Is it corny and trite to say that I've always imagined that I would live in a community that reflected the WORLD?  Different types of people, different colors, personalities, unique qualities and talents?

That we could all live our lives but somehow contribute to the lives of others in meaningful, kind and constructive and helpful ways?  I guess that's why I blog...and why I shared that story about our daughter coming home...I haven't felt the blog community to be anything other than CARING AND HELPFUL.  HOPEFUL.  I'm grateful.  Thank you all so much!

Do I sound like MARY SUNSHINE?  Are you opposed to reading what else I have to say because this is just TOO PIE IN THE SKY, too ROSEY, too idealistic?

Idealistic, realistic, optimistic?

I am entirely optimistic for my daughter and Sparkle Pants.  I know it's not going to be easy for them but we've re calibrated, , set up some new house hold boundaries for all of us and now, moving forward.  Let me thank the author of this book for some insight!

I'm finding that just remaining in the present and staying mindful is helping me in EVERY are of my life.

 I also need to thank those people in my COMMUNITY/FAMILY/WORLD for their unending LOVE and confidence in all of us.  THANK YOU BLOGGERS for your supportive comments and know that it was important to share this information with people who are in my WORLD because this is life.  Hiding or putting on the "RUNNER BLOGGER MASK" just isn't my thing.  I'm many different things but a runner is only one of them...thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Our 7th and FINAL Cross Country Race!

I might have neglected  to mention that besides everything else going on in my life,  I am now training for the Carlsbad Marathon in January!  This week had no room for tapering for today's 6k but it's all good.  I managed 42 miles this week and definitely felt the fatigue in my legs during the last mile of the xc race.  Last Saturday was a 15 miler on hills with 4:30 spurts at marathon pace.  I felt sturdy and strong and felt totally recovered by track night on Tuesday.  That night I did 10 miles and didn't feel great by Thursday but did pull off the workout.  Yesterday, my recovery miles were slow and few but I did wake up HAPPY and ready to race.

Starting line!

There was a STACK OF fast masters women today, everyone is  gearing up for the XC Championships in San Diego in two weeks.  I managed to stick to my 6:45 pace goal for the first two miles and then slowed down to about 6:51 for the remainder of the race.

The terrain was mostly rolling, grassy hills and trails with some flat trails, lined with honking geese.  I have DEFINITELY learned to stick with a pace effort  over the terrain rather than aiming for a set finishing time at a XC race.  There are just too many variables with the terrain and other runners.   Again, I had the time of my life today and ended the race slightly sad because this was our last one of the season.  Our team has become so close and supportive of one another but we'll move on to the Championships at Mission Bay shortly! It's not quite the END!

Again, the marathon training is first so I'll also   keep on with the longer training.

THANK you, THANK you, THANK you once again for your thoughtful comments and support. I am grateful for each and every one of you.

Fondly,

meg