Sandy Memorial Run #19

Lake of the Woods

Sangamon River

My sister Sandy passed away 19 years ago on April 22. I have a tradition that I follow each year on Earth Day. I take the day off from work, run on the trails, donate to my local humane society, and think about my sister. I still miss her. She loved nature and animals so it seems like a good way to celebrate her life. Today I ran three trails at local forest preserves: Lake of the Woods, Heron View, and Sangamon River. Beautiful weather and wonderful trails. Sandy would have liked to hike these trails. Not run, but a slow hike. Appreciating the flora and fauna. I should slow down more and appreciate life. 

Heron View

Next year will be 20 years since she passed. I'll need to do something special. Local trails are nice, but maybe a grand venture at the Grand Canyon...a rim to rim to rim run? Or qualify and run the Boston Marathon? Or do an Earth Day ultramarathon? Or the Avenue of the Giants Marathon (where my sister went to school)? So many options, so little time. 

Now it's time to shower, eat a celebration lunch, and raise a glass to my sister.