Figure 8

Today's run was a family event. Every one was a bit out of sorts today. I don't know why. This afternoon, after my son was unable to play nicely with his friend, I decided it was time for us all to get out and move. So, we packed up and went to a small lake here in town. There is a nice path around the lake including a bridge that goes across the middle. I remember reading that a figure 8 around the lake is 3 miles, give or take, so I decided that's what we'd run. My son rode his bike and my husband pushed my daughter in the stroller. That really slowed him down! He claims he had problems keeping up because he's out of practice, but I think it was mostly the stroller. When we were about 3/4 done, I noticed that the turkey vultures were flying over us. Maybe they knew how much we were struggling??!

The run was fine. I had to stop twice for my son, but it worked. I didn't seem very fast. I think I run better with my music. I didn't take my mp3 player this time so I could talk with my family better. But, I got my run in and that's what counts!

Afterward, we watched some people catching small fish from the lake. My son was impressed. He got to hold the pole some and touch a small bluegill the man caught. Then we walked some up a gravel path that leads up a hill to a beautiful place that overlooks the lake. Very pretty. They've recreated prairie and wetlands around the lake, which used to be a quarry. Prairie flowers, Canada geese, and TOADS galore! We kept having to stop to catch toads. At first, I did all the catching, but then my son got the hang of it. My daughter was thrilled to touch the toads. Unfortunately, then it seems the toads decided to go elsewhere. Maybe they got word that we were coming. We also saw a pheasant flying, deer and lots of butterflies. Monarchs, I believe.

If for some reason you are ever in Iowa, I highly recommend a run at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. They started restoration 4 or 5 years ago and it's finally maturing. They've done a great job and the park has really blossomed, figuratively and literally. The trails are well maintained and it's an all-round nice little recreation area.

G28K W1D2 complete

I got up this morning and ran day 2 of the first week of Gateway to 8k. Beautiful morning. It was pretty humid, as mornings often are. That caused some squeaking in my lungs, but not enough to cause any problems.

My 4-1/2 year old son got up just as my alarm was about to go off to get out of bed. So, I asked him if he wanted to ride his bike while I ran. He loved the idea, so off we went!

About 30 minutes into it, he was asking when we'd be done. I gave him the option of going home and I would continue, but I don't think he liked the idea of me continuing without him. So, we kept going and he did wonderfully. He's biked much longer distances and this was at a very slow pace for him.

During the run, I got to run down a path that follows a creek. There are parts where people have planted native prairie flowers. Very nice. There were purple coneflower, black-eyed susans, and some other yellow flower that I don't know the name of. We also saw rabbits and even a few goldfinches. One yard by the creek had more traditional flowers. Not that they were ugly, they just seemed out of place. Petunias, gladiolas, impatiens, etc.