Socializing and running...

Running can be great for socializing.  Just look at my Saturday runs with Brie...hello, exercise and catching up with friends.  Awesome.  And in some cases, running is the only way you can find time to hang out when you are all busy, busy, busy.  Sometimes, though, they don't mesh...at least not in the same way.

Tonight I was hitting the pavement for five in my quest to post 550 miles before the end of the month.  Okay, my body felt heavy.  I don't know if it was the day off yesterday or if I'm still a bit tired from pushing the speed a bit too much on Sunday, but overall it felt like it was all I could do to push to the end of the run.  So, I was certainly excited to run up behind some of my old colleagues from The Ohio State University - their President and federal relations team - walking in front of the capitol building.  I stopped to "socialize" and catch up with them a couple minutes (it's also always nice to hear "Stacie was the best MLA Senator DeWine ever had") before continuing on my way.  Luckily this was about a mile before I was finished because shortly after that diversion I ran into another colleague and stopped to socialize with her for, oh, about 30 minutes :) about all sorts of stuff - work, running for fundraising, kids, etc.  That social stop, however, made finishing the last quarter mile sheer torture.  Oh well, life goes on and it is fun to catch a few minutes chatting with good folks.

All in all, my pace was back to more normal speeds, the weather was pleasant and it felt good to put the pavement beneath my feet to think for a bit.  I'd also be remiss if I didn't recap my joy at my social encounters along the way.  I hope the rest of the week is just as nice and that the body lightens up.  Happy trails!!!

Stats -
Miles:  5.28
Time:   44:33 (average pace of 8:26 per mile)
Location:  Capitol Hill, Stanton Park, Lincoln Park
Feeling:  Heavy, a little tight in the hamstring