light and darkness

The days are getting longer. Have you noticed? Yesterday I ran with the women's group that has formed at work. We run on Fridays. Just us. Recently more have opened up to me and expressed their interest in starting to run. We will go whatever pace and distance is comfortable. I will help them to create a running plan that suits their goals and needs. I will encourage them, and quite frankly be outrun by them very soon. I am happy about this.

We headed out and the sun was shining. T-shirt weather. The sun was so hot on my face and I haven't felt it's warmth since the Dominican. Ahh. Under our feet the ice and snow were melting; giving way to slosh, mud, puddles of icy water. Our socks were wet. Our lungs were burning a bit and by the end our legs were aching.

My job continues to inspire me. I am moved to tears daily. I hope the rawness of the experience doesn't form a callous over my heart but I somehow doubt it will. I am holding what is dear to me a bit closer. Examining my own self as I am often floored at the humility of the people who sit in my office.

I went to see Dr. Gabor Mate www.drgabormate.com speak on Thursday night. He is the doctor who cares for addicts in Vancouver's downtown east side. If you ever have a chance to hear this man speak go see him. This small, soft spoken man carried humour, lightness and juxtaposed sadness in his words. He is a brilliant writer, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, captures his clients with honesty and a certain beauty. He does not seek to change them, only to help them when they need him. Writing prescriptions for methadone, caring for their oozing sores on the inside and outside while they continue to use poison.

After the event I got to see a friend who was still awake and nearby. We talked until the coffee place shut down and she helped me reach a couple very insightful moments.

How blessed I am to have such a beautiful life.

On the training front I am doing alright. I run as much as I can from work and continue with the long runs on the weekend. I have to find a way to fit in swimming and will likely have to talk to my boss about that. I am looking forward to this tri season with a renewed perspective of why I do the sport. There is more balance in my life working full time and I take my workouts when I can and decide on races to fit around the family more than ever... and you know what is kinda cool? I am ok with that.