I ran seven unplanned miles today.  My morning started out as usual for a Friday:

• get out of work at 7am
• home by 7:10am
• say hello and goodbye to morning babysitter
• make sure Carlos ate breakfast
• take Carlos up for a quick bath
• get Carlos ready for school
• change out of scrubs and into running clothes
• leave house at 7:30 to bring Carlos to school
• drop Carlos off around 7:45
• reservoir by 7:50ish
• run 3.5 miles around reservoir

That is the normal part.  Today, however, the preschoolers were singing “America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)” at the Veterans’ Day Mass.  So after finishing up my run I headed to the 9am mass.  I was dying to hear the children sing.  Carlos has been practicing the song for weeks now.  Let me just say that I have never see my child sit still and behave so well for so long.  He followed instructions and seemed to already know when to sit, stand or knee throughout the mass.  He looked back at me a couple of times, but each time had a very serious look on his face.  When it came time for the group to sing I think he got so nervous he didn’t even sing.  I wish I could have taken pictures, but the principal was sitting behind me so I didn’t dare!

At the end of the mass Carlos turned around and looked like he was going to cry at any moment.  I whispered, “is everything ok.”  Just then a cascade of tears rolled down his cheeks.  I rushed over to hug my little guy.  I asked why he was crying and he said, “because I just miss you Mommy.”  I couldn’t help but chuckle a little.  You see my son goes to preschool from 7:50am to 11am Monday, Wednesday and Friday.  Prior to this September he was home with me nearly every waking moment from the day he was born.

Carlos recovered quickly and moved along for refreshments and some playground time with his class.  I had about 50 minutes to kill which is not enough time to go home, shower and return so I headed back to the reservoir for another loop around.  It was a gorgeous day (how many times have I said that lately?).  We have been extremely lucky this fall.  I took my time, breathed in the fresh air and just enjoyed myself.  This run was definitely not about time and all about personal enjoyment.

Since this is my weekend to work getting in a long run today was a huge help.  I can’t wait for my 5K on Sunday!!!