It had been far too long since I'd seen most of the people pictured below. A little over 16 years ago, we sauntered across the stage at the Tacoma Dome, proudly donning our caps and gowns to become Kentwood High School's Class of 1993 graduates. I cannot believe how fast time has flown since then. It seems like yesterday...really. Yet as we met for a little impromptu KW reunion at the Ram Restaurant in Kent, it was amazing to catch up on each other's lives, to hear about love, family, jobs, loss, success & years of experiences. It was fun remembering old times & making new memories. What wonderful people! Here's to many more great reunions!
Do you remember the old Dick & Jane books from the 70's?
I do.
Last month, I felt like I was living one.
"See Jen. See Jen run. Funny, funny Jen."
I started the month of July out running. Literally. A dozen of my close friends ran the Seattle Rock 'N Roll half marathon the last weekend of June and although I swore to myself that I'd never succumb to peer pressure, especially not where running was involved, my will weakened while watching my friends dig deep to complete an exhausting goal. It was truly inspiring.
You've heard of runner's high? I felt it...and I hadn't even been running. That feeling stayed with me until the next week where I started adding a l-i-t-t-l-e running to my workout routines. Before I knew it, I was up to a f-e-w miles, & then my sly friends Jodi and Anna somehow tricked me into running 4 (f-o-u-r)miles with them. They were so kind and patient with my snail's pace & kept me going when I know I'd otherwise have probably quit after 2 or 3 miles. The whole experience was somewhat spiritual. I know you runners out there can relate. It's an incredible feeling being prodded on by positive encouragement, doing something you weren't sure you could do.
(Josh compares my running to Phoebe's mad running skillz on Friends...click on the video to see. So funny. Personally, I don't think I'm quite that bad. Just don't ask Jodi or Anna for their opinions.)
My body took nearly 5 (f-i-v-e) days to recover. Sad. I know. I'm sure it was comical watching me do ordinarily simple tasks like walk down the stairs, sit down, stand up, or even walk. Sore does not even begin to describe the pain I was experiencing. But, I must say, that I surprised myself and ran again as soon as I could. I have not repeated that distance...yet, but will.
Unfortunately, as soon as I was getting back into a running groove, I ever-so-gracefully bit the dust to save 10 dozen handmade truffles from certain destruction. (I'm sure Martha would've been proud.) The bridal shower goers were grateful, but my knees were not. They took the brunt of the fall and the remaining scabs are my proof that I'm not just making up excuses not to run (or water ski or wakeboard...I missed out on those fun camping activities as well).
I finally was able to run for the first time today, and it's been 2 weeks. Oddly enough, I missed it. (Really, who am I?) It feels great to be back on track. I'm sure bystanders watching me huff and puff think to themselves,
"See Jen. See Jen run. Funny, funny Jen."
But, hey, I'm doing it. Slowly, but surely I'm chugging along.
"I think I can. I think I can."
Oh wait, that's another story from childhood...
Jodi, Anna & Tasha: you just might turn me into a runner yet.
Needless to say, July flew by. Here is a small sampling of the fun we were up to last month:
