Rainy Burn Day

It was a perfect day to run. The sky hung in a continuous plume of white smoke and cloudy mist. Even before I could see it, I realized that today must be a burn day.
Here and there small puffs of smoke billowed from piles of carefully placed broken tree limbs and scattered brush. My neighbors are taking advantage of the low winds and semi-chilly weather. Yes, this would be a perfect day for a burn, but I am seeking another golden opportunity. A scenic point of view. A chance to try out my new shoes!

That's right folks. I have new shoes and surprise, surprise...I LOVE THEM!!

Same brand as before...Brooks. This time I'm wearing a 7 1/2. I have more room now for my poor little toesies. What a difference! I can bounce higher, sail farther, stride longer.

For the record, I ran Westville, Pointed Rocks, American River, Paymaster and Otter Trail.
I think that's about 5 miles...not really sure. Although, I did use my new watch to time myself. Except I forgot to stop the clock when I crossed my finish line. It was very near 52 minutes (give or take 30 seconds). I just have to get used to using the watch.

So what great and interesting things happened on today's run, Kathy?

Glad you asked. Heck, I'm glad you even care.
Besides the wood burning stoves and cloud of burning brush that threaten to irritate my already sensitive lungs...this is what I saw:
A large field of black birds taking flight once I reached to close to them.
Roughly 5 deer standing in the road.
A friend of mine going to work. I waved.
Several horses.
Several security officers.
2 houses decorated to the hilt for Halloween.

And what about the pain? How was the pain?
Thank you. It was there. The burn in my butt and a tingle in my knee. However, what made today semi-difficult was the unusual tightness in my calves. More specifically- the front of my calves. Not sure the name of those muscles. Anyway, I kept trying to relax them, but it wasn't until I was on Otter Trail that they finally began to give way. That was a long time to run with stiff muscles. Dang, I hope that won't be a recurring issue.

Well, what fun did you have? You seem to have a lot to complain about. Why do you like to do this again?
Simply put- It makes me happy.
The places where the rain collects on the pavement...I like to hit those hard and splash water all up my legs. The exhilarating rush of accomplishment when I reach a hill that I thought I couldn't do is gratifying.
Just the knowledge of knowing I am DOING something that many people would not even attempt to do brings a sense of pride and honor to my meager existence.

We all must set goals or life lacks purpose. This goal is selfish. Currently it is does not help anyone other than myself. I sometimes feel much guilt in that. Thankfully there are benefit runs. I will someday run for cancer. Run for aids. Run for folks who can't run anymore.
Pushing your physical body past a point at which your brain said "enough" teaches you something about your will. The testing of your strength opens many doors to the knowledge of who you are and what you're made of. You may not like the results, but that too can change.

I am running into a metamorphosis where change is inevitable.

The smoke in the air smells like pot- which may explain my deep thoughts. I seem to be getting dizzy.
Hmmm