The Long Run

I was going to skip my run this morning, but while laying in bed I heard a Sandhill Crane flying overhead and squawking. I have no idea what Sandhill Cranes have to do with running, but I got out of bed and went for a short easy run on a nice cool morning, and felt better at the end than at the beginning.

Jenny was at the Gulf Beaches Holiday Halfathon.  She ran 1:46:35 and felt really great.  I think this is one of her best feeling runs in a long time, so I was very happy for her.  That is one of my favorite races around.  Very home towny feeling.  Have been going there most every year since 2006 except for two years ago when we were out in Texas and Jenny was running the White Rock Lake Marathon.   This year I stayed home.  Made it much less stressful than hauling kids down to watch who didn't want to be there.  Although I must admit I did miss going this year.

Started out slow and slowly got a little faster by the end of the run. Thought about cutting it shorter but felt better after stopping for water.

One more day of running without a break, but it wasn't too bad.  I don't think I'll go through the whole week without taking a day off even if it feels like I could.  Afraid it will catch up to me eventually even if doing slower paced.  Although, I guess some people get away with it.

P.M. - went to Jenny's boot camp at FlexOne.  A couple new students were there including another friend from Striders that I've known for years (since I first started running with them in 2006).

Jenny asked me how far I was running, 6 or 7, or maybe 3 or 10, I wasn't sure.

I stopped at the golf course water briefly then headed over across Trinity Blvd. Stopped at the Y and grabbed a bottle of water from the Strider's cooler (there were a few left hanging out after their 5:30 run) before heading home.

Ran by the house of Chris H. and Elizabeth H. and waved. Got back to the neighborhood and finished up with a loop. I think I was feeling better due to the awesome boot camp last night!! thanks Jenny!  I think the boot camps really have been making a big difference since I end up doing a lot of different exercises I wouldn't think to do on my own as well as getting an efficient workout because I usually end up dawdling between sets when I do similar exercises on my own.

Quick jog through Longleaf, then back to the starting area at 5:30 to see who would show up.

I started out again and quickly got passed by the fast group (Mike, Beka, and Melanie), then ran a bit with David and Greg before they passed me also.

Got to Craig and Diane's house for refreshments, then ran with Craig into Starkey Park. When I split off from him, at first he told me not to get lost this time, then changed his mind and said I should get lost, it's more fun that way. I agreed, but said I needed to get back on time.

So, I didn't get lost and figured out where I made the wrong turn last week on the way back. Saw some deer, heard some coyotes, and several other creatures crashing into the brush as I approached.

Spectacular sunrise over the trees and fields. Ran on a section of grass on the way back between Alico pass and the bridge that I always wanted to run on. Also saw, Elizabeth H. and Amye E. as I was leaving the park.