Dad has been doing some hard, physical things lately.
I just completed my second marathon of the year up in Bellingham. I chose that course for timing — to make sure my body was ready for the distance — and because it gave us the chance to see Aunt Nina, Uncle Jeff, and your cousins. Of course, I’ll always have a soft spot for Bellingham from my undergrad days at WWU. The marathon date conflicted with Aunt Nina’s “yoga spa retreat” (read: Mom getaway), but we still had time with the rest of the family, and you got all the cousin playtime.
Marathons are tough but achievable. I trained well for this one, adding weekly interval days at the track. My body held up consistently during the race, and while I didn’t push the pace too hard, I managed steady mile splits. I still hit a few walls — including some miles of high winds — but the scenery through the Lummi Reservation and north Bellingham was beautiful. Seeing Mom and Matteo around Mile 16 gave me the encouragement I needed, but the highlight was finishing with you and Matteo running at my side. And that sign you made — “Run like the person your dog thinks you are,” with Greta drawn so perfectly — absolutely nailed it.
Afterward, we went out for lunch, and I have to tell you: that burger and beer were the best I’ve ever had.
Just a few weeks earlier, I ran an epic thru-hike of The Enchantments — the same place Mom and I backpacked with friends about 12 years ago. It was one of Uncle Scott’s big ideas, and he did it last year himself. The Enchantments are breathtaking high alpine lakes, and the route is a true challenge. Our 19-mile trek took about nine hours, with 5,000 feet of climbing and 7,000 feet of descent. It felt like its own marathon, and I was proud to complete it.
I share both of these adventures because I want you and Matteo to see that you can do hard things. I also proved to myself that I can carry that kind of physical load while still showing up as a husband and dad. These challenges, though time-consuming, create the balance we all need to stay healthy in body and mind. Everyone finds their own version of that balance, and I know you’ll discover yours, too.
Our whole family has entered a busy season. You started 4th grade at Artondale Elementary, and between school and soccer practices twice a week, your days are full. Matteo has both soccer and baseball keeping him busy. Mom has stepped up as PTA president — and I think she’s as busy as any school administrator. On top of my own teaching load with two classes this fall, she’s launched teacher-support activities, started regular meetings with the principal, and even took and edited photos of all the teachers and students the first week — which had to be 12+ hours of work. I’m impressed with all she’s done already, and we’ve all needed to pitch in to support her new schedule.
So what do you do when life gets busy? Be intentional with your time. Get your exercise and your rest. Make sure you’re having fun — and call a “time out” when you’re not. And always remember: be the person your dog thinks you are.
Love,
Dad