They have celebrated my triumphs and given me strength in crisis. They have laughed with and at me. They have advised and been advised. But mostly they have loved me.

The other constant has been running. For the past 46 years it has been an important part of my life. It to has brought me joy, pleasure, heartache, heartache, worries and always a renewal. Running has kept me humble by showing my limits on any given day. It has taught me consistency brings success. It has been a place to go for solace and reflection. It has given me friendships. It awakens my spirit. It has helped me cope with lose. It brings a feeling clarity and cleansing, a renewal of mind, body and soul.

Yesterday I ran my birthday 5k. A minute and a half faster than last year with the two previous years being "did not start" due to ongoing recovery from running injuries. As Marky's wife Kathy says "if it doesn't hurt, you're not doing it right." Well I did it right. Hurt from one mile on. It was satisfying to challenge the physical and mental. Though at the time it was more convincing myself not to stop and walk. But the feeling of discomfort and effort are part of what brings the joy. Also the after burn of lungs aching, legs shaking. Then the gradual feeling of satisfaction and inner euphoria. The glow as I call it. That is the joy.

Though today is my birthday, yesterday was the celebration. Today wasn't about the race it was about doing the work that has helped me get back to racing. I was in the gym: core, flexibility, balance, upper body strength. It has been these workouts along with swimming and cycling that have allowed me to get back to the place where running is a joy again.

As I miss members of my family when I'm away from them for periods of time. I missed the joy of running during those recent years when every stride brought pain. As seeing family members brings warmth to my heart, feeling the joy of running brings comfort to my soul.