Greetings from the Oregon Coast! I thought I lived in paradise, but this place is just about as beautiful. Although I did not run yesterday, I had a about 3 miles of walking on the beach, with some jogging thrown in here and there whenever my DD was willing. I brought my Aquabelt along as well, so I did about 20 minutes of hard water running too while my DD enjoyed the pool in her own way. This morning I only meant to run 6 or 7 miles, but I was having so much fun that I just stayed out. First I ran up the beach about 2 miles and then back. With a strong wind from the south, the first part was extremely easy, fast, and a bit too warm. On the way back I had the cooling effect -- and the challenge of running into the wind on sand. Nevertheless, I was in heaven, with the waves crashing and the mists on the forested mountains. The weather was perfect -- for me anyway: 50F, beautiful clouds and pockets of fog and mist, bits of blue sky. After 4 miles on the beach, I went exploring in the town of Cannon Beach and the time just got away from me. It was one of those effortless runs, just playful and full of interesting things to see. I don't know how long I would have stayed out if I hadn't had my cell phone ringing with someone from my DH's work trying to find him to call his sister. That's never good news. So I had a "fast finish" and sure enough, my father-in-law had gone into the hospital for emergency colon surgery. He'll be alright, thank goodness. But it's all the more reason to treasure the health and happiness I experienced today. | 