around the lake and back again

today was a beautiful morning. not too sunny, and a bit overcast (at first). i wanted to stay in bed from the long week at work, but i took a long enough break from running so i dragged myself out of bed and made sure i was up and ready for my 8am start time at the gazebo. i had my SPF 85, glide for my feet, ergonomic water bottle & toe tag.

what i couldn't get over was all the duck poop at the gazebo. it was everywhere! this is one of the times that i wasn't happy that i'm still flexible and can touch my toes. my poor shoes. we had the choice to run 4 to 6 miles this morning. it must be the weekend warrior in me because i chose the 6... around the lake and back again which is actually 6.6 miles.

since there are no ipods allowed, when i run it's just me and the voices in my head. today this is what they said:
mile 1: next time don't forget to take allergy meds if allergic to grass and ducks.
mile 2: i've got my pace going. i feel great. i don't need the water stop.
mile 3: i was wrong about what i said at mile 2.
mile 4: i'm the only person on my team that runs with a handkerchief.
mile 5: i didn't really care if i stepped in duck poop anymore.
mile 6: .6 miles seems really far.
mile 6.6: this is the best watermelon i've ever tasted!

i'm glad i got out of bed and ran this morning. 3 of the honorees were there at the gazebo to start us out and 2 ran with us. ricardo had his CAT scan and there was NO CANCER. tristan 1 year remission. matt's leukemia is not growing as fast as before, so he doesn't need treatment for a while. this is why i run. this is why i'm raising money, so there is more good news than bad.

my reward today. home. shower. brunch. world cup. mojitos & beer. 2 mile walk with cooper. time to get ready for tonight's festivities.

6.6 miles
1hr 12min
11 minute mile