I grew up in California, the Central Valley, with the shores of Lake Tahoe being a home away from home. Lake Tahoe is where water became a part of my soul. There are so many stories of growing up on this lake that have shaped my life.
Its early morning as I sneak a peek at the lake from my upstairs window. It’s glass! I decided to wake up my Dad – because he is always up for an early morning ski run. 
We grab one of my brothers to be our flagger and we head down the pier to our wooden Chris Craft stored in our boat house. As we lower it down into the water I am getting giddy with excitement – every time! Since the lake is crystal clear, we motor out far enough so I cannot see the bottom of the lake – don’t want to see the fish! It takes a good 10 minutes to muster up the courage to jump into this freezing cold mountain lake. It always takes my breath away. But the thrill of water skiing is worth it. It is pure joy to be pulled behind the boat, I don’t know if my smile could get bigger or my heart more full. Such peace and beauty. No one else is crazy enough to jump in that water so we head back to the pier. I had to sit on the dock in the sunshine to warm up and stop shivering. Lazy summer days at the lake! Who would have thought all these years later, my own kids would get to have their own Lake Tahoe water adventures.
When I think of running home, it is to the water. It is there that I feel most alive and free to be me. Where do you run?
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