Delayed at the Airport

Well here I sit, delayed on my flight to Denver for about an hour it appears. I could have ran after all this morning if I could have foreseen the delay.

As I sat here I watched a soldier preparing to board another flight. Apparently TSA relaxes their restrictions on non-travellers being in the boarding area for our brave fighting men and women, as he had his family there with him (wife, 2 daughters and son). I'm not sure how many might shed a tear for someone they don't even know, but I'll admit that I did. Watching them saying goodbye, all the hugs, photos, kisses, and more hugs and kisses, to the final wave as he entered the jet-way, it was very touching. That has to be the ultimate in goodbyes, not knowing if you will see him again. He was dressed in desert camo so I assume he must be headed to Iraq. His son was trying valiently to not cry (he appeared to be about 14 or so) and I don't if he was successful or not. I said a prayer for the soldier and his family and for all men and women defending freedom around the world. What a tearful sight.

I read an article in the current Runner's World magazine here at the airport about Project Hope, where two American women are dedicating efforts to help under-priveledged kids in Kenya gain access to running shoes and clothing, giving these kids, most of whom are orphans from parents that have died of AIDS, an opportunity to do something with their lives. It got me to thinking....

When I was at my cardiologists office in late June she was jumping up and down excited about my running and my progress since my bypass surgery in 2005. She said she wanted to make me her poster person for cardiac rehab work. I'm just an "over-the-hill" runner wanna-be, but it seems that I'm doing more than most that have gone thru this type of surgery. I may talk further with her to see if there is anything I can do to encourage cardiac care patients to get out and exercise more.....not just give up and sit in the easy chair. I know I can't "make" people exercise...but if they can see where I've been....what I've overcome, not just with the cardiac surgery but also with my weight loss perhaps they will see a light for themselves, an opportunity to extend their own life by improving their health through some form of consistent exercise. It doesn't even have to be running...or as with my case at the moment...run/walk. I enjoy speaking and wouldn't mind addressing rehab groups if that would be an appropriate avenue to take. Just thinking outside the box so to speak.

Yesterday was a day of rest and I feel that it was good to have that down time. Today I will run but it won't be until this evening after I get settled in Denver. I have to caution myself and remind myself to eat a light dinner, as I am sure I won't get the run in until after dinner sometime. Last week I had another 30+ mile week...woohoo....and it felt great. I've got 83 miles and some change for the month...with a goal of doing 100+ for the month...first time ever if I can get there. We have another long run scheduled for this weekend so I should be able to make it.

I hope everyone has a great Monday and a fantastic week!!!