A Wise Woman Once Told Me:

"The best way to fins motiviation is to lace up your shoes and get out the door"

Today was my first run out doors. I started running again in November, but it has all been on the treadmill, up until today. I drove up to Fairmont Loop, a place I ran when training for the Marathon in 1995. I have also ridden my bike around the 3.5 mile loop many times. I wanted the familiarity of the loop; I know the mile markers by heart.

I was nervous about hitting the pavement. The treadmill is much more gracious. I was nervous about the incline of the Loop; the treadmill usually stays at 0% incline. I was nervous about it starting to rain; I told myself to run through it if it did.

I parked the Jeep, warmed up my muscles and set out hoping that I didn't die before I hit the top of the hill at 1.5 miles. Before I knew it I had crested that hill and was running down..... My mind drifted, bikers passed me, I would run by other runners and walkers. I felt safe.

I didnt have a watch so didn't know how fast I was going. I just kept going. Never stopping. Before long I turned the corner under the bridge I know so well, and kept plodding up the hill. Around another corner, a straight away and there I saw the Jeep! What a welcome sight! My run today was supposed to be 4 miles, so the Loop being 3.5, I had to run 1/4 mile past the car and turn back around. I took the opportunity to see what I had left in the tank.....and I and kicked it down a bit to run faster. I felt strong. I did it!

I added up the time on the 14 songs that played on my i-pod. My time was 49 minutes; a little over 12 minute miles. I wont win any races with that time, but I will finish.

Thanks for reading.