Last one at Lotus

I ran 5 miles...12 laps at Lotus Field. This will be the last time I run here for a while. Katie's team will not practice here anymore for the remainder of the season.
Bummer.
I really like this field. I know exactly the distance and the track is nice and flat. I sappose I get more ofa workout at home, though. Killer hills at home.

So here's how it went.

Lap 1, my leg is hurting. I tell myself it will subside.
Lap 2, I'm running nice and strong.
Lap 3 & 4 are the same, but leg eases up a on the pain a bit. However I notice that my big toe seems to be asleep. Very annoying.
Lap 5 a boy that has been behind me since lap 3 passes me. That made me kinda mad.
Lap 6, the boy stops. Hahaha
Lap 7, I feel sweat dripping down my face
Lap 8, I start slowing down...my leg is hurting again.
Lap 9, I feel renewed strength to push myself so I can make it to lap 12.
Lap 10, Hell, I just wanted to stop and rub my leg right then
Lap 11, One more! One more! Pick up the pace Kathy!!!!!! That is what I am screaming to myself.
Lap 12, Run, run, run....faster, pick up the legs, swing the arms, move as one strong whole unit, DAMN IT, SPRINT!!!
Done.

Then I walked.
It always feels weird to walk after that. As if I am learning how to do it all over again. Step, step, one foot in front....
I fell on the grass in front of a friend who has been watching me. James is a nice guy and one of my neighbors. His encouraging nature is a welcome greeting, "Good Job, you ran a long time!"

We talked a little while about stride and shoes. He liked my ipod. I liked his watch. It is actually exactly what I need so I can time myself. He is a police officer and bought it because of it's size and the fact that it is lightweight. He was embarrassed to admit that he bought a ladies watch.
I understand...the men's watches are huge!

By this time the night sky had fallen and cooler air had settled in all around me. Time to go. As I got up and began walking back to the car, I wondered where my jacket was. I know I left it sitting on the grass next to my water bottle. Everything was gone. I don't care about the water bottle, but my jacket had my car keys inside!
So I ran again. This time in desperate need to catch up with the coach before he takes off with someone's forgotten sweatshirt.
Luckily Dave was standing in the parking lot holding it up, stil trying to find the owner.
Whew!!!
I can't walk home from Lotus!