I needed a 9 mile training run this weekend. It was actually suppose to be yesterday with the group but that didn't happen. I knew today would be the better of the two days to go longer anyway. And was it ever. That was one of those "it's great to be alive" runs. I went from my house to St. Joe's U and back. Really nice. Of course, no run of that distance is not without a few good exchanges...
I passed a golf course about a half mile in and noticed a bright yellow golf ball by the side of the road - so I had to pick it up and run with it. Then I saw another - yep. Picked that one up too. It was actually a nice distraction and just the right size to hold your hands in a good running position. So, I kept them the whole way.
Had to cross over City Ave two different times because I didn't like the looks of two dogs. But I think I was just being paranoid. Passed a pack of about 5 runners going the other way who looked really strong. The could have been SJU runners. Wasn't sure. Passed a cool dude selling newspapers who just said "Hey, you're doing a great job". Thanks dude. Passed another guy all bundled up with just his eyes showing through a ski mask, He just gave me a nice THUMBS UP! And the clincher was as I passed a couple walking, the guy looked at me and said "Man ..... jogging in the winter .... that's messed up".
I finally tossed the golf balls back on the course where I found them - I missed the cup though.
Need a shower - GO BIRDS.
