Today I ran 15 miles. It was hard. But I did it and I am still very confident that I will finish the marathon in a respectable time. I'm now running on the Highline Canal Trail just outside of Denver. This is a beautiful trail which winds through the wealthy neighborhoods in Cherry Hills and Greenwood Village...lots of horse estates and sprawling mansions. The first time I ran on the trail, I was very distracted looking at the beautiful homes and wondered what the people who live there do for a living. Now, I just run past them. They are starting to all look the same to me.
I love the people on the trail with me at 7 a.m. Die hard runners, old folks walking their dogs, the occasional biker and me. Everyone is very smiley and friendly. Ninety percent of the folks say "good morning" to me as I huff and puff past them. I enjoy this trail because it is gravel, so there are not many bikers on the trail. I've tried the paved Cherry Creek trail in the city and almost lost an ear and arm to the "Lance Armstrong" wannabes, flying through the city, trying to get that yellow jersey! I love, however, to see lots of people out, enjoying the beautiful mornings and getting some exercise.
This morning was actually the coldest morning I have experienced while running. I could have used gloves and knit hat for the first two miles. Finally, it warmed up just enough to be very comfortable running 15 miles. I imagine that NYC, in November, will be chilly before and during the start of the marathon. I read somewhere that a lot of people wear cheap sweat suits and gloves while waiting to start, then leave them in big heaps on Staten Island before the start of the race. Some folks come out to collect as much as they can to salvage for the homeless and second-hand stores before the sanitation workers show up to discard everything.
Today during mile 7 or so, I swear I ran by Troy Aikmen. He's got a unique look, so if it wasn't him, it was his long-lost twin. I'm not sure why he would be in Denver, running on the Highline Trail, though. Maybe he's here to cover the Bronco home opener tomorrow? Not sure. Maybe, I was hallucinating?!? If that was the case, I wish my brain would hallucinate someone else, perhaps a Hugh Jackman, or David Beckham? I did "see" Aikman during mile 7. This seems to be a tough mile for me lately. My neuroma on my right foot is screaming and my legs are sore. During this time I have to fight the urge to curl up into the fetal position in the middle of the trail and become road kill for the many runners, including various high school cross country teams, out training. After mile 8 or so, I'm much, much better and feeling energized and invincible.
Today I saw a funny shirt. It read SHUT UP LEGS. I must get one of those.
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