9:43...are you kidding me?

9:43 was my pace this morning on my 5 miler north. Fastest 5 miles in my brief running career by 23 seconds. May not seem like much, but it is. Also recorded personal best mile (mile 5 no less, so a great kick to finish).

It was an amazing morning. Leaving the house, sky was deepest blue and the stars were so bright against the vastness of that sky. Moon was a tiny sliver, low and to the East with a huge, bright star just to the left. Really inspiring. As I approached downtown, the sunrise was equally as awesome. Beautiful blends of purple and pink, red and orange slowly cutting away at the dark blue sky. First glimpse of the city is usually just past Austin. This morning, as soon as I came over the pass at Mannheim, oh my..the Sears tower is towering above everything and is perfectly clear. So magestic. As the rest of the city came into view, it was like a photograph, dark buildings against an awakening sky. The Sears Tower was still towering above all, looking 100 stories higher than any other building. I knew it was going to be a good day.

Typical path North to the point for 5 miler. Energy was great and aided by the energy of the Lake. She was dancing today. A steady wind and the water was happy. Along the stretch from Ohio St to Oak St. Beach, the waves gently crashed against the wall and every so often, would hit hard enough to create a little water puppet, emerging above the wall, trying desperately to grab the wall and escape, but almost always falling straight back down into the lake. The corner at Oak St is a little more exciting. Waves crash and often send a billow of water across the open path. I made it through dry on the way out, but got nailed on the way back. Sorry to the poor lady I almost decked trying to keep the Nike's dry! The path to the point was flooded with puddles, so I foolishly took to the top of the wall to make my way to my fave place, re-connecting with the path in time to make the point. Baby waves tickled my feet out to my turnaround and back. It was fantastic. A beautiful morning and a beautiful run.

My "Official" Participant's packet arrived today. Guess it's real. My bib this year is 37148. I like it. 3 and 7 are my favorite numbers and add all of them up to get 23......no definition needed for the significance of that number. Another log on the fire.

8 Miles in the AM and then all hands on deck for Sunday. 24 days and counting. Can't wait!