Sticker Overload

There is seriously nothing better than winter and early spring in Florida. There's a route I really love running, a lovely loop with a nice sidewalk and quiet streets. Being on the back curve of this loop just brings an immediate sense of serenity. The curve feeds out onto a busy, well-lit road that feeds a straight shot back to the starting point. Basically, it's a perfect 2-miler with a relaxed first mile and a heart-pounding finish.

The perfect loop.

The bad thing about it, though, is that the back curve of the circle is unlit. Running this loop means running in daylight, and of course that means running in heat. But! Ah, we've had a bit of a late cold spell, and yesterday evening the sun was up and it was 62. I was excited to have a short, slow run before my race tomorrow. It's only a 5k, a course I've run before and really enjoy. I'm still recovering from whatever sinus bug I had, so this lovely short loop was just what I needed.

By the time I got out there, it was 7pm. The sun was just about down but there was plenty of blue sky and pre-dusk light. The run felt wonderful, and although I tried to keep it slow, I ended up running it way below my usual pace. With negative splits! By the time I was on the main road, it was full dark and I was happy to be bathed in the light of the streetlamps. It was a perfect run.

So, needless to say I was happy. I'm looking forward to a fun race tomorrow.

To finish up, just a quick funny picture. Mind the bad quality - no smart phone, of course, and I was taking this in bright sunlight from my car, so I had to darken it a bit so you can see what I was seeing, and it's still nearly impossible. I wish I had an iPhone...

2nd "13.1" and TRI sticker not shown because I cropped the license plate.

I mean, really. I love race stickers; I have a 13.1 sticker myself. But do we need multiples? This car had a TRI sticker and two each of the 26.2 and 13.1. Oh well, whatever floats your boat! Soldier on, Corolla.

ABK