Fall has come to Chicago, and I could not be happier. My last couple runs have been in ideal Fall conditions. Coincidentally Fall is my favorite time of year, so I am even happier to run outdoors now.
I have journeyed up to Evanston for 6 miles. The leaves have not changed color yet, but they are thinking about it. I can tell. Everyone seems to be in a good mood as I run as well. More people are smiling. I am getting more "Good Mornings". I am also enjoying the runs. Today I even went without a watch.
Today's run was particularly nice. Temps were in the upper 40s and I ran with Mark for the first 1.5 miles. He is training for his long overdue first 5K, so I told him we would run together for a while, then he would head home, and I would continue on my way.
Mark is not used to running in the cooler weather, so he was having some initial breathing issues. I assured him that would get better as the run went on. It did. After we parted ways, I continued north towards Northwestern University.
I went at an easy pace, and loved not having the watch. Along the way I stopped at a Starbucks for a bathroom break, and took a moment to talk to a barista. He was talking about Fall and how people seem to be in a nice mood. I thanked him for the quick cup of water, and headed home.
The trip home was uneventful, but again I was just loving the run.
During marathon training it is easy to think of the runs as all business. Today I was just happy to be reminded of the pure joy running brings.
Charlie
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