Training Log Archive: Bash

‘Bent’s family went for a Passover hike and picnic at the Kortright Centre. I needed a change of scenery, and this was nice. I’d forgotten how beautiful the forest is there and how hilly some of the trails are. Elapsed time was quite a bit longer. I’m only logging it because it was the first time I felt like going outside this week.

I've been doing a lot of writing today. Here is one favourite story I'm leaving out of Mom's obituary and eulogy in order to protect the guilty (who would be easily recognized in my home town).

When Mom and Dad got their puppy Misty almost 25 years ago, a neighbour child came over to meet her. Over the years, the boy became like a grandson to Mom and Dad. He sought their advice, had lunch with them and called them when he had problems instead of calling his own parents. He's now in his early 30s and has continued to phone and text Mom.

Mom recognized he was gay before he did. His strict Christian family had taught him that homosexuality was a sin so it took awhile for him to be sure. When he finally came out, his parents disowned him. Mom and Dad stuck by him, accepted him for who he was and took up the slack, providing emotional and financial support to help him get on his feet. Just another reason I'm proud of them.

My beloved mother, Dorothy Campbell, left us at dawn and I already miss her with all my heart. She was caring and generous, organized and creative, smart and tech savvy, independent and principled, active in her community and lovingly devoted to her family. She had a soft spot for teddy bears, Snoopy cards and dogs of all persuasions.

Mom was a talented musician; the soundtrack of my childhood was her beautiful piano and organ music. Although she tried, I didn't inherit her musical gifts or culinary skills, nor her ability to keep a tidy house.

Mom and my late father, Bill Campbell, were blessed to share 63 years of wonderful adventures and beautiful gardens together.

Rest in peace, Mom. You made a difference.

So many emotions. I’d like to talk to Mom so much more but I think we’ve said all the important things.

This is the first day of 2019 that I’m not logging anything. I wanted to force myself to spend a few minutes on fitness even on the busiest days because I’d lost motivation in 2018. I’m back to training more consistently this year so I don’t think this training goal is helpful anymore, especially while Mom is in hospital.

I was home today and expected to go for a long run after missing my ultra on Saturday but my heart wasn’t in it. AdventureDog sure was keen though. I’ll try again.