Running Partners, Part 2

I return from a wonderful family trip to San Diego to visit with my in-laws during the week of Thanksgiving. As I return to my e-mail box, I find that there is still more to be grateful for—a plethora of generous donations in support of Team in Training.

Whenever possible, my trips to San Diego include one of my all time favorite runs: a long, early morning run from Torrey Pines park to La Jolla and back. It’s a round trip of around 12 or 13 miles that includes some of California’s most beautiful coastline.

As I head out on my long run there this week, the early morning wind was cold and the tide was so high that I had to scrabble across the rocks in a couple of places to get around to the next stretch of beach. I was reminded that for the greatest of adventures in all aspects of life, it’s required to get my feet wet!

I was also rewarded with the beautiful sight of seals playing in the waves, and then, a few moments later, a pod of a dozen or so dolphins effortlessly arching their way up the coast. The sight of animals simply being themselves—of being so radically, fully, and completely alive—added an extra spring in my step. These experiences remind me that I gain the most from my running when I am immersed IN it, rather than running THROUGH it. A lesson that applies, of course, to any situation I am in.

Thank you to all of you who support my running in so may ways. For those of you sponsoring in my fundraising/training for the LA Marathon this year, another heartfelt thank you: for the gift of your giving and for adding your energy to my service goals for the next three months. It’s truly a blessing to have you as a running partner :-)