Pork Bellies and Princesses

Date: Tuesday March 3
Time: 55:02

Miles: 4.65

I ate too much this last weekend! Too much pig. Just call me Porky. Dwaejigogi. Samgyeopsal-gui. Jeyuk. Dwaeji-bulgogi. After my run on Saturday, I was hungry. Bring home the bacon. Chewing the fat. Didn't stop eating until Monday. I porked out on pig. Now I am paying for it. As I look down, I can't see my feet. That's pork belly, not beer gut, I am looking at. God, it isn't fair. This was the weekend of NO will power. What happened to my "Just Say No" friends? Cho Seon Ok. An Jae Ok. Shin Yumi. Kang Yuri. Kim Hyun Ahe. Kim Me. You're all wimps. It's your fault my legs feel like lead pipes struck in thick cement. OK. OK. Enough of the whining. You are what you eat. And that's what I are.

Happy Birthday Kelly! I am dedicating this waddle through Bukgajwa-dong to you. In light of today's circumstances (see above) I am challenging myself to 30, 30 second- 30 meter sprints to celebrate your thirtieth birthday. ( I know it's lame-kid, I'm trying to be funny here. Isn't working, is it?) Yes, my newly 30 year old daughter, the princess of my humble kingdom, is a marathon runner herself. John (her husband), Jenny Hare-Macsee (one of her fab friends) and Kelly ran in the 2006 Chicago Marathon. They were superb! Their dedication to training gave them a marathon they will always remember.

I wanted to be at the finish line for her, but just as life clashes with the wishes of many of us, so my work schedule had me half a world away during this significant event. In my life I have missed too many of precious moments with my family. I admit it. I love what I do. I have a passion for this great cause. My family endures. My children still call me Dad. Sometimes, I am very aware I don't deserve it.

So, this run through neighborhood back alleys, along the Hongjaecheon Stream, criss-crossing the streets of three dongs is a time to repent and rejoice. Repent for pigging out. Rejoice for the princess (Princess--as in one who deserves to be treated royally, a person of great promise, one who has special favor in the eyes of her father, but brings special favor into the lives of all around her) in my life--the light of my life, Kelly. Wherever you are Kelly, I want you to know I remembered your birthday... I just can't remember your phone number.