weightlessness is a beautiful thing

When I was a kid, I imagined that I would grow up to be an astronaut. I remembered one of the compelling reasons today. Weightlessness. I ran 14 miles - 14 miles of SWEAT - today. It was a different route that I decided on as I ran, but it was a good one. The fact that its about 95 bagillion degrees outside meant that 14 miles was just about all I could muster today (although it is about 7 more than I intended to run when I set out). I really enjoyed seeing a part of my city that I don't visit too often (which is ridiculous since I live in the middle of this area!). I ran from my house downtown, around Centennial Olympic Park (went up and down a lot of streets around there) and then on and around Georgia Tech. They are apparently having some sort of Robot competition there today, and all sorts of kids and their parents were there showing off their latest and greatest robots. That was sort of fun, too. Eventually, I made my way to North Avenue, and then made a wrong turn, and headed west - away from the city. I realized the error of my ways, but thought that I'd explore a bit. I eventually got pretty bored with that - so industrial - that I turned around and headed back to Midtown. I ran up Peachtree for a bit and then headed over to Piedmont Park. I was also amazed that they have already done so much setting up for the Peachtree Road Race. I know that its a really big deal, but it isn't till NEXT Wednesday!

The best part, though, and the reason for the title of this, was that the pool was irresistable to me when I got back to my neighborhood. So I hopped in, in my running clothes, and felt like I had reached nirvana. Feet and legs that had been pounding for 2 hours suddenly were suspended in coolness, wrapped in glory. It was the best thing ever! Now, though, I don't think I'm going to be able to not do that more often! Oh well... It sure did feel good!

Speaking of next Wednesday... This is the 1st time since I started running that I've been both in the country and NOT signed up to officially run the race. Not wanting to feel left out (but also really not wanting to run so much by myself), I've decided to run from my house to Buckhead and then back with other runners. I hope that that doesn't make me look like I'm trying to unfairly take advantage of the race or other runners, but... It'll be fun to have 50000 people doing a long run with me! I figure that will be my really long run for this marathon. I'm plannning on doing 20+ on Wednesday... we'll see. I hear that its going to be a little less hot then, too...