Annabelle’s a runner

With the onset of warmer weather, I’ve been running again.  2 days ago, Annabelle said she wanted to join me on a run.  Or at least that’s what she pantomimed.  She asked about it again yesterday in Bedford, but it was dark, and I wasn’t planning to run.  So this afternoon when I got home, I mentioned it to her, and she said Sure!  I told her to change into shorts, and she said “No!  Too cold!”  So while I changed into my running clothes, Kim found some sweats for her, and we headed out.

We started off with a little stretching, which Annabelle thought was hilarious.  You have to hear her–one of her favorite phrases (just slightly behind “Daddy crazy”) is “What are you do-ying?”  That’s what she was saying to me here.  Apparently, 9 year old girls don’t need to stretch as much as 41 year old men.  She can put her handds flat on the ground, while keeping her legs straight.  I don’t know that I’ve ever been able to do that…

After she instructed me on the finer points of limbering up, we took off.  Sadie joined us on Lilly’s bike, and we set out toward Spring Creek Park.  Annabelle said she wanted to run to her school, which is about 2.5 miles from our house.  I wasn’t sure how they’d make it that far, but they exceeded my expectations.  Annabelle jogged about a 1/2 mile before she started indicating that she was ready to turn around and head for home.  We took the scenic route, down through MillBrook Marsh, along the creek.  About halfway back, Sadie let Annabelle sit on the bike, which I pushed while she steered.  Sadie’s a pretty accomplished bike-ster, while Annabelle mostly laughs while I push!

After I got them safely back home, I slipped back out for another couple of miles.  It’s good to be outside, and jogging always gives me a chance to clear my head.  We’re ready for some Spring weather here in Happy Valley!

Our Life Group meets on Thursday nights, but since most of the group is affiliated with PSU, most of them are still away on Spring Break.  But the 4 of us who were around tonight had a great time talking about what God is doing in our lives, where we’re being stretched, and some of the things we’re seeing/praying for at Midtown.

Aaron and Jess Hart shared a little about Love Songs for Haiti, and the benefit concert that they’re planning.  If you’ve got a minute, check them out on Facebook.