Being able to run before beginning my workday is pretty much unheard of these days. Even if the sun were out at 6 am, I would still be pushed to get BoBo dropped off at the high school on time. Generally, our morning flight pushes back from the house at 7 am sharp. But the kids were out of school today for a teacher “in-service day.” I don’t know what the elementary teachers will be doing, but I expect that the high school teachers are busy updating the final grades as final exams finished up yesterday. That’s of no significance here, except for the fact that it was a childless morning. I was on the highway, heading towards the office, at 6:30 am.
I lumbered up the stairs with my laptop computer, purse, and workout bag. I was already dressed in my running wear and just waiting for the sun to lift it’s head from the pillow and turn on the light for me. This gave me a few minutes to dock my computer, boot it up and check my emails. As the sky was beginning to fill with light, I grabbed my bag and brought it to the locker room. I was out the door to experience the crisp morning chill on a lovely Friday morning.
With 5-6 miles planned, I choose an out and back route that would allow me to decide my mileage for today later in the run. It was too early for decisions bigger than this. I had told Garminia the planned 8:45-9:00/mile pace, but being the Type A person that I am (at least where running is involved), I wanted my usual mile splits. I hadn’t programmed Garminia properly so that I could get this information from her. I also didn’t want to wrestle with the reprogramming required to appease my Type A needs, so we just began the run – like any other day.
What a great way to begin my day. With the sun just rising, I ran out the driveway a few minutes later than I usually leave my driveway at home. I ran past a few people who were arriving for their workday, but I didn’t feel a bit guilty. I felt great.