I Run These Towns

This day is my favorite day of all the days. This is the day where I've lived my best life. This is a day when I've laughed, I've cried, and every year I am filled with joy as I reflect on the love in my life. Ten years ago today I married my husband, and four years ago today our son was born.  From our son's newborn photos.  This dress weighed 15 pounds, and I regret nothing.  I'm at a bit of a loss for words as I try to describe how much I love this day. On my son's first birthday I asked how to measure a year of love. Three years have flown by since I wrote that blog as we celebrate 10 and 4. Here's what I know about marriage and parenting: the highs and lows are equally amazing and daunting. The great days are amazing and the hard days feel impossible. But each and every day my husband and son make me happy. Does that mean I'm happy all day every day? Nope. But I feel joy each and every day. Meeting our son for the first time. 

It's been a rough few years for me as a runner. I've blogged over and over again about how this is it; this is when I'm getting my running mojo back! And then I've found myself running once a week again...if I'm lucky. Back in October I blogged that I was putting a beginner half marathon training schedule on my calendar, and it's helped. I've been running 2-3 days a week at 5 am, and it's not easy. But there are no shortcuts. I know I have to do the work.  Four years ago, after spending a month in the hospital and losing 20 pounds, I wondered if there was a magic formula . I know there isn't. I know that I simply need to do the work (although I'd be lying if I said I hadn't wished for a teeny  Crohn's flare to shed a few pounds...which is totally messed up.) Since the beginning of November I've been prioritizing exercise. I feel stronger. Happier. Healthier. Am I running the number of miles I thought I would? Not exactly. I was ho