Runs with Emily

One of my favorite things is early morning runs, especially when those runs are with a friend! There is something about being outside in nature, doing something hard, watching the sun come up, and knowing most of the world is still sleeping that is so energizing, I love it.

Emily has been my training buddy and a good friend! Her house is just down the road from mine and she has three adorable girls that match my kids in age. We met at the bus stop and quickly became friends and running buddies. We have so much in common and I have been so grateful for her friendship. During the school year we would often meet with our jogging strollers and run to the elementary school to pick up Myra and then continue on our run. Some Saturdays we get to go for an early run and go a bit farther. A couple times we drove to Manassas Battlefield, to switch things up a bit, take our runs off the roads and onto beautiful trails.

Most days Devin leaves super early so I miss the sunrise, but every once and a while...

There were so many deer! They were everywhere!
We saw at least 20.

11 miles accomplished!

Bruce gets to come too. On this particular run he chased out a turkey, lots of deer and birds. He was in his heaven.

One of the great things after our runs in Manassas is that we get to stop for breakfast at Panera afterward. We're stinky and sweaty, and feel over-indulgent taking extra time away from our kids but its nice to pretend like we are normal people, friends taking a little time to eat and be served and enjoy ourselves.

When I got home I found this funny list on my door. Devin had the kids brainstorming at breakfast why I wasn't home yet:

On some runs we have to cross over flooded stepping stones. 

And on our last run there was a police car parked in front of Emily's house (at 5AM), and we were stopped by three police men and a dog who instructed us not to go down the trail. They were after a burglar apparently. Added some more excitement to our run as we watched the helicopter circle overhead. We were glad to have Bruce with us that morning. 

And then, she had to move. She's on her way to Japan for three years, but I know they will be back because they own their house. In the meantime I am going to miss my friend!