If life was normal, we would have been on a series of planes to Bali this morning. I probably would have also shortened my daily run to a mile to make the early flight. It’s now been two months since I’ve taken a running “break,” meaning less than 3.1 miles. My body seems to have weathered a two-week slump where a break would have probably been in order, but I persisted. The last three days have been relatively easy, as my pace has improved to under 12:30:00, though nothing to brag about. Actually, the average for someone my age is 13:52:00, which is what I was approaching during the slump. In the process, I made several adjustments in support, shoes, surfaces, and style. Compression gear, asphalt, a knee brace, more stretching, and arm motion have all placed a role in the improvement. 

Instead of the balmy breezes of Bali, we’ll be stuck in the drizzle of Portland. Unfortunately, rain is back in the forecast after a week of 80-degree warmth. I’m sure this was also a factor in my running attitude after shedding the windbreaker for the first time in six months. Lighter and faster has made for a better experience of late, as day #4152 is now behind me. I’ll have to use my imagination when it comes to tropical sunsets, sandy beaches, and fine dining. 

We hosted a Mother’s Day brunch yesterday for my wife’s daughter and her husband. Tally and Falco, got to romp in the nearby dog park. For a few brief hours, life was back to normal. We then tried to bring my car back to life, but the battery refused to cooperate. I’ll call AAA this morning, even though we don’t really need both cars these days. Then, as I sat down to print some tax forms, the printer ran out of ink, so I had to place an order. The cable signal was also starting to break-up. All was so very right for those few brief hours, but suddenly the everyday hassles were back! A Bali break will have to wait.