Running

I know you're probably completely board when I start talking about running but it is a big part of my life at the moment so I kind of have to talk about it. 

Some time ago Kira and Justin invited us to go on a cruise with them. I think they probably wanted help with watching their kids more than they wanted our delightful personalities but that is completely fine with us. We would love nothing more than to hang out with them and their kids. 

The cruise is in January and just happens to leave the day after the Disney World Marathon. Justin told me that he was going to run the marathon and suggested that I run it as well. I had so much fun on the last one that I didn't hesitate. In addition to the thrill of the race (if you can call it a race) it also disciplines me so that I run more regularly. Something I really need to do. 

In addition to keeping my fat belly down, running also gives me a chance to get out and enjoy nature. Take a look at some of these pictures I've taken while running and tell me it isn't absolutely beautiful. When I get up to the higher mileage it also means I can get far enough off the beaten trail that I come across very few people too which greatly adds to solitude. 

The only down side is that when training for a marathon you need to spend many hours every weekend. I just don't have time for that but now that I'm signed up for a marathon I have to or I'm going to die in January. Young people like Justin might be able to get away without training but not me.

Yesterday I ran twelve miles and next Saturday it will be fourteen. That takes me two and a half hours and it is going to increase up to four hours. Lisa is supportive but I can tell she isn't thrilled about losing me for four hours every week.

Every run is an unique experience. Last Saturday I made a big mistake. I had rained all night and for some reason I forgot that dirt trails turn into a field of mud. That picture on the left is beautiful but each of my feet weighed about ten pounds from the mud.



 The week before, I came across this guy sunning himself on the trail. I didn't see a rattle on his tail but it was somewhat hidden in the bush. I wasn't going to take any chances.

 This picture was taken last year after the fires. It was an eerie feeling running through the burned hills.

 It was also weird to see the guard rail lying on the road. The fire had completely burned away the posts.

So I will apologize in advance. Every Saturday from now until Christmas I will be running farther and farther and I can't help but share my run on facebook. I especially love it because if someone "likes" or comments on my post I hear a cheer in my headset. You can't believe how much of a boast that gives to my energy. I can be ready to keel over and then I hear a cheer and I have all kinds of energy. At least for a minute or two.

--------------------trivia---------------------

Alaska is simultaneously the most northern, the most western, 

and the most eastern state in the U.S.

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