When I arrived home from work last night the wind was blowing and the snow was falling. It was downright cold. I was looking forward to having a nice, warm evening at home with Marathon Girl and the family. I come in from the garage to find Marathon Girl dressed in her winter running clothes.
"What are you doing?" I said.
"I'm going to run," Marathon Girl said.
"But it's cold and snowy outside."
"I know."
"The wind is blowing."
"I know."
"It's dark."
"I know."
She gave me a kiss and was out the door. I watched her run down the road until she disappeared into the dark, snowy air.
Aidan brought me a book and we sat on the couch and I read it to him over and over again. Outside I could hear the wind blow and flecks of snow brush against the window.
Marathon Girl came home twenty four minuets later after running three miles. Her hat was covered with a thin layer of snow. Her face looked flushed and excited.
"How was the run?" I said.
"Great," Marathon Girl said. "It feels good to run again."
We cleaned up and had dinner. After the kids were in bed Marathon Girl snuggled up in my arms and feel asleep.
From the smile on her face I had no doubt she was dreaming of running her next marathon.