Random Thoughts

I've been transitioning to a new phase of my life recently.  I am suffering from "empty nest" syndrome...whatever that may mean...

More descriptively, I am suffering from "I think they might come back" syndrome.  Ha!  Just kidding!  My younger daughter, Jamie, and my granddaughter, Maliyah, moved into their own apartment a few weeks ago, and I miss them a ton.  Sure, the house is cleaner and quieter, and I have a lot more freedom and privacy, but it's still a big adjustment.  My older daughter, Tara, is trying to delay moving back from UCONN for a few more weeks.  I'm guessing she will move home for a month or so and then will move on to her own adventures.  So, I'm starting to make some changes to the place.  Starting to think about where I'm going...

So, what does this have to do with running?  Well, running is the one constant in my life.  No matter what happens, I can always run...and I ALWAYS feel better after a run.

Goat is in full training mode for VT100, so I'm doing my best to keep him company as much as possible.  Today he planned for an 8 hour run, but I could only join him for 3.5 hours of it.  It used to be the other way around.  Good times.  Today, after running with him for 16 miles, I showered, went shopping, drove 1 hour to my brother's for a Bday party, hung out for a couple hours, and drove home.  Goat was running during all of it.  Very cool!

I left the Goat a little inspirational message on his iPhone for when he finished the run.  Those are the runs that build character and mental strength in my book.  Goat answered the call today.

As for me, I'm heading out to Western States in two weeks to pace Bruce at the big dance.  I'm psyched to be going, but still can't believe it.  Life is so busy that it's hard to imagine being out there.  I'm really excited to check out the scene and super psyched to be running with Bruce.

BTW, here's a big thank you to the folks at Princeton Tec.  They totally rock!  I broke my headlamp about 1 year ago by running it over with my car.  Go figure!  Darn things break if you run them over!  Funny thing is that it still works!  The only problem was that the plastic bracket attaching it to the headband broke.  I emailed Princeton Tec and their customer service person, Pam, contacted me by email to see how they could help.  After a few emails, they understood what I needed and sent me the correct part at no charge.  My headlamp is "good as new"!  In today's world of automated customer service messages, it is so cool to get real support from a real person.  THANK YOU PRINCETON TEC!  I have to tell my marketing class about this one.

Hope everyone is having a great summer and putting in the miles.

Cheers!

Steve