Boston

I will never qualify for Boston.

I will never run a marathon.

I may never run another half marathon.

But I ran today.

I ran my 2.26 mile route.  I ran without intervals.  I ran without stopping.

I ran without fear.

While I was running I thought about all of the races when my children and I stood at the finish line cheering on Brian.

And all of the times our roles were reversed and they stood at the finish line waiting for me.

I listened to my breathing. I felt my feet hit the pavement.  

I ran into a cold headwind. I ran up the hills.  I ran with my calves burning.

I waved to the cars as they passed.  Few waved back.  They didn't know why I ran.  That's okay.  I knew.

I ran because I could.