my tree

3 days ago

2 min read

Updated: 41 minutes ago

I've had more than one tree be significant in my life, but this is the one I would consider to be "my tree". If any of you were friends with me back when I was on social media, you know this tree. Yes, it is that tree. The tree from my "front yard" at the yellow beach house where I rented a small apartment on Alki Beach, Seattle. Bliss.

At one point when I was living in Seattle I decided I wanted to improve my consistency. The way I decided to do this was by beginning a Daily Run Streak. One July 31st I realized that if I wanted to start the Run Streak on August 1st, I'd have to run tomorrow. The rules were simple, run each day. I can't remember if I had a mile for a minimal distance, but I know I kept it simple. The only decisions I made each day were when (morning, afternoon or evening) and direction (left, right, or behind, up the hill).

Back then I would post on social media, and often I would post a picture of "my tree". This tree became quite special, even beloved to me, and I suspect others.

That Daily Run Streak did help me create consistency. And I did start that year on August 1st. It lasted 269 Days.

I ran around the bases on the Seattle Mariners' baseball field, ran on Highway M-22 in Michigan, ran with friends during half marathons, and ran on Mackinaw Island.

Yet, running from the yellow beach house on Alki Beach in West Seattle was the majority of the running, and where "my tree" lives.

Since then I've been back to Seattle, and yes, I visited "my tree".

I miss it.

Silly, I know.

But significant things make a difference.

"my tree" was significant.

"my tree" made a difference.