The wrap up

So I don't have any profound or insightful lyrics to close the year with. Truth is, I'm exhausted. And damn happy to put this year behind me. I've struggled with asthma and weight gain and my running all year while traveling more than I ever have and helping J navigate senior year and contemplate his future, along with nursing a broken heart. Add to that the dark comedy of American politics and social tensions, and I'm ready to move on. There will always be better days. That's from THATH, so I guess I do have lyrics that made an impact this year. I fell short of our 1000k goal. I ended up with 530 miles (618 was the goal). Started with a bang and went out with a whimper - only 10 days and 32 miles in December. I haven't made time for yoga in a few months and I can feel it in my hips. But there will always be better days and the mountain will always be here. Don't go, mountain.

Coming undone

Tonight I ate a delicious greasy wine burger alone at a small town country bar and chatted with the locals. I haven't run since Christmas Eve when my attempt at the mountain was thwarted by rain. I did go snowboarding yesterday, which counts as exercise. But I haven't run in the cold. I just really don't want to. So I figure I'll call it a year and start over January 1.

Late

But I must admit it, that I would marry you in an instant
Damn your wife, I'd be your mistress just to have you around
But I was late for this, late for that, late for the love of my life
And when I die alone, when I die alone, when I die I'll be on time
- Cleopatra, Lumineers

Another shout out to my Blista Sista for this little diddy. I did 5 miles today, not because I'm ambitious but because when I got to the top of the trailhead I realized I had to poop so I turned around. False start as it were. I had a beautiful person reach out to me this week and yeah, damn his wife I'd be his mistress.

How it falls apart

Well there's no need to be nervous
I'm not dangerous anymore
Yeah I've cleaned up and found Jesus
And he's waiting at the door
- Saint Motel

Thanks to my Blista Sista for this gem. December has rapidly fallen apart after a 55 mile November. I've been gone almost every week for work. Once I even forgot my suitcase. Traveling that much makes it super hard to be energized and organized enough to run. And I looked at my calendar today and haven't been logging any runs so I'm not even sure how much I've gone. Ugh. Back at it.

If I am lost it's only for a little while

I can hear you
Now and then, the sound is almost gone
Well, I'd be near you
If you were willing to be near anyone
- Band of Horses

I did a rather awful 3.5 around the neighborhood today. My lungs ache. Dr will hopefully have solutions tomorrow.

Grateful

So I was lost, go count the cost,
Before you go to the Holland Road,
With your heart like a stone you spared no time in lashing out,
And I knew your pain and the effect of my shame, but you cut me down,
You cut me down
- Mumford & Sons - Holland Road

I got a beautiful run on the mountain today. It was cool and overcast. I contemplated where I was last year at this time, and how different my life is today than what I thought it would be. A lot happens in a year. I feel compassion for myself and others. We've all been lost before. 

Youth

Just because her youth is fading
Doesn't mean she's not worth dating
- BNL

Seeing some bare naked ladies tonite to celebrate my 3.5 mile godawful neighborhood run.

#blessed

I hadn't run since Sunday when I did 4.5 on the mountain so I was a little disheartened when I had to go to dinner last night in San Diego, this leaving my running clothes crisp and clean in my suitcase. But I had a very fortunate window after meetings today and before my flight, so I searched the map for a beach to finish the day and I was so lucky to get in a 4.5 mile run/hike in Torrey Pines. What a beautiful and uplifting experience. It was my favorite kind of run - exploring a place I've never been. Alas, I missed my airport drinking window. Fortunately I got an upgrade on my flight and am sipping wine delicately in first class whilst emitting a raucous stench from my sweaty body. Lucky guy sitting next to me.

The heart of a man

Oh, the heart of a man
The secrets they bury within
And oh, the causes that force his poor hand Lead to being enslaved, this deceiving again
- Band of Horses

I just wrote a cool post that disappeared. Something about feeling like a stranger in my own country. I don't have the energy or heart to write it again. I did 3.5 today and Tuesday.

Alone

Are you alone like me?
Alone but not lonely
- Jimmy Eat World

I'm so glad JEW is making music again. Today I took to the mountain and it wasn't pretty. First time since Bisbee, I believe, which was awesome and fun btw. I waited until 12:30 to go and of course it was hot. Ran some good parts on the way up but not much on the way down. Last Friday I did 3.5 around the hood for the sole purpose of sweating off a couple pounds for my weigh in - this after spending an unplanned and unwanted night in LA after my flight was cancelled. If this heat would let up I would be much better!! Yesterday I spent some time touring around northern AZ, a little light hiking but no running, and I was reminded why I love it here so much.