At home, I mostly see the same people when I run - the die hard runners who forgo sleep in the early mornings to do what we love to do.
But one of the many incredible benefits of living by the beach in the summertime for me is that I can run at any time of day. I can run at six am if I like. Or noon. Or six pm. I'm not limited to the pre-dawn hours, racing to get out and get the miles done before the heat of the day sets in.
This lets me see so many new and different people as I run, from the Navy boys without their shirts, to the triathletes with their tri-kits and fuel belts, to the weekend warriors and the mommas like myself.
But every year, there has been one staple. One little tanned raisin of a runner that I have always been able to set my watch by. A man I have christened the running man, and every year for ten years or more, I look for him.
There he is! The running man!
A few years back, the littles began looking for him, too.
momo, he lives our block! There he goes - the running man!
This year, however, no matter how much we have looked, we have yet to see him. Did he move? Is he injured in some way? Did he stop running? And although I don't want to go there, could he be... sick?
After so many years, he is like an old friend and I cannot help but wonder about him, worry about him. My eyes scan the runners, hoping for a glimpse, hoping he is safe, sending prayers to man I have never met but whose impact on me will last my lifetime.
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Showing posts with label running. Show all posts
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
thirty days with a grateful heart - day sixteen
day sixteen - kindred souls
Yesterday, I got an email from one of my running partners, Jeff. It was sent to me, to Steph (our third musketeer), as well as to a few other runner friends that I have made the last ten months or so since I have embraced trail running.
On Saturday, January 28, 2012 come join us for a birthday celebration run.
Who's turning 43? Melisa Angelone
Where? "Jody's Run" Class 5 Grade 8
Why? Because we can, therefore we run
When? TBD 7am?
How do I get to Jody's Run, that starts at Spur Cross Ranch?
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/Directions.aspx
As I read through the email, I couldn't help but smile and be grateful for the people that I've met over the years that, simply put, get me. Because, while I am certain that there are a lot of people who would think that celebrating their birthday by running twenty five or more miles in the trails, in remote and rugged surroundings, is absolutely, certifiably crazy - JJ realizes that something like this? Well, something like this is just so right up my alley, its not even funny.
As I look back, I realize just how very blessed I have been over the years with friends and training partners who get this about me and often, who share the same trait - the desire to push ourselves, to test ourselves, to do something epic to celebrate the simple fact that we are alive, we are healthy, and that we can.
So, today, on a day when I am contemplating getting older (and kind of feeling it just a little bit too), I am beyond grateful for those people - for the wonderful, and just a wee bit crazy, kindred souls that have shared the road, the trails, the pool, the gym and the yoga mat with me. My life is immensely richer (and to be honest, probably just a bit saner, too) for the time we have spent together.
much love!
Yesterday, I got an email from one of my running partners, Jeff. It was sent to me, to Steph (our third musketeer), as well as to a few other runner friends that I have made the last ten months or so since I have embraced trail running.
On Saturday, January 28, 2012 come join us for a birthday celebration run.
Who's turning 43? Melisa Angelone
Where? "Jody's Run" Class 5 Grade 8
Why? Because we can, therefore we run
When? TBD 7am?
How do I get to Jody's Run, that starts at Spur Cross Ranch?
http://www.maricopa.gov/parks/spur_cross/Directions.aspx
Please let me know if you are coming so I can include you
in future mass mailings.
Jody's run is rugged and remote and about 25 miles
long. Expect to be on the trail for at
least 6 hours and maybe up to 8. Be self
sufficient for the full measure of this run, there will be no aid or potable
water.
We will stay together as a team. If you choose to bolt ahead I cannot be
responsible for your demise and WILL NOT return to recover your carcass, that
grim task will fall upon those that loved you.
As I read through the email, I couldn't help but smile and be grateful for the people that I've met over the years that, simply put, get me. Because, while I am certain that there are a lot of people who would think that celebrating their birthday by running twenty five or more miles in the trails, in remote and rugged surroundings, is absolutely, certifiably crazy - JJ realizes that something like this? Well, something like this is just so right up my alley, its not even funny.
As I look back, I realize just how very blessed I have been over the years with friends and training partners who get this about me and often, who share the same trait - the desire to push ourselves, to test ourselves, to do something epic to celebrate the simple fact that we are alive, we are healthy, and that we can.
So, today, on a day when I am contemplating getting older (and kind of feeling it just a little bit too), I am beyond grateful for those people - for the wonderful, and just a wee bit crazy, kindred souls that have shared the road, the trails, the pool, the gym and the yoga mat with me. My life is immensely richer (and to be honest, probably just a bit saner, too) for the time we have spent together.
much love!
