After enjoying my day of rest yesterday and a light running week, I had some hardship today where my wife was admitted to the hospital. Alot of stress there. I needed a release, so i decided to find a babysitter and do a long long run, like 12-13 miles. My father helped me out and sat with the kids while I headed out late in the afternoon. It didn’t start well, I had some cramping on my left side for about 2 miles, it was windy, and I just didn’t feel great. I knew I had to struggle through it, regardless of how I felt, because thats what makes me strong.

As I got the turnaround point up on Ryman Road in Dallas at mile 6.5, I was inspired by a man who must have passed me further down the road when I started, and he screamed to me “Wow, are you training for a marathon?”, I stated YEP and gave him a thumbs up … he then stated that he saw me down the way, and i was doing great ……. WOW, what a way to kick the run into gear. Suffice to day, the return trip was much better after getting pumped up from the ‘audience’ I had. It goes to show you the little things that count when you’re in such a sport as this.

I got one last bit of inspiration as well once I returned home, my neighbor across the way, who passed me also when I first went out (like mile 1), was out in his yard with his kids, and he asked me “What did you run, about 40 miles?”, and I said no, just around 13-14 miles … his head fell in amazement, i told him i’m training for steamtown … he was amazed, but told me good luck …

It turned out to be okay in the end, my legs are not too bad at this point, but they are tired. Its time to head of to sleep and shake the last parts of this cold I have …… 🙂