Hi ho Silver

Thursday I did 4.7 miles of hills; bumps by Georgia standards, I fear. I cut the run short when I heard the recycle collection truck heading towards the house. I had forgotten to take the containers out. I thought I made it but they took a new course through the neighborhood and I still have my empties and old papers.

Thursday afternoon I enjoyed the joy I had been waiting for - a massage from Sherlene. Two highlights: my right shoulder was so tight she had to use heat and pain to get it looking and working like the left shoulder. I had not realized it was so bad.

Second: she sold the business to one of her partners; is selling her condo; and is moving to North Dakota - by the end of April. She is converting an old high plains homestead into a bed and breakfast and, with one of her other partners, opening a massage place up there.

It is going to be a long drive to get a massage. Do you turn left or right at Montana?

The only silver lining is that if I can find a North Dakota marathon to run I will now have a place to stay and someone to get the kinks out after the race.

Bandit. This afternoon Outback Steakhouse held their annual 12K in downtown Orlando. I met up with Maddie and her family before the race and found we have college and former colleagues in common. Maddie has two cute children and a friendly hubby and dog.

I also saw at least a dozen running pals and acquaintances who I either ran with or talked to. After awhile I forgot the fact that I was there without a race number. You see, I ran bandit.

Forgive me but I really didn't take advantage of very much. A pre-race cup of water, a post race bottle of water, a banana and an orange slice. Send me a bill. I did not try and horn in on the Outback steak dinner and Fosters beer.

I did not even run the full race. I took off with some friends and bounced between them at various speeds so I could chat with them all. Then at the 3rd mile I veered off and headed back to the finish line. I ran about 35 minutes and got back just in time to see the winner cross in just under 40 minutes. Fast! especially in the 76 degree heat.

I cheered everybody in and enjoyed the afternoon.

Tomorrow I'll go 16 in a roll back long run. Next week is 22 again.