Wow, a tough day for running! Wind, rain, trucks splashing mist, hills and more hills. Sometimes, on a long run, I hit a point of despair and want ever so much to quit. Normally this comes from "hitting the wall" a long way out, having depleted energy stores. I felt a different kind of wall today -- a few miles in, already soaked, noisy cars, hills ahead, Oh my I so wanted to call it quits. But I kept on, very much because I knew at least a few people might be thinking of me today and wishing me success. Five miles out, I came to a turn around at a little country store; a shiny new penny glittered at me from a puddle. Find a penny, pick it up, you know the rest. I tucked the penny in my belt pack, and kept on. The last three miles were very tough . . . but I did it! Thanks for thinking of me. Now for a beer and a turkey sandwich!

Turkey, stuffing, mashed potato and pumpkin pie powered, off I go today for 13.1.

I got a new hat today! A nice find at GoodWill, naturally. This is a $20 hat, brand new, I got it for $5. I wanted a very bright hat for running in this grey country. Though today's run didn't really matter, as it got dark before I finished. 5+ miles, though, happy with that.

I felt a small burst of ambition this afternoon after worship, so set out for an easy run in the drips of the day. As I ran the rain let up slowly; I ran over fallen leaves and through shallow puddles. The farther I ventured the nicer the day felt. When I reached my point to circle home I kept going, and added some distance and enjoyment to the outing. When I got home I felt very good, however far I went, it was a good run.

Sunny, cold days have given way to warm and wet ones again. Today I paddled out for 4.2 miles in a light rain and a bit of a breeze. No one else was out this morning running in my vicinity; just a few pedestrians looking a bit damp and giving the appearance of wishing they were in Tahiti. Most of the leaves are off the trees now, and wow it feels like November. I'll hope to kick my miles back up in the next week, and aim for as long as I can run around Thanksgiving. If I tank up properly I should have reserves to push toward the half marathon I set my goal for a couple of months ago. Life has become somewhat non-linear.

I kept moving today. I used a half hour of raking leaves to get warmed up, then enjoyed an easy 3 miler around the neighborhood. The afternoon was sunny and bright; I saw several groups of women runners glowing in neon yellow wind breakers. A mile from home I heard sirens, so veered to the sidewalk to let a big red firetruck pass. As I rounded the corner toward home, I saw a police care with flashing lights on a block from my house; nearing home I spotted the firetruck blocking the street right in front of my house. Approaching home I heard a "hsssssssss" and smelled gas. My neighbor had been digging a drain trench and struck a gas line with his pick. Poor guy, he is also a volunteer fire fighter so got to have all his buddies come to his house to sort out the problem. It all took several hours, probably 8-10 firefighters dressed like minions, and 4-5 vehicles. No explosions, thank goodness, and since our house is not hooked up to gas we would have just needed to duck.

I just finished a pleasant 4 ish miler, the day is sunny and cool. After some longer runs in regular trail shoes, I ran today in my five fingers; I feel wonderful after the run. Back on track! Hope you had a splendid day.