Running Partners

Running partners are such great things! Today all day long I told myself in my head I was not going running. I was tired, a bit drained and kind of had a head ache. I didn't feel bad, just couldn't be bothered going running. Well, first of all let's clarify running....I am barely jogging and going up to this one point at the quarry that in actual time takes 10+ minutes...

Nonetheless, we are running...see James goes with me every time I go. He either jogs with me or rides his bike up there. We even have a running plan. I didn't want to be too unrealistic about how far and fast I could run so I decided to make goals that were doable. So the first week, getting to the Quarry and back was a success. Now we are running to the Mosaic people...member those from a blog a few weeks ago when Sam and I were on the walk up the Quarry? That has been our last 2 week goal. The people and back. Next week begins week 3 of our training and we are setting our new goal on the "butterfly gardens." We will do that for two weeks and then pick another goal.

It's quite fun having a little brother to do stuff like that with. Sam's knee just can't do a run and especially uphill, but James has offered to go so much that now he is my running partner. So much so, that today when I wanted to not go I couldn't resist when he came and said, "Are we going on our run today?" I said yes quick before I talked myself out of it...really what is 10 or so minutes going to hurt. And we had made a 3 day a week plan....and today was the 3rd day. I love my little brother and love that we run together. Today he even said to me..."you are getting up this hill faster and faster I reckon." It made me smile in how pure and encouraging it was. He's a sweetheart...fully 10--always making sure to correct me when I am doing something wrong....even was "teaching me how to drive a stick" last week :)

I am thankful for what God has given me here. And while I transition and learn to live in this new world, new culture and deal with stress I think I have it pretty good. A little escape of playing bejeweled at times helps too...I had a friend email me and notice how much bejeweled I was playing and asked if I was really doing okay, that I needed brainless games. She was right in her assessment :) I love living here and love having things like bejeweled and a little brother to run with to get rid of stress :)