Day 57

I can't believe it's the end of August already. This month flew by, just like the rest of summer. My race is less than one month away now and I'm starting to get really excited! I realized today that the first day of autumn is also less than one month away.

The weather has cooperated with me almost every time I go out for a run. I've really enjoyed my time on the Paul Henry Trail and running around Reed's Lake. I'm glad I've been outside so much to enjoy the uncommonly cool, crisp and dry summer. Today's and yesterday's weather were perfect. The air smelled fresh and clean and reminded me of how the water from Lake Superior makes the air smell in Grand Marais. The clouds were slow moving yesterday, despite a swift westerly breeze. It felt like they were trying to hang on to what little summer we have left and slow time down. The nights are getting cool enough to need a second blanket; a cruel reminder that winter isn't that far away. Despite knowing what's coming in the next couple of months, I have to admit I'm looking forward to running during the next few weeks during September as it cools down even more.

Saturday I ran 8 miles in 82 minutes, right on pace at about 10:30 per mile. It took a couple of weeks to get back to normal after being sick but I feel strong again. I'm no longer nervous about my long runs. It doesn't really seem like a big deal anymore. Running has become such a "normal" part of my life now it almost doesn't feel like I'm doing anything extraordinary. I still know what I'm doing is a pretty big deal but it just feels, well, normal. In a way I wish it still felt new and unknown but it's also a really cool feeling to be comfortable with what I'm doing.