Florida was great but I did miss my mom. This is the first time in my almost 43 years that I traveled alone for as long as 1 week and I must say, it wasn’t bad!
As I reflect on my time in Florida, especially my runs, I think I will always remember a few things:
1.) Teams of ladies at the marathon wearing pink tutus and running caps with a plethora of pink feathers glued all over them.
2.) Seeing Darlene positioned next to the 3:40 pacer at the starting line.
3.) The clip that attaches my ipod to my running shorts breaking just as the race was going to start. I messed with that stupid thing for at least a quarter mile before finally putting it in my little zipper pouch. As a result, my first mile clocked in at 8:50 – RIDICULOUS!
4.) Running along the beach while looking out at the ocean and thinking that I was the luckiest woman alive.
5.) Seeing a little dead frog each day as I ran from my hotel. Poor little guy!
6.) Stopping to use the restroom at a nursing home one morning while out for an easy 8 miler. The poor old folks were shocked when they saw me come in all sweaty wearing nothing more than shorts and a sports bra. In fact, one lady asked, “Isn’t it a bit cool for that outfit, dear?”
7.) Admiring the palm trees, pansies, marigolds, and impatiens that seemed to smile at me each morning on my runs.
8.) The shriek I let out when a snake slithered across my path on AC Skinner!
9.) Realizing that I could run all day, every day if I felt like it. Traveling alone does have its benefits!
10.) Soaking in the pool after a longish run and finally understanding what all the hype is about the benefits of cool water to the legs.
