Runners unite!

I'll admit it, I've been delinquent here.  I haven't posted in a while and promised I would.  My apologies!  Summer is winding down and I'm heading into week 6 of my training...crazy!  I am so lucky to have found some lovely ladies that I've been doing my long runs with.   They make it so much fun!  They are a wonderful family in my neighborhood that are just so darn inspiring I smile when I think of them!  I love runners.  I love runners because they are probably the most supportive group of people out there.  They will cheer each other until the very last person finishes the race.  They come in all ages, shapes, sizes, colors, genders, religions and abilities.  You have your sprinters and first placers and your tortoises and fight-to-the-end-dig-deep-into-my-soul-I-wont-stop-till-I-finishers.  I love running races because you can see multiple generations of families running together, young athletes giving it their all or those that finally found their time to take up something new.  Maybe it's the runner that runs for something or someone.  That always gets me.  The photo on a tee shirt, the name written across a chest.  A tribute.  Whatever one's reason for running, I say...go for it!  I'm not a star athlete.  I've actually never come in first and I am okay with that.  I don't run to win.  I run to stay sane.  I run for my health.  I run for my family.  I run, simply, because I can and because I love it.  I've logged many miles and participated in many races in the past ten years ranging from 5k Turkey Trots to full marathons.  The single, consistent thing that has occurred in every race has been the smiling faces of spectators.  These are people that I've never met nor will I ever see again, yelling " Good job!"  "Keep Going!"  "Looking Good!".  It's been the nod of a head of the leader of the pack going for first place on an out and back course that quietly says "dig deep".  It is the sheer camaraderie of total strangers that makes you feel so alive and part of something great.  I love that every race has a finish line and regardless if you are the first one or the last one to cross it the glory and feeling of accomplishment never diminishes.  I'm fairly certain I've crossed nearly every one with arms raised like Rocky.  I'm up to twelve miles for my long runs and even though I have a long way to go I do feel just the teensiest bit proud at my little accomplishments, one foot in front of the other, mile by mile.  I think about the struggles that my dad, and Dot and Alice face daily. How some days...some mornings even, they are running their own personal marathon.  Parkinson's sucks.  It really is a shitty, shitty thing.  But I think and believe that one day we will knock it out.  That things like Team Fox and the huge hearts of people like my family, friends and coworkers who donated will annihilate PD from this earth.  All of the runners of the world that run for PD and the many other ailments, diseases and causes inspire me.  I am headed to my favorite place on earth this week- Lake George, to celebrate a very special birthday/anniversary.  So,  I'm early in saying it, but happy 73rd to my dearest father-truly the best father anyone could ask for.  Happy anniversary to my mom and dad.  43 years and going strong, a true testament to love, friendship, faith, for better or worse, in sickness and in health.  Cheers!

As a very important side note.  Today is my cousin's birthday.  She is another one that inspires me everyday.  Lots of love always to my little praying mantis.