I packed up my ninja gear (winter running clothes) and headed north to Grand Forks to hang out with the parents. After declaring that I will be going for a run everyday, I got my my stuff on and headed out onto the familiar roads from my childhood. I wasn't trying to go fast I was trying to take in all the flood of memories I had going down this road or that road. Going on a long bike ride with my Dad to my Grandmas house which was on the other side of town or just going to school.
I headed west to the river down the street that was "were all the rich people lived" to downtown, hung a left at the church and started to head home. On my way, I found myself close to my old elementary school. The playground was a little different but I couldn't resist I ran over to the swings and swan for about 5 minutes. I didn't want to stay too long since I was 2/3 into my run and I was already sweaty. Key to winter running is not to slow or to stop because you'll get too cold being wet - best to keep moving. So, while I was swinging I was listening to this upbeat song on my headphones. The height of my swing was pretty high and there wasn't a sole in sight - so I thought. I yelled, "oh my god this is sooo much fun!" Right after I yelled I turned around and saw a couple getting into their car behind me. I shrugged my shoulders and said to myself oh well, they are missing out!
I jumped off the swings like we used to and took off running.
The next day wasn't such a great run because in Western ND when there is wind, which there is always wind, but when there is a strong wind there is no where to hid it's so flat. My run which was the same route except I ran past my Jr. High School this time, was a bit bitter and a little more difficult.
Over the holiday I had a conversation with my family about the Ironman and coming to see me complete the event. I don't think it matters how many times I come out and bluntly tell them how important this Ironman means to me and how much work I'm going to be putting into my training that they will understand or even care about this event. To be honest, although it would mean the world to me they were there, which I have said to them, that I would want them there I would rather have my good friends who understand how much it takes mentally, physically, emotionally and financially to do such an event be cheering me on and to be there at the end when I cross the finish line. Sometimes you do things others don't understand and are grateful for those that do.
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