Haiti, my friend, and the half

Since my last post, much has happened. When the earthquake hit, didn't feel much like writing anything here - seems way too trivial in light of the human suffering underway. As often happens during natural disasters when you are not directly impacted, I froze. Not sure what to think or what to do. So I waited. A few connected industrious friends immediately sprang into action by organizing financial relief and literally finding a way to go to Haiti and help in any way possible. I respect this immediate call to action without second guessing if their personal/professional skill sets would help, they acted. Impressive. Inspirational.

On nearly the same day, an old friend was tragically killed in a senseless auto accident. A semi truck carrying a large coil of steel was not chained down to the truck with the right strength and when my friend Mike was driving by in the opposite direction, the chain broke and one of the best men I know was taken from this world. Mike was a runner - Mike ran every race like it was his last - Mike lived life and cared deeply for those who could not live life. He is an inspiration, and if your children are any reflection of who you are, Mike is impressive. While we didn't speak often, he will be deeply, deeply missed.

I ran the Naples Half Marathon Sunday. Ran my personal best by over 5 minutes. I finished in 1:39:32. My friend Mike ran with me Sunday too. He was in my mind and when I felt like slowing down (you know, just a bit so I can run harder on the last mile), Mike wouldn't let me. He kept prompting me to keep my pace. So I did. Managed to maintain an even pace throughout and felt great at the finish.

So a little over a week to the Miami Marathon. I did 10 miles on Wednesday this week and 5 on Tuesday with some shorter runs in between. Soreness from Sunday is gone, other than the blisters on my heels (don't run without socks when it is damp outside!). If I believe in the race predictor calculators, I actually have a shot at qualifying for Boston in this marathon the 31st. Not sure if I believe it, but somehow, I know Mike will be there with me with his advice, "keep the pace." I hope I can listen.