And I Remember ...

2012, December. A week that ended in unspeakable tragedy. Our words fail to amply describe this ache we feel. These cycles of pain and anguish ... life lived within a 24-hour news channel with a constant barrage of breaking news text alerts. Can we unplug and disconnect to escape? Is there anywhere left to hide? We run home to be with the ones we love and cling to our sure foundation. It’s all we know.

“And I came home

Like a stone

And I fell heavy into your arms

These days of dust

Which we've known

Will blow away with this new sun.



Happy 1st Birthday, Taj!



Caitlyn is busy keeping up with her school classes and raising Taj. He’ll be 22 months on Christmas Day. Taj loves to play with cars and is quite the dancer. He also likes to watch football with his Papa. Taj also enjoys picking out Thomas the Train and Curious George episodes to watch. Brody is very patient with him and puts up with his growing harassment.

And I'll kneel down

Wait for now

And I'll kneel down

Know my ground

Alexandra is now a high school junior. Last Spring, she scored the winning goal in the girls’ varsity soccer regional playoff game. She is now in the middle of her basketball season, which remains her favorite sport.  She's quickly approaching ACT test-taking time; so, there will be lots of emphasis on her college entrance exams in the months to come.

And I will wait, I will wait for you

And I will wait, I will wait for you




Alexandra (right) and her teammates celebrate their win as IHSA 1A Girls Soccer Regional Champs



Jim Furyk, Tiger Woods, Brandt Snedeker and Steve Stricker

When he’s not installing or repairing DSL lines, Darrin continues to pursue his passion of golf. His ultimate highlight this year was attending and working the Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country in September. We were able to watch the celebrity scramble earlier in the week and during the tournament, Darrin worked as a security guard and was assigned to Team USA’s clubhouse. He got to meet a lot of his favorite golfers and was absolutely thrilled to just be there.  Lasting impression: Phil Mickelson is a genuinely nice guy.



At CARA's Newton 20 Miler (Sept., 2012)



Darrin around Mile 20

It was a big running year for the two of us. I had committed to run the Chicago Marathon back in January after a teary lunch with a girlfriend as we discussed our goals and conquering fears. Darrin caught the marathon bug after we stopped at the Team World Vision booth at a race expo and watched their promo video which featured a friend of ours from church. Our starting base was the Soldier Field 10 Mile, which we ran together on Memorial Day weekend. The following week kicked off the official 18 week marathon training program. In late July, we ran the Rock’n’Roll Half Marathon, which was one of the hottest races I’ve ever run. For the final long run before the taper, we took part in the Chicago Area Runner’s Association Newton 20 Miler. Darrin and I were feeling very confident and hopeful of reaching our goals after that long run because we felt strong and our times were right on target. As you know, this past Summer was a hot one. When the morning of October 7th rolled around, it was about 27 degrees. Unfortunately, our bodies did not deal with the cold temps very well and our legs cramped us for most of the marathon. We both finished - not in the time that we had hoped or trained for; but, we finished and raised some money to help provide clean drinking water for families in Africa through World Vision.

Post-marathon group photo

So break my step

And relent

You forgave and I won't forget

Know what we've seen

And him with less

Now in some way

Shake the excess

Coldplay

Noel Gallagher

Music and running continue to keep me sane as my work responsibilities at the firm pull me in many directions. I’m grateful to be able to sneak off at lunchtime to get in a workout down in the gym or run outside down along the lakefront path. I snuck in a few concerts this year: Snow Patrol and Ed Sheeran at the Aragon Ballroom in April; Coldplay at the United Center in August; and Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds and Snow Patrol (again ... I have a weakness for Irish bands) in November. I also got to attend

Snow Patrol at the Aragon Ballroom

Lollapalooza for two days, but with a slight catch. I worked two separate shifts at Graham Elliot’s (“Master Chef”) Chow Town “Grahamwich” booth and once I was done, I was able to enjoy the festival. I was working in the food tent the day when that crazy storm caused an evacuation of the entire Grant Park area. Graham gave all of us a quick pep talk and told us to get somewhere safe. They eventually reopened Lolla and I was able to see Franz Ferdinand. The next day I was able to check out Jack White’s set. My big claim to fame was being able to make a truffle popcorn for Mr. White while at the Grahamwich booth.

