This morning I awakened to the sun shining through the blinds. I went out for a long, slow run prior to leaving the island. As I ran, I drank in the beauty of the island views on the lovely day. Aware of having the leave the island later, I didn’t want the run to end. My run today was slow and easy like the pace of island tourists. No place that I have to be, nothing that I have to do. No emails or phone calls; just out for a run.
My body felt good but my legs seemed to feel the harshness of the downhill portions more today then yesterday. I ran along the coast in one direction, and turned back when the signs indicated that I was heading into a private section of the road. After returning to the main part of town, I ran the same 10K route I did in the race yesterday. I ran easy, with the purpose of just putting in the miles and enjoying the beauty.
As I returned into town again, there were more people out and about. A good portion of them were moving slowly, hobbling with discomfort. I recognize the post-marathon walk and am glad that I am not there today. “Show off,” one man says to me with a smile. I reassure him that I did not run in the marathon and finish off my run. Bon voyage to Catalina Island.