I moved into a new apartment complex not long ago and finally got out on the neighborhood streets (see embeded Google Map at the end of the post) today for a quick run. It was fantastic. I love this new neighborhood!
I found a nice 1.5 mile path that took me around a few cul-de-sacs and stayed off main streets. The weather was perfect for running, mid to low 60’s, not really much breeze and a gorgeous sunset behind some giant cumulus clouds that were glowing brilliant reds, oranges and yellows.
And if the sunset wasn’t enough, while running down my first cul-de-sac, I round a turn in the road and notice a deer. I wasn’t sure if it was a real or a fake lawn dear at first, but when it moved I didn’t really have much question. In fact, there were two deer in the front lawn of the house, a mother and a fawn, munching on the grass or seeds that had fallen from trees. As I ran closer to their yard, the mother stopped and watched me run by while the fawn continued munching on the ground. And on the way back after rounding the cul-de-sac the same routine, mother watched me go past and we both continued about our business. Sure it may seem a bit silly to you, but I thought it was really neat.
Nearing the end of my run, I was running past a yard where two kids were playing. There was a boy about 9 years old and a girl about 5 I would say. They were playing some form of dodge ball, I believe. The older boy would take a soccer ball and a football and throw them at his little sister as she ran around trying to take cover behind trees. At first I thought he was being a big bully and tormenting her, but as I got closer, it really looked like the girl was having fun ducking and dodging the incoming objects. I don’t think she ever had the chance to throw a ball back at her older brother, but she was enjoying herself.
On the last 1/5 of a mile I picked up the pace and ended catching my breath with a good feeling of accomplishment. What a great run!