I don't know how lucky we will be with this cool-ish weather. But I love it. It allows me to run later in the morning or even at lunchtime. I ran 8ish this morning down to the lake and let the color of the new green leaves and the sound of the river, rushing fat with Spring rain, fill my soul. Training this winter was so hard, and it is satisfying to have a good memory of my Boston accomplishment/experience--but I run overall because of days like today. Mt. Timpanogs so white and majestic. The low clouds clinging to the Wasatch Front like cotton candy. Light rain and soft chilly breeze. An older gentleman stopped me on the trail to ask if I could see the albino Robin he'd spotted, in that tree over there, and he pointed to show me where.... Everyone I crossed the path with today had a cheerful word. I remember so clearly about two weeks ago, during one of my taper runs for Boston and for the first time in forever, 'enjoying' how it felt to run and be outside. I guess the hard work is what eventually makes running in general easier and enjoyable. But I am in love with the seasons, and being outside, and feeling well & strong. I don't want to get all nervous about how many miles I'm supposed to run Saturday. Austensibly, I should have a long run since we are 6 weeks out from Utah Valley. I should be in the 14-17 mile range for 6 weeks out--but I think I'm going to run 8 in the morning and then another 4 in the afternoon to break it up. I did that early on in my Boston training. We'll see. Saturday is the Provo Half Marathon! It's too bad the course will be so ugly with the temporary closure of the trail. I'm going to get my run done early so I can go watch a bunch of my friends cross the finish line: Michelle, Josse, Marion, and my hair-cutter girl, Jenn (who I talked into running this race a few months ago). Not sure who else is running Saturday. And then Happy Birthday to Marion! | 