The Harvest Half Marathon, Van Nuys, CA, September 22, 2019

Number 70:

I ran my 70th half marathon today on my 70th birthday weekend in Van Nuys/Los Angeles, CA. Holly and I came to Southern California to celebrate my birthday with my extend Lebanese family in Encino. It was also my dear sweet Aunt Louise’s birthday (She turned 90) and my second cousin, Lisa’s, 40th birthday. We congregated at the Lakeside Country Club for a great meal and a wonderful time of family fellowship!

I ran this race in honor of my dear Aunt Louise on her 90th birthday!  I love my Aunt and my Uncle Joe so very deeply. Losing my Mom and Dad much to early in my life had left an emptiness in my heart. That emptiness, was and has been filled, over the years, by my Aunt Louise and my Uncle Joe. At every mile marker, a special prayer went up for my adopted Mom and Dad.

Wow! I am seventy years old. I do not feel like it (or what I imagined it would be like when I was younger..... I cannot rid myself of imprinted images of Tim Conway and the oldest man in the world) I really don’t think I look or act 70 either. My cousins and my wife think I still act like I am 12 years old. Well, I am not going to live by the calendar. Seventy half marathons proves it. Being a gym rat proves it. Being an elementary/middle school principal most of my career, proves it. I will not be hemmed in by chronological age, as that may lock me out of valuable opportunities and blessings.

I have chosen to define my “later” life as a time of growth instead of inevitable decline. Plus, Holly has requested that I live until I am, at least, 100. I plan on fulfilling that charge and loving and serving her to the end! I am BLESSED!

Happy birthday, Aunt Louise and thank you for your love and encouragement over the years!

Now on to 75 half marathons (and maybe 100+ by my 100th birthday? What do ya think? )

Pasta 10K the weekend before this race.  First Place came with Chef's Hat and Apron.

The In Search of the Lost Scrolls Half Marathon, September 8th, 2019, Houston, TX

Number 69 (and the impact of a mother's voice)

Today I ran 13.1 miles at a reasonably slow gait, to raise money for the Ocean Conservancy. It is not a secret that I love and respect the ocean. I have been surfing, boogie boarding and body surfing since 6th grade. I have done a fair amount of sailing too. I grew up in Southern California, during the rise of the surf culture. I embraced it with passion. The Beach Boys songs still bring back many happy memories and I know the words to most of the songs!

In my early twenties, I had the opportunity to crew a 50-foot racing sloop from Hawaii back to Newport Beach. To consider it a pleasure cruise would be hokum. It was a very arduous task that took three weeks of toil. This trip was where I reckoned with the power of the ocean (I have almost drowned twice in the surf) and gained a respect (even fear) that has never left.

As we left Kauai, I watched the little island disappear into the distance and not until the 20th day did we see land again. Of the 21 days we were on the water, at least twelve of those days were in 10-12 foot breaking swells and horrible squalls that made it difficult to eat or sleep. Our 50ft Lapworth, the Nefertiti, and our tanned bodies, were beaten and bruised by tons of water washing over the entire boat. We were always leashed to the boat, (and in rain gear) just in case we were ever sweep overboard. Frankly, I am not sure the line would have held and I am sure we would have been dragged to our death in the violent ocean if we had gone overboard.

I learned a lot about myself on that voyage. I learned (again) what it meant to me to have an indefatigable mother who loved me and encouraged me. I will explain.

About midway in the trip, we had experienced a violent storm during the night. I was emotionally spent. Frankly, I wanted off the boat. I asked Mark, the captain and my high school friend, if I could use the ship-to-shore radio to call home. My Mom’s voice always touched my heart but this time it soothed my struggling soul. Her encouragement made the next 10 days so much more bearable. I can imagine that many of you can relate to these words. I so miss hearing her voice. Always cherish your moments with your parents.

Well, Number 70, in California, is in two weeks! Pray that my body holds up. My sweet Holly has been my champion and encourager over the years and especially the last few months as I have been pressing to run #70 on my 70th birthday weekend. Another bucket list item soon to be history!




 

The Message in a Bottle Medal for this Race!