running: the dawn

For the first time in over a month, my suitcase is unpacked, my refrigerator is full and I get to sleep in my own bed.  It is good to be home.  I’ve been on planes and trains, sleeping at friends’ houses and hotels, spending time with family and driving home for the past four weeks.  Man it feels so good to be back where I can relax and just live life.  No travel size shampoo bottles or trying to keep my clean and dirty clothes separate while still in the same suitcase.  But the best part?  Being able to choose from ALL my shoes!

Homecoming can be tricky.  There’s an awkwardness when you return to a place that was once familiar.   Like at high school reunions when you’re faced with all those hard questions like: How much has changed since I’ve been gone?  What did I miss?  Will I still know what to do?

You know, there’s a flow to a reacquainting conversation.  First you usually talk about the weather.  Then there’s a brief question or two about each other’s families and/or work.  The answers are short and mostly uninteresting.  Then you go over the latest information about mutual friends.  Eventually you get back in sync and it feels like no time has passed.

Being home this time means that my rest is over and I’m free to run again!  Last night I got to stay with Andi and we decided we’d go for a little four mile run.  It was crazy hot and humid when we set out.  It was just like having a conversation to get reacquainted with an old friend.  I wasn’t sure how the run would go and it definitely felt awkward during the first mile.  Like those first few questions that old friends ask each other.  I felt uncomfortable and full of kinks.  Doubting my ability to get over the hump.  It was great to have Andi there beside me.  Eventually I felt myself back in stride.  The light switched on and it felt right.  Like no time had passed.

So I’m back at my house, I’m back to running, and back to work.

Welcome home.