10/18/2014
Being jolted out of a routine causes some to spiral out of control. Impulsive decisions are made and focus can be lost. Anytime tragedy strikes it is necessary to still the mind and body. Stop and take a minute. Often times the moments of contemplation lead to better decisions. I run and sometimes I compete. In a sport where shorter time determines superiority, my choices to slow down might seem counter intuitive. But there is a third part to the mind/body connection. The spirit is not to be neglected.
If you have been following my journey, you know one of my best friends was taken from me last week. My itinerary and schedule were thrown out the door. But if I did not properly mourn my friend’s passing, I think I would have given up a piece of my humanity. Because really, the people of our past are the ones who have shaped who we are in the present. This respite from running was anything but rejuvenating. I had the opportunity to see many old friends from a lifetime ago, but it was under such sad circumstances. Last minute flights to Los Angeles and back to Texas kept me sleepless. Not to mention, yesterday was Crystal’s birthday. The past week has reminded me just how fragile and precious life is. It must be celebrated. Day 48 was dedicated to one of my best friends Suk Sung. Tomorrow will be dedicated to my newborn twin cousins Christopher and Isabella.
Today I slept and tried to get my energy up. I wanted my mindset narrow my focus. In a warm trailer I slept and read and calmed my mind. I had cried a good amount of tears and I was ready to move forward. My friend would have wanted me to continue my mission. My departing times have gotten later with each passing day. Today after waking from my afternoon nap, I started running at 4PM. The short breather from the road seemed to have a healing effect on my body. It seemed stronger. Even with a strong headwind creating resistance I stayed at a steady pace. The entire day I ran with Mexico to my right. I’ve written about borders and lines often on this trip. Nowhere has the contrast been more pronounced. The factories to the south puffed brown clouds into the air. The colors of the homes looked a little greyer. As I ran I felt a soreness in my throat. I couldn’t help but think the unfiltered, polluted air might be the cause. Of course the weather has been cooling and with my fat reserves so low I’m sure my body could be susceptible many items in my surrounding environment.
Without a doubt Crystal has been a trooper this entire time. I owe her many thanks. I do hope she enjoyed her rare night out on the town in El Paso, Texas. She has earned it. Now it’s time to get back to business! For all of you that have messaged me to see if I was alright – Thank You so much. I’m back!
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