I woke up this morning with an inexplicable urge to run.

No, really... Not to run away from anything, just to run.

Normally, my morning routine consists of lingering in bed, snuggling with my dogs, who lie next to me snoring happily, and letting my cats walk all over me while purring fanatically. It's a great way to start the day, full of unconditional love and comfort.

I usually follow this with 10 or 15 minutes of meditation before rising for coffee or tea. Needless to say, I don't like to rush in the morning. And I almost never get the urge to RUN anywhere - least of all on the treadmill in my living room.

But this morning was different. This morning I wanted to run. So I put on my workout clothes, laced up my running shoes and climbed on the treadmill with sleep still in my eyes and breath that would knock over a dragon.

I was on the treadmill for no more than 5 minutes before I realized what today is. Today is my Dad's birthday. Okay, now you're asking, "Yea, so what's that got to do with anything?" 

Well, my Dad died 6 years ago as a double leg amputee. For the final years of his life he couldn't walk, let alone run. Instead, he spent those last years in a wheelchair, or in a hospital bed.

When Dad died I made a commitment to him and to myself that I would walk every chance I got; that I would walk for both of us. And this morning, I walked, I jogged, I ran, I sweated, I cried and I laughed - for both of us.

Hope you enjoyed the run Dad. Happy Birthday!

 


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