A step in the right direction

A whole mile of 'em.

I went running this morning. The air was crisp and clean. The temperature perfect. My resolve, focused.

I have mapped out some local streets into 1, 1.5, 2, 3 and 5 mile runs. I decided to go the 1.5, it could easily be modified to a 1 if the dark clouds in the distance threatened to rain on my parade, so to speak.

I saw so many cool things.

First, a neighbor returning from her run. She inspires me that age does not dictate anything but a number if you let it.

Second, another neighbor walking, She is so sincere, caring and sensitive. She says she loves everyone, during her testimony, and she lives it.

Next I saw a street lined with US Flags. Beautiful sight. It reminded me of the rows and rows of flags lining the streets of Sugar City when we went for my cousins funeral. He was killed during 9/11. Such a touching tribute. I'm glad it started sprinkling, my tears were able to blend right in.

My thoughts were interrupted by a ferocious attack dog, he noticed me from the porch and came charging at me. Lucky for me he was attached to a cord attached to the banister. And his 5.5pound self wasn't strong enough to free him, although his determination may have been.

The next thing I noticed made me laugh. A shopping cart, parked protectively under the stairwell of an apartment. I wonder if the owner's name was written on it?

As I came to the deciding point, 1 or 1.5 miles I noticed a huge black cloud. The black cloud told me I wasn't running fast enough and I had better pick it up or I'd never get home mostly dry. The cloud sprinkled, as if testing my will. I ran. I named the cloud Jillian, after my favorite biggest loser trainer. Jillian meant business. I picked up the pace and ran, she meant run faster. So I did. I have never made such good time on .5 mile. I got safely to the porch and rain started to fall fast and hard, I knocked. Who locked me out? I knocked again. Still no one let me in.

I ran for the spare key. I got totally soaked. As I ran to return it, the hail started to pelt me. Wow. Jillian wasn't kidding around. It rained and hailed like the sky was falling for about 15 minutes. I would've looked like a drenched rat if I'd stayed on the 1.5 mile course. Thanks Jillian for kicking my can home!