Today was my last day of vacation.  We take an annual trip the week leading up to Labor Day to Sunriver, OR or otherwise known as the high desert.  I always know that the week will be filled with biking, tennis, swimming, eating and good times with friends.  Since the elevation is 4200 feet I usually find myself reluctant to run.  This year, though, I managed to run three times!  The first time was the first day I arrived.  My friend Amy asked me to go with her.  I figured I wouldn’t get lost on the myriad of paths if I went with someone.  I huffed and puffed and pushed myself to run 30 minutes.  Then on Saturday, equipped with my daughter’s iPod, I ran 40 minutes.  I never run with music so it was great to have the extra motivation.  Then today, as soon as I woke up, I decided to run while my husband packed up the car.  Again armed with the iPod, I set my goal at 45 minutes and managed to run 50.  I actually felt strong…as if the elevation no longer bothered me.  As I was breathing in the crisp, fresh air and looking at the blue, blue sky, I reveled in my luckiness.  I managed to see 10 deer on my run, too.  And I felt such gratitude and knew I must cherish times like this…the quiet, the strength, the determination and the feeling of success.

So much success, I came home and registered for the October  21st Run Like Hell 10k.  Join me if you want.