Stone Crest

Good afternoon to all! With 2 days out until JR and Brandon’s half marathon at Disney World I thought that  I’d post.

I haven’t been able to run much with our recent move and then a nasty bug got a hold of my body. But during the holidays I had the privilege of running at a retirement community called Stone Crest in Florida. Let me tell you, it was such a pleasure!

First off the weather difference from Miami to Central Florida was huge! We left the sunny 80-degree weather of Miami to the 30-degree weather of Summerfield and the idea of running outside seems about the least exciting thing you want to do.  Somehow I muscled up some energy with the help of my MIL (mother-in-law) and her ear warmers, and gloves. I start on my way around the neighborhood, and start to slow up because it is just so cold…my nose is growing icicles, and my toes no longer want to be attached to my foot. As I slow, a golf cart comes down the hill in my direction (everyone here travels by golf cart…I know I want to too.) The older couple in the cart wave hello and send a cheer…”keep going honey!”  This gave me a little energy to keep on going, I round out the first lap, where normally I’d stop at this point….but I didn’t. I kept going. I decided, “what’s one more lap around this place?” I keep going and several more waves, and encouraging cheers keep me going, and eventually someone goes…”wow you are everywhere, keep going!” What an awesome running experience! I am so used to people in full hair and make-up running, the “penis lifters” (men or women that just go to look at themselves in the mirror working out), the dogs in strollers, the group of 5 people who refuse to form someone of a single line so that other runners/walkers can pass, the crazy stuff you see when running…

I ended that run feeling encouraged, by people in the community! A simple smile, eye contact, and or a wave go a long way. Not just for someone who is running, but for when you pass each other at Wal-mart, or on the sidewalk.  What happened to looking at someone in the eye and saying “good morning!”

The good and bad news (bad news because I wasn’t quite ready to leave my friends and patients in Miami) is that we have now moved to this area of the state. I am hoping that I will be able to find my runs to be full of smiles and encouraging thoughts! Perhaps they will make the decision to do a full marathon an easier one, perhaps I can start working on things like my pace/time? I don’t know there are so many things you want to do when you feel motivated and confident. Either way…I can’t wait to hit the road running!

Good luck to my husband JR, and my best friend B…as they embark on their first half marathons this Saturday. I will be back with pictures and an update!

Happy New Year!