Good morning!  Thanks for getting us going, Mariposai!  I hope those hummingbirds figure it out, soon.

So, today is my second to the youngest son’s birthday.  He is now 21 years old.  Wow.  When my wife and I got married and we moved her three kids in with my three kids, I told her that I really did not want another one.  But, after a couple of years of begging and pleading, she wore me down and we had Ryan…and I’ve never been sorry for giving in.

Ryan is a perfect example that you should never “judge a book by its cover”.  With his dreadlocks and his scruffy beard thing, and the way that he dresses, you’d think he was the city drug dealer.  But Ryan is the most gentle man I have ever known.  He has a deep faith in Jesus and shares that faith as a Christian camp councilor during the summers.  He is very polite and when he talks to you, you can tell that he really cares about what you have to say.

Ryan loves sports.  As a kid he played hockey, football, soccer, baseball, and his favorite—basketball—he was sure that he was going to be a professional basketball player when he grew up.  He was pretty good at all of those sports, but he realized that there were a whole lot of other kids that were a whole lot better than him.  And then there was this running thing.  Ryan has been running cross country and track since 6^th grade and has just flourished as a runner and as a person during that time.  And, as proud as I am of his accomplishments in running, it’s really that person that he has become that I am the most proud of.

Anyway—he’s 21 today.

Here's a picture of his high school graduation cake.  I included it because it happens to have a picture of him on it from when he was a real little guy...

I used to drag him around to races with me.  He's the kid with the "bowl cut"

Here he is as a 9th grader after beating me for the first time...

Okay--that's it--I'll leave you alone, now...you all know what he looks like, today...

Hi folks!  Long time no "see." 

I managed 6 miles this morning!

Didn't mean to disappear from the Daily, but life since May has been at a pace I just couldn't quite keep.  A few habits got dropped while I was trying to catch the bus of my life that was always about 1/2 block ahead. 

Happy birthday to Ryan.  That haircut in the second picture is cruel (the bowl cut).  

Missed a couple days.  Ran Monday, gym on Tuesday.  And today was a great run because:

1. The weather was perfect, 50° & sunny.

2. Tried my first Garmin programmed workout with a warm-up, 8x2 minutes at 5k effort, and a cool down.  It was great not to have to ever look at the watch.

3. The run felt great.  No aches or pains.  Last interval was the fastest. 

4. On Sunday I bought a Keurig k-cup coffee maker, so within seconds of walking in the door I had a hot, fresh brewed cup of Kona blend coffee.

Hey there nonoruns! The bus of life analogy is right on. Sometimes it comes barreling around the corner and the brakes haven't been serviced in a long while.

HBD to your son MikeE---great photos and story too. Never judge a book by its cover!

I just caught up wth some of the threads from the past days and will add my deep respect and hugs to all who were so open about struggles right close by or that you are witnessing with co-workers and friends. Depression/suicide is woven into my family's story as well and I work hard each day to keep moving forward.

Great advice for you OM and there will be more and other marathons if this one needs to wait. Being and feeling like you again is a priority.

I am feeling a bit burned out from all the training even after Sunday's kick-in the pants race. I am running, but mostly just easy this week and enjoying that strange yellow disk in the sky---haven't seen it for so long, I had to look it up in the dictionary----the kiddo's x-c meet yesterday was a rainbath mud festival but his team won (girls too) so that was cool. Ran 6.6 miles this morning and then took supergranny to get bloodwork done. Now it's report writing and then a run this afternoon again---or maybe just a walk with Hudson.

Lamerunner, hope your son is feeling better! Hope the cold moves out fast Tramps!

I'll close on a hopeful note---Dr. J was able to move her left arm yesterday and also wiggle her left foot. That's huge progress and an indicator that the brain swelling is just about gone. She has a discharge date of October 25 and will be able to come home and continue therapy as an outpatient. Canada J and I are going in to see her tomorrow afternoon and if the weather holds, we'll be able to get her outside in her wheelchair. She is so upbeat and focused.

Happy Birthday, Ryan!

I'm so pleased to know that Dr. J is making good progress and has a release date.

No workout this morning - too tired, and too much to do: My car is in the shop with transmission problems (do we repair it or replace it - it's 5 years old?), and I had to get a tire from DW's car with a nail in it repaired. We're in the process of buying a building for our business, and may be closing by the end of next week. I just hired a person for a non-profit I help run, and will have to start bringing her along. I'm getting shirts and medals screened/produced for 2 upcoming road races. And we're leaving for a huge family reunion (DW's side) where we expect about 100 relatives to be partying. Since I do the annual family newsletter for DW's family (how'd that happen?), I'll be taking notes and pics all weekend. I'll need my workouts to keep my sanity (even though we all know there is no sanity clause...).

Jay

Happy 21st to Ryan!   

Do you remember what you did on your 21st birthday?   

OM - good job listening to your body.   When is your appointment with the surgeon.

New shoes - nice Wildchild!!

5 years doesn't seem that old for a car Jay.   But then, we drive them until they die around our house.  

So good to hear that Dr J has a release date and that she is experiencing movement!   That is a happy report today!!   Karin, you deserve a little rest from all your running. 

Tammy, in answer to your question yesterday .... yes they do experience some morning sickness early on.    Cravings?   I think popcorn. 

Hi NoNo!!!!

Happy Birthday to Ryan.  And a beautiful tribute, indeed.  Thank you for sharing, Mike.

Wonderful news about Dr. J!

I'm exhausted reading Coastwalker's post.

Nono!!

45 min of core/strength training this a.m., followed by 30 min of stationary cycling, all whilst watching "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

The weather here is nasty!  Raining cats, dogs, and squirrels!