Special Evening

This morning would mark the last Saturday running of my training program. I started this program 11 weeks ago and with 1 week to go this would be the longest I have “officially” trained for a marathon. In the past most of my “official” training programs have lasted 10 weeks and were much less intense than this particular regimen. I will admit I am feeling the effects of the longer program and more intense program this week. I ran my first marathon in 2002 and that was an “experience” to say the least. I finished the 26.2 mile run but failed miserably in my mind. Ever since that marathon I have dedicated myself to improving. There have been some rough spots over those 6 plus years but there have been some very good spots especially in the past 4 years with recovery on my side. I realize my running is all part of my obsessive compulsive personality and as my friend told me “all those issues make sense and now I know how you became a compulsive gambler”.

I don’t think I am a compulsive runner because I don’t have to do it every day and it doesn’t all consume my life. I am so grateful for my running ability because it was a huge part in getting me through those 19 ½ months. I was able to “get away” when I was running even though I ran lap after lap over the same route. Yes, this assisted me along with so many other wonderful things in my life. I am eternally grateful and as I wind down this training program I don’t really have a clear plan for any other marathons. I am attempting to qualify for the Boston Marathon and if I do run a sub 3 hour and 20 minute marathon I will be eligible to run in either the 2009 or 2010 Boston Marathon. The Boston Marathon is run in April and I certainly won’t put the cart before the horse so no plans are being made for any date. I do hope for a good run next week and no matter what happens I will be smiling running each of the 26 miles.

This morning was another small run and I was so happy to return to running. A huge part of running a marathon is psychological and with all the aches and pains of this week it was great to get in 8 uninterrupted miles. I may have “peaked” a little too early because my 24 mile run 2 weeks ago was the best run I have had in any training session and since that time things have tailed off. I do look forward to seeing my family not only at the finish line but along the route next week. I will run right by our hotel and it will be great to get that “jolt” at mile 13 or 14 as I run by them. Again whatever happens I am blessed and very grateful for the opportunity.

My workout was over and I returned home so we could venture out to my son’s flag football game. Grandma does not depart until tomorrow so she will see her first flag football game today. We all piled in the mini-van and were off to my son’s game. My son did miss practice this week because we were in Disneyland but he still got his share of plays. He played both offensive and defense in the first half. He did well but his team is still struggling how to stop their opponents. My son has such a great attitude even the lopsided scoreboard did not deter him. I just said, “Tough game” and he replied, “yes, tough game,” and grabbed his snack at the end of the game. He didn’t care about the score all he cared about was going to the nearby park with his sister after the game. It is so great to see the world through the eyes of a 7 year old who knows no bounds.

We did go over to the nearby park where we watched my daughter and son played while my wife and I along with my grandma discussed yesterday’s movie “Seven Pounds”. My mother wanted to know if the movie was worth seeing and I thought it was too slow for her tastes so we ended up telling her the whole movie. She agreed she wouldn’t have wanted to see a movie with that particular storyline. While we were talking the children were playing and I had my eye on them. It is amazing how well the two of them get along in spite of my daughter not really “acknowledging” her younger brother. It is clear the two of them love each other and they for the most part do play very well together.

We ran a few errands after the park in preparation of having dinner with some very dear friends. These are the friends who have been not only integral in my recovery but an inspiration to me. These are the dear friends who came to visit me the most while I served my sentence and have become very good friends with my mother as well. When they heard my mother was coming for a visit all of us were invited over for dinner and what a lovely dinner we had. Not only did our dear friends invite my family but they invited another very good friend in my life as well. It was an interesting mixture of people at the dinner table but there was never a lull in the conversation. The evening FLEW by so quickly and it seemed to me as soon as we said hello we had to say our good-byes.

My dear friend is so thoughtful and had things to do for the children along with a very thoughtful gift for both my daughter and son. I am not the easiest person to cook for but once again my dear friend was so thoughtful and prepared a delicious meal for me. It was a great evening through and through. I am constantly amazed as to how well my life progresses in recovery. I sat at the dinner table with dear friends I didn’t know existed 4 years ago and thankfully these dear friends do exist since my life is enriched with their presence. In recovery I am constantly given these presents and yes, I am eternally grateful for everything in my life. This evening was very special in every way and I was so happy to be able to spend it with my incredible family and my incredible dear friends.