A day of joy and dark corners....

I am so grateful for many things in life Grateful for my family, grateful for my friends, grateful to live in financial security and grateful for my health. I am grateful that God has given us days to rest and days that try our limits. I have both of these to talk about today.

First the run...how is it possible to run for a little more than 9 miles and have it feel like you've been sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee? Run it with Brie. She is a kindred spirit and a phenomenal sounding board. She lives with passion and keeps you going. I don't get to spend enough time with her. We met up at her house at 7:30am (which is quite a feat on spring forward day) and headed out toward Navy-Marine Corps Stadium...which is my mothership during the fall months. Our run took us downtown, where the town was just waking up to another beautiful sun over the Bay and Severn River, and on through the Naval Academy. If you ever come to Annapolis and love to run, make sure you catch a few miles out at the Academy (though be ware the long wood bridge across the boat basin...if you are like me, it will freak you out every time though it is incredibly sturdy). It's breathtaking and calm running along the sea wall. Coming out of the Academy, we had a little left, so we tackled an over and back on the Naval Academy Bridge. If you read any of my blog last summer, you know I loathe the bridge. Luckily we only hit the head wind on the back side of the return. I'll tell you though, the toughest part of this run was the hill right near Brie's house. That thing doesn't look big, but can be a real kicker at the end of 9 miles.

Now for the dark corners...a local family needs our prayers. When I joined Junior League of Annapolis, Inc. I met an amazing family of women. During my first year, the son of one of these women fell ill with an extremely rare form of brain cancer. This little boy has been a real fighter over the years, overcoming extraordinary odds. Today he continues to battle, but may not win this time. If you have room in your heart to lift up a little boy and his family during this time, please ask that peace comes to them during this difficult time.

It is difficult to imagine the strength it takes to face such a difficult and unknown future. It is even more difficult to imagine as a child. I didn't know little Joey beyond his mother, but I have been amazed at his strength and the strength of his family. Joey, whatever the coming days bring you, happy trails.

Stats-
Miles: 9.28
Time: 1:25:00 (average pace of 9:09 per mile)
Location: Admiral Heights, Downtown Annapolis, US Naval Academy
Feeling: Better than I could have imagined