Birthdays

We can try to run from them, but birthdays find us every year…

Starting on my 30th birthday, I decided to celebrate by making a meal for my friends; to honor and thank those who stuck by me through that year’s shenanigans. I got the idea from The Hobbit. I never got into the book and as I recall never finished it, but I do remember how hobbits gave gifts on their birthday instead of receiving. Brilliant! Thus, the birth of my birthday dinners.

I try to make the menu healthy, but hearty. This year the menu included a butternut squash risotto (fantastic Martha Stewart recipe!!), roasted vegetables, and roasted chicken. Around our table were friends from my running and music lives, all eating and laughing together. To have that many people I love around one table is absolutely priceless.

Last year I added a new birthday tradition: a run with friends. Because I work until late, this becomes a night run (which makes it more fun, in my opinion). I make the run open to anyone who is in the area as I post the invite to social media, because a run is always more fun in a large group! This year we had a small but mighty group:

Meredith: We worked together at Athletic Annex and have been on and off (due to crazy work schedules) running partner and friend.

Johanna: We went to music school at Butler University together and have crossed paths in music and running ever since.

Andy: Once neighbors, Back on My Feet teammates, and fellow running enthusiasts.

Debbie: Adam’s mom and running inspiration.

Adam: My all time favorite running partner.

It was late and cold, so we ran 35minutes, a minute for every year of my life (in all honesty it was closer to 34 minutes, so I hopped around for another minute to make it official). I can’t imagine starting off another year any other way than with friends, family and a good run.