Indian Springs. This is where "Katie" and I meet to run! Beautiful!

When I have measured out my life with coffee spoons.  ~T.S. Eliot

When  I was 18, I moved out and in with a woman whom I babysat for. "Becky" was a total Coney waitress!  Skin tight jeans..you know the ones our mothers used to say looked "painted" on, smoked 2 packs of cigarettes, and in between flipping eggs she was doing scratch off lottery tickets. "Beckys Cafe" was where I got my first job and had my eyes really opened. Becky and I would leave the house at 4:30 am and get to the coney where I both waitress-ed and bussed tables. Becky drank about a pot of coffee a day. As a matter of fact it seemed like everyone drank coffee but me! This is where my love of coffee stemmed!

At first, to try and fit in it was hot cocoa..then as I matured it was mixed with half coffee. Over time I removed the cocoa and added cream and sugar....A lot. And to this day I am still a cream and sugar kinda girl!

Coffee smells like freshly ground heaven.  ~Jessi Lane Adams

But this morning I added something different. With my eyes half closed I grabbed the liquid creamer and poured, only it came out clear, a little frothy looking. I stood back, thought for a minute "Hmm that doesn't look right." I took the container and turned it around in my hands to notice that I just poured egg whites in place of creamer in my coffee!! AHHH!! "Oh well" I thought.  I actually laughed to myself thinking "As much cream and sugar as I put in my coffee I will never even notice." And I didn't!!

"Justin" Our guide at Indian Springs, He was wearing Vibram 5 Fingers!

This was the start of my morning. I had a good morning with the boys. I made them breakfast and all three of us lunch. I was going on Alecs' field trip today. And the funny thing was that the 4th graders were all going to INDIAN SPRINGS! Where "Katie" and I happen to be running this morning. When I told Alec I would meet him there because I was running, he responded "UGHH, mom, you are gonna SMELL"
So when I went upstairs to pack my clothes I sprayed everything down, including myself and added some body spray to the gear!. I had to remember a little more than normal. And if you know me at all you will know that "remembering" anything is a bonus.

We had a most amazing day for being outside at the nature center.

Justin was showing kids how to use a "PROBE" ..doesn't HE KNOW YOU CANT GIVE A BUNCH OF BOYS A PROBE?? you never KNOW WHERE THEY WILL STICK IT!!!

So when I got to the park at 8:30 this morning to meet "Katie" let it be no shocker that I forgot my Garmin!! I remembered the extra "Stink" spray but forgot my watch!
So we ran without it! We ran with nothing beeping at us, nothing pacing us, and nothing taunting us. We just ran free. Free to enjoy the elements more. 8 miles on the paced trails soaking up our surroundings like a second cup of coffee. It was perfect. Great company and a great day for a run!

Alec looking to see if he brought anything up!

Running Tips

Check the weather – fall weather can be a little tricky.  One day it can be gorgeous with lots of sun and the next day can be really windy and cold with some flurries.

Dress in layers.  You can never have too many layers! This time of year the temperature can really vary from hour to hour and from in the shade to in the sun, so when in doubt, dress for colder weather with layers that you can shed as you warm up.

Protect your eyes and skin. The sun's rays are less direct this time of year, but they are still plenty strong to cause damage or sunburn. Protect your eyes with proper sunglasses and all exposed skin with at SPF of at least 30.

Find a Fun Run. It is time for Turkey trots and Santa Runs. Find some running buddies and sign up for a fun run in the dark, dressed up or doing something for charity but Enjoy!!!

Anita