Thursday, December 08, 2011
thirty days with a grateful heart - day six
day six - baby it's cold outside
The past few days, when I open up facebook in the morning, I am inundated with status updates from my fellow Arizonans lamenting the cold weather. They make me laugh out loud. Don't get me wrong, it is cold outside, especially in the early mornings, compared to what the temperatures are say, mid-August. But, I have to be honest, I would take this weather any day, any way, any how, over the weather this time of year in places like Detroit or Boston or Chicago.. or, eek, Buffalo.
Because, in case you weren't aware, it is really cold there. Like, really, really cold. So cold that the lakes freeze over and you have to use a scraper thingie to get the ice off the windshield of your car in the mornings, that is if you can get to your car past the snow piled up six feet high in your front lawn, and the power goes out and you have to sleep in your parka to keep warm, because everyone has a parka in those places because its sooo cold, and as if all that weren't enough, I learned the other day that you have to wear spikes on your running shoes so you don't fall and bust your butt while you're trying to get some exercise. Can you imagine? Nope, me neither.
So, while you'll never hear me complain about how flippin' cold it is in Arizona, because it actually is a leeetle cold and feels even more so since we have all become reptilian here in this state, I would like you all to know that I have had to wear long sleeves the past few weeks while I've been running at 5 am. Because, even though it is 60 degrees at noon, which , btw, is really lovely, it is still only 36 degrees at 5 am.
That all being said, finding the right long sleeve has had me in a bit of a tizzy of late. I bought a Nike long sleeve t-shirt, which was just fine for last week's runs when the low was about 46 degrees. But with the slight dip in temperatures we're experiencing this week, I knew the Nike wasn't going to cut it.
Enter crossfit.
No, really, crossfit. I swear there is going to be a point to this story.
I take the seven am class three days a week at Crossfit480, which I absolutely love. For awhile, I was the only girl in my class, which on one hand was pretty nice if you get my drift ;-), but on the other hand, not so nice because the boys in my class are all in shape. No, seriously, in shape. Just trust me on this one.
Just recently, however, some girls have joined our class, which is awesome!, and in listening to them talk, I realized they just happened to work at lululemon. Lululemon is a clothing store that is probably most recognizably known for yoga clothing and while I'd shopped there during my yoga phase, I had never even thought about going there for crossfit clothing. Because, unfortunately for me, and even more unfortunately for all the guys in my class, when I go to crossfit, I'm not making a fashion statement. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some picture of me in Cosmo, decked out for crossfit, with a big ole DON'T slapped right smack across my face.
So, enter in these cutie patootie young girls who work at lululemon and who are not only working up a sweat, but being awesomely stylish at the same time, and well, you see where I am going with this? Yep. I had to go to lululemon. Fast. And luckily for me, but maybe not so much for my wallet, there just so happens to be a store about a mile from crossfit. Seriously, what are the odds??
As I wandered around the lulu store, I really thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Not only did the clothes feel soft and comfy, like you could put them on and wear them forever and ever and ever, but they also didn't look like work out clothes. You know what I mean? They're... dare I say it? Ok, it is me after all, you get what you get. They're... pretty! They're fitted and flattering and, oh my God, they come in colors like paris pink and persian purple and silver spoon!
I picked up a few things that I knew would be perfect for crossfit, and had just about made it out the door, when I noticed this...
Be still my heart! First, you have to know that I am a sucker for anything pink, and second, its a running top. A long-sleeve running top. With just a little bit of some sort of really soft stuff on the inside that I knew would be oh, so perfect, for our colder mornings. Especially at 5 am.
This morning, I got a chance to try it out for about ninety minutes in the pmp and all I can say is that it is even better than I hoped. Way, way, way better. It kept me warm, but not too warm, and whatever kind of fabric its made of, it also kept me dry. Which, as you know, when its cold and you're runnin' and sweatin' up a storm, can be kind of a problem. In fact, this top is so awesome, that believe it or not, I'm still wearing it going on three hours later. And yes, I know that's kind of yucky, but honestly, its soooo soft and comfy, I don't think I'll ever take it off. Ever.
Maybe, I should have gotten two.
(and, just in case you didn't get the gratitude part of this post - 1. that there is no snow where i live in arizona and that i can run outside sans spikes all year long and 2. that sweet lulu was so thoughtful to make this top especially for little ole me and last, but certainly not least 3. for the girls in my crossfit class, who are a host of fashion sense and a hoot to work out with.)
