Dripping in This Strange Design...

Been a few months since my last post...summer has come and gone and now fall is rearing its (sometimes ugly) head.  It is a chilly, wet Saturday morning as I type this. 

I've always struggled with the changing of the seasons.  Spring and summer provide plenty of sunlight, long warm days, bright colors, and hot temps that are a runner's dream.  But alas, as with everything, nothing stays the same.  Plants start to die, the colors turn drab, the temps fall and things just don't seem as lively during the fall months.  I do love bonfires, running through leaves and enjoying the scenery that any given fall day in Montgomery County provides, but...I struggle with the change.  I do like consistency and routines.  I am, indeed, a creature of habit. 

One high point this fall came on Sunday, September 30th.  The Heritage Trail Marathon - put on by the fine folks at Planet Adventure Race - provided a fast and flat course to PR on.  Only my 3rd full trail marathon, the course was so fast and non-technical I obliterated my other two times (4:56 in June at Tell City and 5:18 in August at Eagle Creek) by well over an hour with a 3:50.  Not to mention a negative split: 1:58 out and 1:52 back.  Smart, positive running. 

The only bad thing to come out of that day was a nice gash I opened on my head around mile 16:

It hurt like hell for the first few minutes, as I picked up a leaf or two in an attempt to stop the bleeding.  No such luck, and apparently all the aid stations were chattering on the radio about a bloodied runner heading their way!  The staff of Planet Adventure and a Fort/WL Parks Dept employee, as well as a fellow runner, were VERY kind and compassionate when helping me after I finished.  I will never forget their assistance! 

Much like the seasons, another big change in my life took place as I had to say goodbye to someone very near and dear to my heart.  Not death-related, but heart related.  She played a very big role in my happiness over the past year, but sometimes two people aren't meant to be a couple, lovers, or even friends.  Sometimes, that's just the way things are and wrapping your mind around that is one of life's most difficult tasks.  You can accept it and move on, but it doesn't make it easier.  I love her with all my heart and always will.  She knows who she is and what she will always mean to me.  I wish her health and happiness.  <3

Looming on the horizon...The HUFF50K on 12/29 and Purdue men's basketball.  Both have the potential to be better than expected or huge disasters!  Purdue will take their lumps against the upper-echelon teams in the B10, and so I'm hoping for a .500 finish in league play with an 18-20 win season.  Maybe not an NCAA tournament team, but perhaps an NIT team.  Would love to get to WL this year to see the newcomers play!
 Until next time...one foot follows the other, one foot follows something new.