For Adam's Grandmother

This past Saturday I ran the Baltimore Half Marathon. I had originally planned to run the full marathon but for a variety of reasons I decided just to run the half. It was a beautiful day for a run. This was the first time that I've run a half by myself. Usually there are other people I know who I run with. But this time I ran by myself and it was a special experience.

Unfortunately on Wednesday morning Adam's 88 year old grandmother passed away. She lived with Adam's parents so we saw her almost every weekend. In fact, I had beer and pizza with her on Sunday. So I ran this race for her. I imagined her in heaven with her husband and with my grandparents and other loved ones I have lost. It was so nice to think of all of them at peace.

While I ran I also thought of how supportive she was of my hobby: triathlons. While Adam and I are very blessed with our support network there are some people who don't quite understand why we do what we do. Some think we are crazy; others think we are causing damage to our body. Not Adam's grandmother. Never once did she question us. She was so supportive and was always eager to hear about our adventures. I still remember as we were leaving for the Ragnar Relay she told us, "Don't blow up!" I thought that was so cute.

As everyone grieves in their own way this was my way of paying respect to Adam's grandmother and allowing me to think of all the great times we spent with her over the past three years. I am so thankful for the time I was able to share with her.