Sunday, March 22, 2009

It Is Well

It was during my long run, 8 miles that the following moment occurred. A good number of the CA Cruisers were running the inaugural Pasadena Marathon Redux the following day (don’t think for a minute that I didn’t want to join them, at least for the half marathon, but I digress) so I was pretty much on my own. I had gone solo over to the San Gabriel River bike path. I was about a mile and a half into my run when this song came up on my ipod. I was alone at that point at one of my favorite spots along the trail. The song, stripped down to the vocalist and the piano, combined with the rhythm of my footfalls was a moment of peace from the frustrations that life had been throwing my way lately. Nothing else mattered; just being in the moment and at peace for a few minutes was a gift.



That song was followed up with one of my favorite artists in a completely different genre. The video is totally goofy but I can’t help but smile through the whole thing.



Some time later I ran through group of Army recruits around mile 5 and again at 7. I ran a little more erect and a little lighter on my feet as I passed them. It was definitely cool to share the path with those kids committed to serving our country.

The run was completed without any major, or really any minor, pains in my right leg. I had seen the PT the day before and we made plans to cut back to once a week for about a month and then once again I’d been on my own. I have an appointment on Wednesday with the orthopedist. I will post an update on that midweek.

Sunday morning while the Cruisers were running around Pasadena I ran around my neighborhood for 4.5 miles. The weather was heavy mist at the start, although I had awaken to rain. By the time I finished the sun was doing its best to peek through the cloud cover.

I ended the week at 21.5 miles, my 2009 maximum so far.

I start my week off next week, with a visit to the dentist for a crown prep I’ve been putting off for a couple of years. That should be fun.

11 comments:

Wes said...

I have a particular place in my heart for music with the piano as its main them. rock-in.

It's the frustrating times that reminds us that life isn't all fun and games. hey, it can be 99% but you get the idea :-)

My fam is on crown patrol... We've had four done in the past two weeks. Somebody's child is having their college paid for by us :-D LOL... Good luck!

Jessica DeLine said...

Congrats on 21 miles and a pain free run! Chris Rice is one of my favorites too. Haven't heard that Toby Mac song but I like it.

Billy said...

I like the slower tempo music too during the times that I run with my iPod. It makes for a more spiritual experience.

Only exceptions are faster paced runs - then I like to rock out. Congrats on the weekly mileage PR for the year.

Anonymous said...

Isn't it amazing how music or other people or scenery or whatever can have such an impact on a run. Gotta love those good moments.

Glad the pain is staying away. Nice mileage!

Backofpack said...

It's wonderful to have the perfect moment in the middle of a run - I'm so glad it all came together for you that day. Keep cruisin' through the days Darrell, and remember, this too shall pass. Try to see past the frustrations to the wonderful things in your life, and yes, the wonderful bits of your teenagers. They are there, you just might not be obvious. Have faith in yourself, your wife and your parenting.

Unknown said...

Nice to be able to run alone at times.

Good luck at the dentist. May I never visit one again.

Jean said...

Aren't those little moments of peace precious? Very nice post, Darrell!

Anonymous said...

"It is well" is one of my favoriate hymns. What makes it even more meaningful is the back story.

From Wikipedia:
"This hymn was written after several traumatic events in Horatio Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son in 1871, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer). Then in 1873, he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on the S.S. Ville du Havre, but sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sailing ship, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel.

The Spaffords later had three more children, one of whom (a son) died in infancy. In 1881 the Spaffords, including baby Bertha and newborn Grace, set sail for Palestine. The Spaffords moved to Jerusalem and helped found a group called the American Colony; its mission was to serve the poor. The colony later became the subject of the Nobel prize winning Jerusalem, by Swedish novelist Selma Lagerlöf."

Makes the words mean that much more...

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Joe said...

Darrell, what a terrific post. Thanks for writing so well. I'm feelin' kind of fly myself just sitting here.

Cool to connect with the Army kids...thanks for your support!

I'm glad it is well in those inner moments. David beat me to the story of that hymn, which makes is all the more meaningful.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

David said...

I hope that tooth isn't screaming for a root canal.

Good on you for the annual weekly running high.

Bob A said...

Like David Haywood, It is Well With My Soul is one of my favourite hymns. And, I really like that Chris Rice album. Congrats on the 2009 weekly distance PR.