Priorities, a new running friend, and a great long run

I have not had a chance to run all week and truth be told as much as it is important for my mental and physical health,  I was doing more important things.  Two friends have cancer and I was visiting them.  Running is so important in my life, as I have written so many times but witnessing people and families struggle with illness really helps tune in to what is important in life.  The saying 'Don't sweat the small stuff' sounds cliche, but cannot be more true.  I let my kids stay up a bit later this week, did not engage in petty arguments, and made a cake from scratch at 8:00 pm because my 8 year old wanted to bake (seriously, he started to cry when I pulled out a Duncan Hines box mix).

I wish all the strength to my friends and will continue to support and run errands and be there all that I can.

Today I set out to run 18-20 km.  Last week my long run was 17 km and I wanted to do more than that.  After I took my children to school, I saw a mom I recognized from the schoolyard and she was wearing her running clothes too.  I have seen her all year but did not know her name.  After chatting for a moment, we introduced ourselves and decided to run together this morning.  I ran 5 km first with Baci (which would give her time to drive home and get ready) then I would run up and meet her.  She does not live far from me.  Perfect!!  I can't tell you how excited I was at the prospect of having a human running buddy.

I think we run about the same pace which is a bonus.  A bit hard to tell as when I met up with her, I had already run 6 km and was feeling quite sluggish today.  We kept running and chatting and running and chatting and by the time I got home, I had run 21 km!!   I feel like Sam coming home and saying "Mom, I made a new friend at school today!"

It is also great knowing that on a sluggish day, I can run a half marathon in 2:15.  Great for the memory banks. I am really happy with that.  I can't help but think with the energy of a race day and knowing that I want to push myself, I wonder if I can run a sub 2:00 run on May 26th.  Very exciting thought but only time will tell.

My new running friend and I are planning on running again next week but definitely a shorter run.
Feeling mellow (tired and content) right now.  I think it is time for a cup of tea.