AM
Weather - 57 degrees, sunny.
Weather is too fine! Surprisingly my legs felt normal this morning, so I decided to run 1 x 9 mile loop at Peninsula Park. The Hemlock Trail is my favorite so far - silent woods, big trees, plenty of solitude, and a soft mossy surface make for enjoyable running.
The final 5 miles I experienced that peculiar sensation which occurs after a long run - supercharged respiration - I was able to cover the 5 miles at 6:45-7:00 pace with easy breathing, it felt too easy.
Afterward I jumped in Nicolet Bay, swimming for 10 minutes. Then 3 sets of strength exercises and stretching.
PM
I am in the library at Sister Bay, will now drive to Whitefish Dunes with Rachel for some beach running and swimming. What a great day so far....
Weather - 78 degrees, sunny.
Drove to Whitefish Dunes and found some accessible dune trails. Ran twice up Mt. Baldy, then did two loops of an unbelievably lush landscape redolent of sweet pine and drenched in golden summer colors.
When I hit the beach my energy was not expended, so I ran 4 miles along the shore barefoot. As I ran along at an effortless 6:45 pace, I realized that this day was one of the most spectacular of my life - running 9 miles through forest trails in the AM. Boating on a sundappled lake with Rachel in the late morning. After a nap more running through beautiful dunes and then barefoot flying along water's edge - it was not only the immense and differing beauty that was enveloping me, but the supreme state of health and fitness that I was experiencing. The ability to run and run and run without getting tired or injured is a blessing.
To end this special day Rachel and I had a great dinner at Mission Grill, I broke my vow of vegetarianism for one day and ordered fish. It made my body feel a bit odd, but it was good nonetheless.
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