Since I’m leaving town this weekend, I did my Sunday long run today. I ran 13 miles around Lady Bird Lake. It was awesome.

The first loop, I ran with my friend, Kerry. We’ve been running together for over two years now, and though I’ve worked with her many, many years before that, our friendship really developed through our running. I’m grateful. She’s an incredible friend to have – loving, accepting, thoughtful, a good listener and really funny. And she makes me show up for my runs, which is always helpful. Even this morning, I was tempted to sleep, but I knew Kerry was expecting me.

After our loop together, I ran a second loop alone. I found myself singing (in my head, of course) various country songs on the loop alone.

It’s over when it’s over
Ain’t it, baby, ain’t it?
Rips ya like a dagger,
Can’t it baby, Can’t it
Wish we could do it over
Damn it, baby, Damn it
We had it in the air, we just couldn’t land it

Love me a little Eric Church at times.

I also found myself thinking about how lucky I am that I can run until 9 a.m. and get to work at 10:00 a.m. I know not everyone can do that. The flexibility I have in my work is astonishing sometimes. I’m completely supported by a wonderful office and completely independent to manage my schedule and do other work, like the writing I love. How many people have that kind of flexibility?

It’s been a while since I did a long run that I really enjoyed. I’m so glad I showed up for it, and I’m glad I got my long run in for the week. I have the Portland Marathon coming up in about four weeks, and I want a personal best. I think I can do it. Plus, I’m glad I get to visit Portland again soon. I’m glad about lots of things today.

Yesterday, I wasn’t so glad. But the ups and downs of life happen, no? The rough days make me appreciate the really good ones. Like today.