Veteran's Day Solo Memorial Run

On Veteran's Day, last Tuesday, I ran 13.1 miles, by myself, no formal race, to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, whose lives were cut short and are not here to run, as well as to honor those who served and came back physically and/or mentally challenged and can no longer just go out for a long run.  I ran to honor all those who have served over the years, in all our past wars. You see, I did it because I could.  Though 13.1 miles is no easy thing, it was easy enough for me.  The discomfort was nothing compared to what our service men and women have endured.

Before I left in the morning, this was the sunrise I saw.  I walked towards the fields for a better look.  As I gazed out at this beautiful view, I was also thinking about the Veterans who were never able to come home and appreciate a beautiful view like this, or those who came home whose bodies and spirits were broken.

As I ran, I saw a small patch of trees still vibrant with fall colors.

Beautiful Fall Views

We've been out running and I am hoping to build up to doing a 10 to 15 mile run at least once a week.

Marine Corps Marathon

I've run about 4 Marine Corps Marathons but this year, our son, Nick, ran it.  We went to DC to cheer him on. Dave and I were able to see Nick at five different points along the marathon, partly because we were geared up to run ourselves and are fast route-step marchers, and partly because we know DC and the MCM course so well. So we got some good exercise ourselves this day.

Father-son hug in the middle of the marathon.

Father-son high five.

The last mile.

Our son and his SIL who'd run the Marine Corps 10K which ran simultaneously.

Our grandson with his dad's medal.