But I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you
And I will wait, I will wait for you




Franz Ferdinand

 

Statute of Peter in St. Peter's Square

Field of Miracles in Pisa

Sunset in Florence over the Arno River

Felice anniversario! Darrin and I decided to celebrate our 20 years together by heading over to Europe in October for our own Italian adventure. We spent an amazing 8 days discovering Rome, Florence, Greve, Panzano, Pisa and Siena. The Tuscan countryside was all that we had hoped it would be. Rome is a bubbling metropolitan city that oozes with history and culture at every turn and its hallowed streets are filled with people from all over the world. The food was absolutely some of the best we’ve ever had; every meal was an event. Long walks that took us from one end of the city to the other, uncovering sites made famous hundreds of years ago by events that shaped the world. The art: Michelangelo’s David at The Accademia; Giotto and Botticelli at The Uffizi Gallery; works by Raphael; Matisse; da Vinci; and Michelangelo’s masterpiece, The Sistine Chapel. We saw a lot, but we missed so much, too!  We’d love to go back one day.

So I'll be bold

As well as strong

And use my head alongside my heart
So take my flesh
And fix my eyes

That tethered mind free from the lies





At the Villa Cafaggio Winery in Panzano





Galileo Galilei's Tomb

And I remember ... dancing with my grandson; early morning prayers with a friend; the joy of freshly brewed coffee at 5:30 a.m.; still dreaming of Florence mornings and Roman nights; seeing my girls at Mile 2 on the #CM12 course; walking out of the Metro station and looking up to see the Colosseum; the other boys from Ireland jumping right into “Hands Open” with such raw, pure energy at the beginning of their set and then sliding right into “Take Back the City”; our last Wednesday night yoga; meeting new friends from around the globe; running with m’lady for 6+ miles during #CM12; gelato; honeysuckle growing wild and fuller hydrangeas; the community of runners and walkers that greet me during my weekend runs at Marquette Park; learning how to perfect grilled salmon; long runs; greeting Hall of Fame Olympians; bachelorette night karaoke; a good Samaritan helping me out when I ran out of gas; climbing to the top of the Duomo in Florence; cheering on Team USA at the Ryder Cup; Nonna Gina's Amaretto; the wisdom of older women; high-fives; celebrating Taj’s 1st birthday; POTUS' motorcade; singing along to "Set Fire to the Third Bar” as Gary stood on the stage and I was feet away at the Aragon Ballroom; morning croissants; watching Alexandra participate in her sporting events; missing trains and trying new foods; pushing myself to a point physically in weather conditions that I began to wonder if I had truly gone over the edge; Chianti Classico; NATO Summit 2012; seeing the city come back into focus from south Michigan Avenue around the final 7-8 miles of the marathon; pushing myself to forgive; saying good bye to those we love; hugs from the 4's and 5's on Sundays; answers to prayer; burgers in Summertime at Sweetwater; lunchtime runs along the lake on those hot Summer days; hearing a voice that’s still whispering; crossing finish lines; “The Scientist”; the ability to fill my lungs with air to breathe and muscles that continue to propel this still 40-something body; and just how good God is.

Running across the Chicago River

But I'll kneel down

Wait for now

I'll kneel down

Know my ground

2013. May the new year bring much love and peace to us all. We pray that during this holiday season, you will be reminded of the blessings and gifts that money cannot buy. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.”

Raise my hands

Paint my spirit gold

And bow my head

Keep my heart slow

Cause I will wait, I will wait for you ... .”

“I Will Wait for You” Mumford and Sons



Inside of the Colosseum


 







 



10.7.12.  Marathoners! 

 

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course; I have kept the faith." 

