Runnin' around the Flight Line

After Brian left in August, I realized I needed to establish a rhythm in something.  I couldn't start classes as soon as I wanted, some spouse things were ramping up so I couldn't commit to anything that would involve more sitters, so I decided, it was time to RUN!

The duo

Running isn't my first sport of choice. If I could have it my way, I would play a team sport like pick up basketball everyday with a group of people as out of shape as me :) but the fact is, I need an activity in my life that can involve a jogging stroller - and freedom.

my favorite new running gadget - support local! (well, Kansas at least)

With Brian in my rear view, I embarked upon running around the neighborhood and exploring my new surroundings.  I ran around housing, the football field, the areas I knew - and then I discovered it...(on a bike ride with my neighbor and friend, Erica and her kiddo, Ethan)
The flight line run.

On the way to the south side of the runways

My personal fav route is running along the south side of base, past the golf course, around some weird base buildings and then there you have it - open spaces. There's something about open fields and grass that reminds me of home.  I find that my soul is calm when I can gaze a long distance. And there's something about seeing airplanes that remind me of loooooove :) (awww cheeeesy)
Around the southern loop, you can look north to the runways and west to the mountain ranges and mt. Fuji...and well, I like looking north and west.  So does Piper.  She leans up in her stroller and points out all the aircraft - the helicopters, the Japanese jets about to take off and even the tiny distant jets in the sky - she's got her father's eye for flying vessels!  She has a hoot and I have the chance to roam freely and listen to whatever music mix I've made for myself.
ME. TIME.

Fuji-san at dusk

I have also discovered that I am in intense admiration for all the runners and especially, women out there running with me or past me.  They're running hands free or they've got their jogging strollers, (single or double), doing their single parent thing.  Who knows if they have a sick kid, a whiny kid, or having a splendidly easy day (riight) - They don't get time off, people - our husbands don't come home at the end of the day....And these women are out there busting their butts, working hard, making themselves look and feel good.  I'm proud to be running amongst them and I want to be like them.

running the north side of the runways give you a great viewpoint of the 102 Hangar

The last thing I love about running, is the ability to push my body.  I've seen my body do sports, run a marathon, make a baby, gain and lose weight, get up into my 20's - the body is a SPLENDID thing and the only thing in this world that gets better with use.  I'm thankful for my health and my goofy head that thinks I can seriously participate in races - showing up is half the battle, right?

the view from the east side of base (looking west)