This morning I ran for Meg. She was a mother of three, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a Christian, but what tied us together most was she was a RUNNER. She was killed by a drunk driver while out on a run earlier this week. This morning I dedicated my miles to her.
I am not sure if you have ever been a part of a community that is so amazing as the running community. You could know absolutely nothing about someone else other than the fact that he or she runs and you know INSTANTLY that you have their back.
I decided that I would hit the pavement around sunrise, since we had a friend's basketball game to go to at 9:30 this morning. The air was chilled, but I threw on my running shoes, an extra layer, took a couple Honey Stingers, and headed out the door.
The world was so quite and peaceful. It was amazing to see the world waking up to a brand new day... A new day that Meg would never get to experience. Remembrance was the name of this run today.
Sunrise shot down one of the side streets. |
I ran without music, without looking at my watch (not to mention it was under a couple layers of long sleeves), just me and God out there.
I took the time to pray for those left behind - Meg's friends, her family, especially her three children and husband. I prayed that this experience, although extremely tragic, would be used to bring others closer to God, not further from Him.
I thanked God for the opportunities and abilities that I have been afforded. Every run, every day, every breath is a gift - and often a gift that we don't think twice about. I apologized that it often takes a tragedy to force us to remember how fleeting this life is and how THANKFUL we should be for EVERYTHING we have been blessed with.
After I ran on the San Luis Rey River Trail, I went down to the beach, ran around the Oceanside Harbor, down The Strand, and then headed back home.
In all I did 10.5 miles. They were somber miles. But they weren't sad. They were miles that reminded me to be thankful for every moment I am allowed. I don't think it is a coincidence that they used the hashtag #megsmiles - standing for Meg's Miles, but also says Meg Smiles. Although I didn't know her, I know if it was me, I would definitely be smiling down for people taking a minute, a mile, or whatever they could out of their day to go outside and focus on something other than themselves.
Thank you for your life Meg.
2 comments:
Oh Carlee...this is such a beautiful tribute to Meg. I have tears at the sentiments you have so beautifully shared. Thanks so much for this post. Our lives are so precious.....thanks for the reminder.
This is such a great way to remember Meg. I myself didn't no Meg but I am so touched by her spirit she has left us all with. I ran 3 miles today and was thinking of her as well!! God Bless her family and all that are touched by her.
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