Thursday, December 26, 2013

Some Days You Just Need to Run.

I went for a run this morning.

It wasn't on my program but I'm pretty sure Coach Chris will forgive me this one.

You see I had to run. I had to get out of the house and do something normal (and yes, I know that running isn't considered that normal for a huge percentage of the population but it is normal for me). And I needed to do something normal because from this morning I have get used to a new normal in my life.

My eldest left on a road trip to start his new life in Melbourne.

His Dad's keeping him company on the way down then flying home.

I'm excited for him. 

It's a big adventure. It's starting a life together with his girlfriend and they've been apart for way, way too long while she's been studying in Sydney. It's starting a new career in something he's always wanted to do and something he's worked really hard to achieve. But it means that he'll be living two states south so I'm allowed to be a little bit sad today.

So that's why I needed to run. 

It needed to be challenging so I chose a hilly trail run. I figured that the pain in my legs would outweigh that little pain in my heart. Plus it's hard to cry when you need all your breath to keep you moving forward and upward. And it's hard to think about anything else when you have to concentrate on keeping your footing over the rocks. 

And there's just something special about being amongst all those trees and bushes and birds that helps fill empty spaces inside and sooth bits that are aching. Even if it's just for a little while. 

I stopped at the top and took a photo of the city and sent it to him so he won't forget what his home city looks like.


It was hot and humid and sweaty and hard. And I came home feeling so much better than I left. 

At peace.

And with an idea ... 

I think I need to buy a puppy. I'm sure Iven won't mind. And besides, he's going to be away for the next few days and won't be able to do anything to stop me!

16 comments:

  1. A puppy - how cool :) I can help you choose, right?

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  2. Char I currently have my fingers in my ears singing "LA-LA-LA-LA-LA" so I can pretend that my boys will never move away from me at all let alone far away.
    ps puppy is a good idea but ask Toby 1st ;-)

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  3. It's okay, he's only a teeny tiny flight away! I spent five years living three continents away from my family... I agree about the puppy but yes do ask Toby first. Better yet, let him pick out the new puppy...

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  4. Good luck with your somewhat empty nest. He'll be back for all those wonderful baked cookies for just one thing.

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  5. I think that he will be home often - y'all seem like such a close family and no matter how far he goes, he will always come back!
    And - you should definitely add a puppy - that will keep you so busy you won't have time to be sad!!

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  6. I totally understand why you needed to run.

    And yes you need a puppy, if only that you will spoil us with cute puppy photos then.

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  7. Good luck to your son with his exciting new move! And good luck to you getting used to your new normal - a puppy will certainly keep your mind off the rest of it!

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  8. That's a big milestone for sure. Cannot imagine how much I will 'need to run' when the time comes for my girls to leave. All the best to your son and with your selection of new puppy! : )

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  9. My wife had better not see this, we have 2 dogs, and that is enough. Hope your boy has fun...

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  10. My husband would laugh at the use of the word need in one of your last statements

    "I think I need to buy a puppy"

    :-D

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  11. I have had many a somber run like the one you describe. I think you can get away with a new puppy - my friend just snuck in a small pig!

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  12. All the best to your son who starts his new life in another place.
    How can he forget his home city? ... and your wonderful baked cookies :)
    Of course you need to run!


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  13. Love that running offers you the thinking time and the zen.

    And as for a new puppy... yay! Toby will relieved you will have someone else to torture with decorations next Christmas! xx

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  14. I got goosebumps! As a mom I can totally relate. Even thought it's a good and natural that your kids leave home, it's hard too.

    Thank God for running to get us through the tough times.

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  15. There's a reason why I ran 50 miles at 12,000' feet this summer....

    Big hugs across the big blue pond to you!

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  16. Good luck to both of you - I'm not a parent, but I think this is a pretty normal experience/feeling. Next thing you know, he'll be up and moving to Asia... (oh wait, no, that's just me).

    And I can tell you, from the child's perspective, that having parents who miss you, but still support your choices, is an amazing thing. I was blessed by remarkable parents (and in-laws), and even though I know their hearts hurt at the distance - they never question our motives or ask my husband and I to make different choices. And that - has really been the best gift they could give us.

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