Back on the Streets

Today was my first real run since Tuesday. My achilles is a little sore, but when you run as many miles as I do, a little aches and pains are normal I guess.

The weather is absolutely gorgeous. Chilly actually. I took me a while to get going. I had to set up the Garmin, load the ipod, fill the bottles -- since I fell exhausted into bed at 9:00 last night I didn't do any of this the night before like I usually do -- went to the bathroom like five times. Then once I went out the door, I started noticing weird things as I walked down the driveway. First a chapstick, then the "Big Fat Liar" DVD, then the cars "ashtray"/moneyholder. I picked up the DVD and ashtray thing and turned to put it into the car. That's when I noticed the doors slightly ajar. "Damn teenager!" was my first thought. I threw the DVD into the back seat and when I looked in the front seat that's when I noticed the big hole where the XM radio receiver used to be. Uh oh. Car was broken into. "But I can't deal with this now -- I'm running!" Quick, back into the house to wake up Scott. Let him deal with it. He's the man, LOL. Back out of the house, and I see something else on the lawn. Evidence?! It's an album of CDs. About 100 of them. I scan them quickly looking for a clue. They are all CDs of Indian music. "Bollywood's Greatest Hits" and others with titles I can't even read, except to know they are definitely Indian. Back up to the house. "Here Honey. I think our neighbor's car has been broken into also. Why don't you ask them?" Of course, there about seven Indian families on our block! Scott now has a mission to occupy his morning. And I'm finally off for my run.

I used my Garmin and an 8 mile course I set up and imported from Logyourrun.com. I realized at the one mile mark that I had forgotten to set up the mile alerts, so I just kept running and never had any idea of pace. Unfortunately, I thought I was going pretty fast, but it turns out that I wasn't at all. My average pace was 10:15. I was aiming for 10:00. No wonder I felt so good the whole time! I thought it was just the weather, but it was a combination of weather and not running as fast as I usually do on Saturdays.

When I got home, the police had been called. The culprits had been caught in the act at another neighbor's. They had broken into a bunch of cars. (See? This is why I always lock my door) Bunch of teenage boys between 14-18 years old. Scott found the owner of the Bollywood music and they were so, so happy because they are having a big party tonight and need the music. When they have a party, it usually means it's some kind of holiday and there will be hundreds of people in attendance. All of the women will be in saris. I wonder if this is the holiday where they play the drums? I've never had the nerve to ask.

Tomorrow: 16. Can't wait.