It certainly wasn’t special because of the mileage or the pace. In fact, I pretty much sucked today because of an arthritis flare and a bit of a hangover (I know…excuses, excuses). However, as I was running along my favorite trail in Forest Park, the song So Alive by Ryan Adams came on and I cried a little bit. That song really touches me; hearing it drove home just how happy and grateful I am for my life right now. The remission news yesterday was such a huge relief. I cannot begin to describe the weight that has been lifted.

After that song, Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus came on (Don’t hate. That’s a good running song). The lyrics remind me so much of how I felt when I first moved to Los Angeles, and never fails to make me smile, even on the toughest runs. It was pretty much perfect timing as far as my playlist was concerned.

Hearing that song made me think of living in California with the ex, which reminded me that today would have been my 9th wedding anniversary. That’s bittersweet for sure, but I don’t regret any of it. In fact, for the first time ever I can honestly say that I don’t regret any aspect of my life. Even the worst times, and there have been some doozies, were experiences worth having. My entire life, the good and the bad, have made me who I am today, and I’m pretty damn awesome.

So yeah… today’s run, while mediocre in many respects, was special to me. I will now step off my soapbox, and leave you with pics from today’s run. I love running in Forest Park. I’m not convinced I would get up so early if I wasn’t running in such a beautiful location. City living, ftw.