Cool!

Mrs. T and I had a nice dinner party last night for three couples I have known for years. I grilled the salmon. She spent three days cleaning up the house. A good time was had by all.

I got up at 620 this morning and, despite being tired and disinclined, I drove downtown to run with the crowd. It was a beautiful morning with cool temps in the mid 60s. Sunny and many birds chirping through the traffic noise.

Jane, Charlene, Chris, Dave and Ed were at the start line. We went out slowly and it took me about a quarter mile to get up to speed. I was trailing behind all of them for that distance, talking to myself about how quickly we slip out of form and lose top muscle tone. I also remembered that I hadn't stretched after my last two runs and I could feel it.

After awhile I was okay and enjoying the morning, the company and the run. We stopped at four miles for water and, at five miles, we had to make the decision whether to go a total of 6 or no less than 9.5. I chose the short route believing that there was no valor in going 10 when I had not run in a week. When we got close to the "barn" I picked up speed only to learn that Charlene had to run eight so I fell in for a two mile cool down.

After the run I stretched and, boy, did that hurt. Even now I am stiff and sore. A good sore, you know?

My sister flew in this morning to present at an IBM conference tomorrow so we're kicking back this afternoon, planning our Rhode Island summer. Last weekend I tuned into the sounds of power boats out on the lake. I could hear the slapping of lines against aluminum masts on sailboats somewhere. I put on some sunscreen just to add the smell sense to my summer imaging immersion. I am very ready for a vacation.

And I am also planning ahead for the fall. If I get into the NYC Marathon, fine. But I am definitely going to the Army-Navy game (Mrs. T got the tickets) so it is time to find lodging and make plans for that trip to Baltimore.