Alaska

I just got back from Alaska the other day after spending a little over a week in Anchorage and Fairbanks. Basically it was a running vacation. I coached half and full marathoners for the Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage and then up to visit my friend in Fairbanks, the one responsible for starting my running obsession.

Alaska is absolutely gorgeous. Everything is so clear and crisp, the sky seems to go on forever. Of course it was hard not to be an obvious tourist, as I was told by someone I met who was born and raised, wearing a jacket is a dead giveaway. Hey it was 55 degrees and that may be balmy to Alaskans, but to this Georgia girl that is downright cold. Also looking for moose in the park when we could have gone to the bar and seen them in downtown Anchorage!

I got to see a lot of things I missed when I was there a year ago. This time I also met some great people that I wouldn't have if I had stuck to my usual shy and quiet ways. There is a lot to be said for putting yourself out there, no matter how uncomfortable you are. You never know when the universe is going to send you someone awesome, even if it is only for a few days of fun.

The marathon was great and wonderfully scenic. My last night in Anchorage was amazing. Even though I was worn out from running all day, I still managed to dance all night and watch the sun rise and set at 3am.

Fairbanks was fun, I loved visiting my friends. They have been there through the worst of times with me and have made such a huge impact in my life. We mostly hung out and caught up. Then lots of running. We ran all over Fairbanks, it was the coolest way to see the town. Down back roads and through forests on trails, not even the bear warnings stopped us. By the end of the week, I was throughly worn out and renewed at the same time. Nothing like Alaska to bring out the crunchy hippie in me.

Slacking

What a slacker, a month without any new posts! I am trying to get motivated to write more. Well I have been pretty busy lately and I do enjoy watching a lot of Buffy in my down time. Plus, to be honest I am lazy as hell.

What is it about running?

I can start out for a run and feel horrible, by the time I hit the first mile I am already in a better mood. That's the runner's high, I guess. I love the freedom of it. I can choose to focus on something that has been bugging me or to not think at all. There is a simplicity in the motion that lets me, if only for a short time, let go of who I am. People say it is better than therapy and I tend to agree.

This morning I rose after a restless night. The last thing I wanted to do was head out for 5 or 6 miles. I knew I would regret it later if I went back to bed for another hour, so on went my Brooks Infinitis and I was out the door. Today I needed to run, to beat down my inner doubts and to recharge my soul. Luckily, it is a gorgeous day. Savannah hasn't quite entered that time of oppressing heat and humidity that lasts from late May through September.

I didn't want complete peace and quiet and needed a little motivation. Nothing like a few Bouncing Souls albums on shuffle to get the feet moving. So I ran and my internal conflicts ceased. I hit my favorite part of today's route and was happy again. Dripping sweat and breathing hard, the sun rose higher and filtered through the live oaks draped in Spanish moss. My head was finally clear.

This is why I get out of my warm bed, this makes it all worth it. It also keeps me from worrying about my daily ice cream habit.

Hullo.

Leave it to me to be late as usual getting on the bandwagon. I figure I like to read blogs and write in my journal, so why not throw something out there? There is no set theme to this, mostly random thoughts and musings along with current and possibly fleeting interests.