The Runner's Rest

The training program says that I should rest today. But I feel fine. Apparently the body performs better in the long run if there are periods in which to rest and recover. Based on what I read, the muscle fibers heal more fully with a rest day and end up being stronger. OK. If Mr. Higdon says to rest, I'll try.

This will give the opportunity for a non-running reflection. Since January we have had the greatest foreign exchange student experience possible. Nana is from Denmark, is 16, and has been a joy to have be part of our family since mid-January. I'm sad that she is going home in a couple of weeks. Thrown into a new cultural experience, with a family that she did not know, into a new school, new foods, new ... (you get the idea). I have not heard her complain one single time (other than joining in with one stray comment about the cold in mid-February). She has tried new foods--including sweet potatoes; new experiences--including kayaking, a 10k run (see picture at right), and being on the track team; and has found new successes--her quilt that she made for school is stunning. Props to her parents for raising such a delightful young lady. Now we get to plan a trip to Denmark for a visit and to meet the rest of her family.

Sometimes tackling a scary adventure can provide the opportunity to experience so much more than we ever would have had we not gotten past our fears. Is it worth it? Nana would say it is.