A Lovely Life

In 2015, I met Noah Williams and his mom, Naomi, in a hotel in Washington, D.C. while helping out with The Kyle Pease Foundation at Marine Corps Marathon. My life's perspective has changed since meeting them. <--BIG understatement Noah has some significant disabilities, but as he and Naomi prove every. single. day. he is not defined by them. In fact, Noah is redefining what success looks like for everyone who has the pleasure of knowing him. He's a full time student, an accomplished athlete (more races that I can count) and artist. That kid is pure magic and that toothy grin of his is simply the best.  His mama isn't so bad, either. She allows me to take her kid at any time and literally run without question or hesitation. A great "happenstance" to all of this is that she has become one of my closest friends. To date, I've completed 2 half marathons with these two and announced my retirement in the middle of each one because running is not my fa

There's apparently something about November 19th and changes in my life... 2 years ago: moving out of the ex's house 1 year ago: announcing that I was making the big move to beautiful Colorado Today: planning my next big adventure! After 2 years of major life changes and constant adjustment, I'm finally feeling like a settled human being. So, I've decided that 2018 is going to be the year I push myself physically and mentally. 2 half marathons are on the schedule along with the most exciting part: a multi day bike adventure with an assisted athlete here in Colorado in support of The Kyle Pease Foundation !!  I've learned enough about myself that I will not agree to push myself hard physically for any length of time unless there is another person who is behind the WHY. Doing this in partnership with another athlete who necessarily wouldn't be able to otherwise, is enough to get my ass off my couch and get it done! Details are still being worke

I've written this post a half dozen times....struggling with what to say and often feeling defensive or embarrassed. Wondering about the judgement I'd receive for being so open and honest. Not wanting to hurt the feelings of those of you who have been so ingrained in my marriage and divorce. And then I reminded myself that I'm not me unless I'm being painfully open and honest. This is MY story and this part is one of my unexpected favorites. Some of you may recognize this guy. He was a big part of my life for a long time. He's that guy I've mentioned from time to time....the one I was married to. A few weeks ago, he was in Colorado visiting family and we spent some time together. It was the first time in over a year that we'd seen each other. Meeting him for dinner felt like a really awkward first date, but with someone I had known for years. Those feelings sure were a mixed bag! I consider he and I some of the lucky ones. We're the ones wh