As some of you have noticed I came back. How could I stay away from being a part of Boston Monday which is only a few weeks away. I will be glued to my screen to get updates on all of you. I did though want to update you on where I am. My friends I just wanted to say that I went away to be pensive about me and my life and after a lot of reflection I realized there is nothing wrong with me (some people may disagree (-: As many of you know I went thru a whirlwind romance a few months after my separation that was beautiful for 4 months and then something happened, not sure what but I blamed myself for how it ended . After reflecting on the past 5 months, talking to good friends and a supportive counselor I realized that it was not my fault and that I am a good person, a person who is very kind and tends to go above the call of duty. Yes I can be intense and passionate and tend to have lots of things going on in my life. I like to keep busy, even as I tone down my life. I realized that this woman that I loved for 4 months was not who she said she was. Not committed to the same things that I respected and or loved. What broke my heart was not her but the thought of what she was and that I had destroyed it. Well, I now realize that was not the case. What made me mad was that I had lived a lie and I don’t do well when I realize I was taken advantage of. My counselor was clear that it’s time I take care of me and stop taking care of others as my priority. So I am trying to do that. I have begun dating again but now am very clear that I am who I am and that they will have to accept that as I accept them. I am taking it very very slow. My running has been coming on again and I ran a solid 2:04 at Around the Bay (30K race) in Hamilton, good for 88th out of 4500 there even though my longest run in two months had been 15K and I had done no hills and ATB has a ton of hills in the last 10K. So I was pleased. I am now getting ready in 7 weeks to run the Ottawa marathon where I hope to run a new PR, hopefully around 2:50 Again my friends thank you for your support and just now that I am well but that Tall sometimes takes things personally when maybe he should not.

Hey Tall...glad you posted this. I think you have your head on pretty straight after all! You are a strong person and seem to be a terrific dad. You know what works for you and what doesn't and you know what is important to you. Sometimes we just get clogged up with other people's garbage. I think we tend to try to be everything to everyone and forget ourselves and what is important. I happy that you are in such a good place now. Keep it all in perspective! Good luck in your upcoming events.

Thanks for the update. Glad to see you are back. Good luck with the ever treacherous dating scene! Somehow though I suspect you are going to do just fine.

Tall - glad you're back and doing well. Eliz

Hi Tall, e komo mai. Welcome back. Relationships come and go and life goes on and (hopefully) we all just keep running. Laurie

Welcome back, Tallrunner. You've been missed. Glad to hear you've done some reflection and come to a good place. Good luck with your marathon.

Tall, I too, am pleased that you are back and emotionally healthier than before. There is someone out there for you and it is your job to run and find that person! But seriously, I am happy for you and look forward to reading your lively posts! Chris

Glad to know you are doing better Tall. I had been thinking about you and appreciate your posting the update. Time helps put things in better perspective. Happiness is a choice you picked the right choice. You are a good guy and I know you will find your way. Glad to hear the running is going well and hope Ottawa is all you want it to be. Peace my friend. Skip