Taking it in, mile by mile

During the past many months, I have been making a concerted effort to stop and smell the roses. I have often been known to even stop and take a picture. We are only on earth for so long after all. I figure that I might as well enjoy these things while I can.

Likewise, as my marathon rapidly approaches, so does the ending of my season with TNT. The “Team” is filled with some awesome folks and, although I do not plan to join the team any time soon, I hope to continue to cultivate some of the friendships beyond the ending of the training.

Today, was the last “long” run of the season. We were treated to a beautiful run along the coast of Northern California. Everything came together for a perfect day. Even the weather cooperated. While 95 degree weather was reported back by the house, the coast remained ever so slightly foggy with a cool breeze. It was fantastic running weather.

I was in an exceptionally happy mood. It was hard not to be in a good mood. I anticipated the beauty in the miles ahead, and celebrated the success of the miles behind me. Soon after the start of the run, I pulled away from the others. I ran solo during most of the early miles with the knowledge that those in my “originally assigned” wave would soon be passing me. I didn’t let it bother me. In fact, I was looking forward to seeing the gang of speedsters.

Cindy met me at the farm to cover the later miles with me. We stopped for the many photo opportunities: with my mentor, ocean side, pumpkin patches, and anywhere else that happened to call out to me. It was the most enjoyable 20-miler that I have run in a long time.

In the end, I was even treated to a quickie massage. Tammy was offering post-run massages for $1/minute and donated the proceeds to TNT.

She set up in the shade, just under the redwoods. I’m telling you, it was heaven.

She even got my feet.