Probably not such a great idea to run a half marathon the first Sat. after not running for 2 weeks. I ran extra miles on Thursday after the Freedom Festival and could feel it yesterday. On my last trail run, I got horrible poison ivy, probably using the bushes somewhere (tmi). Because of my immune system idiocy, the rash became pervasive and they had to put me on prednisone and augmentin. So I have been a dragging, swollen, bag of hives and blisters driven to the brink if itchy madness. The rash, is gorgeous, as far as rashes go. So there's that. But anyway, we wanted to run with Josse and Michelle, Rachel, etc. for some impromptu RHPC love for Josse and because Michelle's here from Hong Kong. I saw Michelle Thursday doing the Freedom 10k and cheered for her as she speeded past me going up 9th east going on to become the first woman finisher (way ahead). Anywho, I made the mistake of bringing my sweet old dog Sara today, who's 9 now and losing her hips. I did it to ensure that I would only run 6 or 8 miles. But Rach kept me company and before I knew it we'd already gone 5. So I let her go ahead, I finished the 6.6 is and waited so we could finish the canyon, I was actually feeling great, but my dog, not so much. Poor old girl. We actually had to wait on her a few times. She's no good for more than 6. The girls brought breakfast fruit and water (I got locked out of my house at 6am leaving my cut, chilled watermelon on the kitchen counter). It was good to see Josse and Mac and Michelle even briefly, but I really need to get with it and call Karen (Smooth's friend/neighbor). Running with the guys my own age was a revelation when I ran 13 or 14 with their group a few weeks ago. I'm ok with slowing down if I can keep some good company. Anyway, Josse's having it tough, more tough than anything I am fit to bear and so we wanted to show her our love and support today. I'm glad I went, though my dog and I will be a little sore today. If my rash and the fever would just subside ill start some regular mileage this week. The cooler weather and the rain were literal heaven to my skin. Sending my love and gratitude to the universe and saying a prayer for Josse, Jade and Karin and their family. 9:44/9:42/9:50/10:01/11:16/11:45/11:30/9:25/10:10/10:02/9:47/10:30/10:09 | 