Blaze the Oceanfront Half Marathon, Long Beach, California, July 23, 2017

Race Number 59

Today I ran half marathon number 59 with a disquieted heart. I tried to stay focused, but it was difficult.

I have spent the last six weeks in Houston with my sweetheart, Holly. I flew down in the middle of June to be with her as she faced a major surgery and the recuperation process. I was blessed that I could be with her, care for her and love on her during this time. When I was not tending to her, I spent quite a bit of time getting Holly moved from her one bedroom apartment to a larger townhome. She is so excited to be in a place where she can have a craft room and plenty of space for her shoes, purses and clothes. I highlight those three categories because it took MANY hours to move those items ..... alone (I thought the kitchen would be hard, but I was wrong). I own about six pairs of shoes. Two pairs are running shoes. Holly has 125+ pairs of shoes. I will curtail my commentary at this point in fear of retribution!

Holly's surgery was successful but they did find some cancer. They are confident they got it all but there will be some follow up over the months and years ahead. Holly is one tough lady who I admire and love very,  very much. She (We) are very positive about the future prognosis.

So ...... I ran an "OK" race along the boardwalk/running path of Long Beach, California today. Yet, my attention was drawn to getting to each mile marker and sending up a special prayer, at each of those markers, for Holly, as I recognized how much I adore and cherish my beautiful sweetie!

Now on to some surfing here in CA, (for a week), and seeking the perfect wave!