Last night I couldn't wait to leave work so I could go for a run in the cool evening air. I put on some shorts but the clouds threatened rain (no surprise there), so I grabbed a jacket from the closet. That proved to be a not-so-smart idea, as I created an upper body sauna with my Dri-fit shirt underneath wicking moisture away from my body and the jacket trapping the moisture in. No matter though, I didn't notice until I was finished and my jacket was soaked inside. Besides, I found my new favorite 4 mile running route, and the scenery was more than enough to distract me from any sauna action going on.
Feeling ambitious, I headed east from my apartment (I normally start out north or south since east and west = steep hills) up through Capitol Hill and into Interlaken Park. Basing my path only on looking at a map, I wasn't quite sure where the road would take me and the trees hanging over the street were getting denser, the woods were getting quieter and the sky was getting darker. The scene was slightly eerie and except for a few bicyclists whizzing by with their headlights on, I was out there by myself. I wouldn't say I was scared, but it made me run a little bit faster than i had planned to, and it was exhilarating.
The eerie silence was a pleasant escape from the busy streets of downtown, the black asphalt glistened from the day's rain, and it felt like I was running through a portrait, joined by the bright yellow, orange, and red leaves falling all around me and blanketing the ground. It was mezmerizing. And when I emerged from the park and joined up with the street sidewalk, I was sad that part of my run was over. But it was almost dark, and I knew I needed to head back home before i got lost.
That was the most enjoyable 4 mile run ever and I think i'll go back and do it again tonight. Perhaps when I have more daylight time on the weekends, I'll extend the run east through the trails of the Arboretum.
For my mother's sake, I should probably mention that I always run with my pepper spray in hand, ready to strike at any moment on anyone who dares interrupt my run.
Also Duely noted: yesterday I registered for the Seattle Half Marathon, which is at the end of November. I already feel like I'm ready for it, since i've been maintaining my mileage. I ran an 8-miler this past weekend and when my friends Matt & Kristin came to visit the weekend prior, I joined them on a 10-miler since Kristin is training with Team in Training for the Rock 'n Roll Arizona marathon.
And I will attempt to do better at posting more frequent blogs for those who remain interested in my life :)