Hot Coffee, An Ice Bath & Expired Chomps

I'm pretty sure that when I glanced at the Weather Bug app on my phone around 6:45 a.m., it stated "95% humidity." Ideally, I should've been out of the house much earlier; but, it probably would not have mattered much.  After the first two blocks, I could feel my skin crawl with beads of sweat.  By the time I was a 1/4 mile from the house, I was yearning for a cup of coffee and an ice bath. (I know, the oddest of combinations; but, I made an amazing pot of coffee this morning). 

I knew I was running slow by the time I made it to Marquette Park and hit Mile 1.  Long runs should be run at a slower pace than your weekly training runs; but I was disappointed, nonetheless, once I heard my pace from my Nike+ running app.  I knew that this run would be tough because I had to skip Thursday's training run after coming down with a stomach bug.  I felt beat up all week.  This humidity and heat just added to my problems.  As I passed the playground after 7:00 a.m., there were people already playing in the water sprinkler. 

I felt "off" the first two miles. My legs would not turn over properly.  I could hear my feet dragging on the pavement.  I totally needed GU (energy gel) for this run; but we had none at home.  All I could come up with was a bag of GU Orange Chomps that had expired last fall.  Darrin wanted nothing to do with it, but I tucked it into my Spibelt "just in case."  2.5 miles into the run, I desperately tore open in the bag.  It was almost unpenetratable.  I tried opening it with my teeth, fingers and a water fountain.  Finally, it opened and I nudged out a carb-filled orangey square.  I ate another.  Awful.  I know that within 10 minutes of taking regular GU, I can feel the effects (glycogen levels go up and I'm back in business). Nothing was happening after I ate these Chomps.  Ate another.  Nothing.  Feet still dragging.  Ate another.  No pep in my step.  There really is something to say about expiration dates.  Lesson learned.

Today's run required two laps of the "big" loop (2.4 mi.) and one small loop (1.2 mi.) and the up and back from home.  On the last of the big loop, it felt as if I had lost every ounce of sodium in my body.  Since my fingers were starting to tingle, I played along to Adam Clayton's bass line on Mysterious Ways just to keep my fingers and the circulation moving.  Of course, then, I start to think about their concerts and being on the field for the opening night of the U2360 tour at Soldier Field and I begin to feel energized and it helps propel me on ... especially as All Because of You comes up next on the playlist.

"I'm alive.

I'm being born.

I just arrived, I'm at the door.

Of the place I started out from and I want back inside.

All because of you ... I am."

This was a challenging week (the week after vacation) and a difficult long run to complete.  It wasn't pretty, but it got done.  Things I'm grateful for this week:

• Under Armour HeatGear Shorts
• Body Glide
• Sun Visors
• My mom's prayers
• A pedicure that has lasted all of June (and toenails, as well)
• The gift of music

Most of all, I'm grateful that I have the opportunity to help change lives in Africa.  All of this training and sacrifice is for a purpose: we want to help bring clean, safe drinking water to women and children.  Did you know that 4,200 children die each day from dirty water?  You can help change lives in Africa by making a tax-deductible donation to support our efforts:

 Team World Vision.

Yesterday began official marathon training.  I just wanted to post up a link to the fundraising page because I'm such a procrastinator with things. It's a work in progress (as we are).  The journey lies ahead; only 124 days to go. 

Darrin & Meridith's World Vision Fundraising Page

August 24th ... Milestone

Today is the one-year anniversary of my knee surgery. I got up early this morning and ran my longer Marquette Park route, which brought me close to 6 miles. The knee felt good. I felt blessed to have the ability to once again be able to go outside on a clear Sunday morning and just move one foot after another and feel my muscles working, my heart pumping and lungs filling up with air. It's good to be alive.

First Race of 2008!

Last Thursday night, Jennifer and I ran in the Race Judicata 5K, which was a benefit for Chicago Volunteer Legal Services. It was a rather momentous occasion as it was Jenn's first official race and my first race back from surgery. The weather was wonderful for an August night in Chicago. We hit the first split in 10:45 (mile 1), which definitely surprised me. My official time was 33:53. Jennifer finished a few seconds ahead of me. She has definitely caught the running bug and is interested in running the Chicago Marathon next year. My next race: the Nike Human Race 10K on 8/31/08.

