ahhh spring BOSTON MARATHON!

So spring is really here. Garden work is truly happening and ALL of the animals are shedding. Indra just finished her spring vacation week and is primed for summer. There was not a day this week that she was not on a horse. She and her friends were riding all week back and forth and all around the hill towns. She even managed to ride in Hopkinton at the mile marker of the Boston Marathon.

Some very good friends who grew up in Hopkinton invited us out for a play date to socialize and watch the Boston Marathon, and collect clothing from the race. This year was not my year for Boston due to injury but next year, next year, next year!!It was incredible to watch. We stood at the crest of the first uphill really in the race at the mile marker. The first crew to come were the folks who were seriously impaired. There were people walking with oxygen tanks, folks in wheelchairs only using their legs, people with prosthetic limbs. Then came team Hoyt and one other person pushing an adult in a jogging chair. Then came the wheelchairs! Flying at first. The folks in the lead make it look so effortless but it clearly is not, in the second wave of wheelchairs there were many people struggling mightily to make it up that first hill, rolling back a bit to make it up a bit. Next came the hand crank wheelchairs, amazing again. The came the ELITE WOMEN. Totally amazing to watch. Then came the elite men, then came waves and waves of every day people running and trying and succeeding, and finally chucking off massive amounts of clothes that we all harvested and stocked up on for running. Really it is amazing the mountains of clothes people throw off.

The marathon inspired Indra's friend to train more and we have set up a plan to work on getting her ready for a half marathon. She is motivated, strong, and enjoys running so i am excited. Let the fun begin!

it's been a while

Hi there spring. It's nice to see you again. There have been so many things to write about since my last post but the expectant nature of spring has kept me busy and unmotivated to sit down and write, but there's snow in the forecast and it's raining right now so it feels perfect to write now.

Yesterday i ran with Leslie after her trip to Cali and it was nice to have an old buddy back. The sun was shining and the gorge was ours to explore. About 4 miles in Leslie turned around after lots of talking, and talking, and talking. Running with your peeps is so great! The breadth of things you get to talk about is amazing. We covered, cupcakes, children, shared friends, travel, life plans, work, family, all in only four miles.

I had decided i wanted to run at least 15 miles but perhaps more so i ran on and put my earphones on and cranked up the tunes. I was enjoying the sun and breeze, having just plunged into the river as Leslie and i parted. I looked to my left and the green of the river snaking below the cliffs and the sparkle of the water was mesmerizing, i laughed out loud and for the millionth time was reminded that running is my savior and fortunate gift. On this runner's high i ended up flying over the ground for about 8 1/2 miles and suddenly the heat and the sun and the thirst hit me. Hmmm i would have to run that 8 1/2 back without water or calories. I enjoyed the run back but not nearly as much. It was definitely a push of the thirsty will. None the less it was amazing and fun and a great way to tank up on sunshine before the week of rain and snow begins...yes snow!

My boy is in Oregon looking at a college and no doubt grading the outdoor play potential of Portland and beyond. I am sure he will love it. My girl is building up her leg muscles riding her pony and retraining her horse. She has promised to write an entry about her recovery and the joy of moving again.

I ran a really fun 1/2 marathon a couple of weeks ago in Westfield Ma. It was lovely and sunny and complete with a wooden medal at the end. I ran in my five fingers shoes and i swear i lost a lot of time due to answering questions about them throughout the race. It was still a great time and i nice way to welcome the spring race season.

I am currently terrified of the upcoming Seven Sisters race. Leslie asked me if i was terrified of the race or of her, i had to admit it was because of her. My tiger is just not as strong as hers i fear. I will have to wait and see.