4 weeks away

I watched my sister-in-law run her first marathon today and along with it I saw many people who were also running their first half marathons,  and I remembered the feeling of being there and having the nervous anticipation of waiting at the start line. I'm glad that I could be out there to help Felicia and other runners along the way, it was a kind of pay it forward to all those people who supported me during my tough moments in a marathon or half marathon. I handed out chocolate, tissues, and oranges to runners who seemed to greatly appreciate it. I can only hope it helped them. 

As of now I'm still trying to get over a cold and my lungs are tight and yet I would like to go for a long run tomorrow. I still have no hopes of trying to set a PR for this half but I do have a hope of looking forward to it a little more. 

I just learned that a good friend of mine passed away today, he was too young. We hadn't spoken in a while but had been in touch through Facebook. I knew of his life now when otherwise I would have lost touch with him a long time ago. It's amazing how close the Internet can keep us. His passing makes me want to run more, to celebrate life while we have such a precious gift. I will celebrate Dane's life because that's what I feel I should do. I pray for those who are missing him most, his wife and parents. Hug your loved ones a little more because life can be short. Say a prayer or have a moment of silence for those who are taken too soon. Most of all, life your life to the fullest.