The past few days, when I open up facebook in the morning, I am inundated with status updates from my fellow Arizonans lamenting the cold weather. They make me laugh out loud. Don't get me wrong, it is cold outside, especially in the early mornings, compared to what the temperatures are say, mid-August. But, I have to be honest, I would take this weather any day, any way, any how, over the weather this time of year in places like Detroit or Boston or Chicago.. or, eek, Buffalo.
Because, in case you weren't aware, it is really cold there. Like, really, really cold. So cold that the lakes freeze over and you have to use a scraper thingie to get the ice off the windshield of your car in the mornings, that is if you can get to your car past the snow piled up six feet high in your front lawn, and the power goes out and you have to sleep in your parka to keep warm, because everyone has a parka in those places because its sooo cold, and as if all that weren't enough, I learned the other day that you have to wear spikes on your running shoes so you don't fall and bust your butt while you're trying to get some exercise. Can you imagine? Nope, me neither.
So, while you'll never hear me complain about how flippin' cold it is in Arizona, because it actually is a leeetle cold and feels even more so since we have all become reptilian here in this state, I would like you all to know that I have had to wear long sleeves the past few weeks while I've been running at 5 am. Because, even though it is 60 degrees at noon, which , btw, is really lovely, it is still only 36 degrees at 5 am.
That all being said, finding the right long sleeve has had me in a bit of a tizzy of late. I bought a Nike long sleeve t-shirt, which was just fine for last week's runs when the low was about 46 degrees. But with the slight dip in temperatures we're experiencing this week, I knew the Nike wasn't going to cut it.
Enter crossfit.
No, really, crossfit. I swear there is going to be a point to this story.
I take the seven am class three days a week at Crossfit480, which I absolutely love. For awhile, I was the only girl in my class, which on one hand was pretty nice if you get my drift ;-), but on the other hand, not so nice because the boys in my class are all in shape. No, seriously, in shape. Just trust me on this one.
Just recently, however, some girls have joined our class, which is awesome!, and in listening to them talk, I realized they just happened to work at lululemon. Lululemon is a clothing store that is probably most recognizably known for yoga clothing and while I'd shopped there during my yoga phase, I had never even thought about going there for crossfit clothing. Because, unfortunately for me, and even more unfortunately for all the guys in my class, when I go to crossfit, I'm not making a fashion statement. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if there is some picture of me in Cosmo, decked out for crossfit, with a big ole DON'T slapped right smack across my face.
So, enter in these cutie patootie young girls who work at lululemon and who are not only working up a sweat, but being awesomely stylish at the same time, and well, you see where I am going with this? Yep. I had to go to lululemon. Fast. And luckily for me, but maybe not so much for my wallet, there just so happens to be a store about a mile from crossfit. Seriously, what are the odds??
As I wandered around the lulu store, I really thought I'd died and gone to heaven. Not only did the clothes feel soft and comfy, like you could put them on and wear them forever and ever and ever, but they also didn't look like work out clothes. You know what I mean? They're... dare I say it? Ok, it is me after all, you get what you get. They're... pretty! They're fitted and flattering and, oh my God, they come in colors like paris pink and persian purple and silver spoon!
I picked up a few things that I knew would be perfect for crossfit, and had just about made it out the door, when I noticed this...
Be still my heart! First, you have to know that I am a sucker for anything pink, and second, its a running top. A long-sleeve running top. With just a little bit of some sort of really soft stuff on the inside that I knew would be oh, so perfect, for our colder mornings. Especially at 5 am.
This morning, I got a chance to try it out for about ninety minutes in the pmp and all I can say is that it is even better than I hoped. Way, way, way better. It kept me warm, but not too warm, and whatever kind of fabric its made of, it also kept me dry. Which, as you know, when its cold and you're runnin' and sweatin' up a storm, can be kind of a problem. In fact, this top is so awesome, that believe it or not, I'm still wearing it going on three hours later. And yes, I know that's kind of yucky, but honestly, its soooo soft and comfy, I don't think I'll ever take it off. Ever.
Maybe, I should have gotten two.
(and, just in case you didn't get the gratitude part of this post - 1. that there is no snow where i live in arizona and that i can run outside sans spikes all year long and 2. that sweet lulu was so thoughtful to make this top especially for little ole me and last, but certainly not least 3. for the girls in my crossfit class, who are a host of fashion sense and a hoot to work out with.)
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