Saturday, December 19, 2009

Feeling Blessed

I was driving up the freeway this morning with a big smile on my face. The song Oh Holy Night came on and for some reason it started me reflecting on my life right now and how blessed I truly am. I have great friends in my life. I have a wonderful job. I have a family that loves me, regardless of all the hell I put them through when I was young and stupid. I have a Mom that tells me constantly how proud she is of me. I have a husband that loves me and respects me, he doesn't restrict me or try to stifle my "spirited" personality. I have a relationship with my daughter that I think a lot of mothers and daughters would love to have. I hope you have many reasons to smile today too!! ;)


So, why was I driving up the freeway this morning? I was meeting Aron in Berkeley so I could take her to Rodeo Beach for her first trail run. Yippee! It was very, very chilly. The sun was shining but the wind, which you can't SEE here, was whippin' and it was a cold one.

The RDs had to change the course due to one of the trails being closed for maintenance. I wasn't sure how it was going to be different for us doing the 8k because I had never ran the 8k here before. We ended up having to just do an out and back on a fire road. 2.35 miles up and 2.35 miles down. All open roads, no single track trails. :( Not my idea of showing someone what trail running is all about.

This was the closest we got to a single track trail, right along side the road:

I was a bit saddened by the course change but there wasn't much we could do about it. On the way there this morning, Aron and I had just talked about how we didn't like "out and back" courses. LOL
Aron did so great, as I knew she would. We walked the second section out the "out" part because it was a climb but I have no doubt at all she could have run up it. I think she is definitely light enough and a strong enough runner where she would be able to hop right on up that hill.
If ultra-running is in your plans Aron, I think you should go for it. Don't be afraid. I'm going to say right now, I think you would be a leader in the field if you were to some day soon enter a 50k. I'm just sayin'.
We finished in one hour and a few seconds. We hung around for just a few minutes (because it was so cold) and then I drove her back to her car. We were able to talk more and I am so thrilled to know Aron a little bit more now. She is such a sweetheart of a girl. I smile as I type that, just so you know. A real sweetheart!!! I get to add her to my list of "great friends" and one more reason to feel so blessed in my life.
Aron has a few days off during the holidays so I am going to try like heck to get her out to Chabot or Redwood Park (with the doggies) for some REAL trail running in the next couple of weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Until later.............

19 comments:

Mel -Tall Mom on the Run said...

SOOO FUN!! So one (of the many) things that makes me want to qualify for Boston 2011 is the idea of meeting and possibly running with Aron..

SOOO FUN!! I may do a trail run someday..

Dave said...

You are blessed....

RunningLaur said...

I can only imagine how much fun all of the dogs would have together out running!

Glenn Jones said...

Even though it may have been cold, it still looked pretty spectacular if you ask me! Those are some great vistas. I'm glad you and Aron had some fun together.

ONEHOURIRONMAN said...

Sorry the course was changed but the point was to run with a new friend and that goal was achieved.

Good job and glad you enjoyed and embraced the day!!

Unknown said...

Ha ha ha! Yes, that is actually kind of decent single track. There's water next to it. There are trees. The dirt was nice and soft.

Aron, there are sooooo many beautiful trails out there. Look forward to seeing you at more races! (Of course you too, JoLynn.)

Stuart said...

And another trail runner is born!

Lily on the Road said...

Sounds perfect,

Just catching up with all you've been up to...WOW, your trip with you daughter looks like an absolute blast.

You are blessed JoLynn, as we all are...xoxoxoxo

Shannon said...

Bloggy meet ups are awesome! Maybe one day I'll get to meet you & Aron.

Dave - Atlanta Trails said...

Didn't know you would be there. The course change sure was a bummer...it did make a the 50k a bit easier ...just a bit though :)

Marci said...

Wow that looks great, do you ever worry about wilflife there. My dad keeps talking about mountain lions, is he just paranoid? I love trail running and definately want to do it in CA when I visit next.

Aron said...

this post made me have a smile on my face the whole time i was reading it!! THANK YOU for taking me out there and for such nice words :) i am excited to have a new friend too and i cant wait to go hit the trails with you again!!

Tricia said...

Sounds fun! And it does sound like you are blessed :)

Unknown said...

this post made me smile. :-)

trailmomma said...

Beautiful pictures! I have never done a run over that neck of the woods . . . mmm might have to change that soon. :)
Thanks for stopping by my blog! I hope and pray that I end up with a fantastic mother/daughter relationship like the one you have. Happy trails!

Victoria said...

Naw, we're all blessed because we know you.

Glenn Jones said...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and your family! Thanks for taking the time to read my drivel!

Missy said...

That looks like great fun! How awesome that you met up with Aron.

2009 has been a great year. Merry Christmas!

René said...

Merry Christmas Jo Lynn! This Saturday the 26 might be a great time to hit the Coastal Trail Might rain on Sunday.