Running partners Jennifer (165) and Meridith(167).

My First Run in Eight Months

Since coming back to the gym in January, I have faithfully stuck to the elliptical machines. I had wanted to start running in January, but my surgeon told me to continue working on strengthening my left quadricep muscle before I even thought about running. In the back of my mind I knew I wasn't ready, but I did know that I had to get serious about conditioning myself.

Lunchtime yoga on Wednesdays has been a regular part of my post-surgical routine since November. Nathan, my yoga instructor, has told me recently that he has noticed much improvement in my poses, which made me very happy. The women of my family are plagued by tight hips; so, obviously, this plays into our knee and feet problems.

Back to the what I was getting around to say ... I have worked up to a consistent 30 minute cardio cycle on the elliptical machine (2 miles) during the past month. Each day I'm at the gym, I watch in envy as the runners do their thing on the treadmills. I would tell myself that I'd give it a try next week.

This past weekend was the Shamrock Shuffle 8K race -- a race that I have run in for the past 6 years, but I could not run. I wanted to, but could not train. I was not ready physically. My quad was not ready. My knee was not ready. My mind was not ready. My heart was not ready ... or was it?

Since Nathan spent last week hiking throughout Arizona, yesterday's class was spent practicing Warrior II and desert poses. It was a tough class and I woke up this morning feeling the effects of it. I fought with myself to even go to the gym at lunchtime today, but I did go. I decided that this would be the day. I would put aside my fear and just try to run on a treadmill.

I did a 16 minute warm-up on an elliptical machine and then self-assuredly walked over to an open treadmill. It was a newer, gadget-filled treadmill. I put my feet on the tracks to the side and hit "quick start" and off we went. For the first three minutes, I felt awful. I mean, I felt sick because I wasn't sure what to expect ... was my left knee going to explode? Once I got past the five minute mark, I got my breathing into a decent rhythm and calmed myself down. My iPod was cranking "I Will Follow" and everything was coming back to me. I remembered what it felt like and this felt good.

I ran for 14 minutes between 4.5 and 5.0 mph and cooled down for another three minutes. I ran my first mile today in 12:20. I am ready.

Marathon Weekend

This Sunday will be the final running of "The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon". Bank of America has just completed its take-over of LaSalle Bank; so, next year there will be a name change for this premier event.

There's nothing like standing on the sidelines cheering on all of the runners. We used to stake out a spot near U.S. Cellular Field -- around mile 19 -- and watch the elite runners (including Catherine Ndereba, Khalid Khannouchi and Paul Tergat) go by first. I'd shout out "Jambo!" as the Kenyans and their rabbits flew by.

There is such an incredible feeling of excitement and energy as all of the runners pass by. You get a chill from seeing the Team in Training and World Vision runners who are running to raise money for cancer research or to help African families and children affected by HIV/AIDS. The rest of the field is made up of different men and women from all walks of life ... young and old, first time marathoners and 10-year veterans trying to set a new PR ... middle-aged women with their names written on their t-shirts who smile brightly and pump their hand up in the air when you shout out their name for encouragement... men wearing pink t-shirts declaring that they are running in memory of a loved one ... bodies with less than 20% body fat to Clydesdale runners. They all pound the flat, fast pavement snaking through Chicago's vibrant neighborhoods -- each destined to reach their goal to justify the months of training.

At lunch today, there were lots of people walking back from the marathon expo with their race packets slung across their shoulders. The sun was shining brightly and there was a definite feeling of hype in the October sky.

I wish I could run. I have a few months to go before I'll feel comfortable enough to get back out there. My knee is continuing to heal and I'm grateful that I finally got it taken care of. I'm placing my sights on running in next Spring's LaSalle Bank Shamrock Shuffle 8K ... wait, I mean the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle.

So, to Barbara P., Michelle S. and the 40,000 other runners who will line up Sunday morning ... run strong!

Hebrews 12:1 "... let us run with endurance the race that is set before us ..."