Too much wine, heavy meals, cold medicine, and a couple thousand more feet of elevation led to some heavy breathing this morning. It was day #4096 of my running streak that took place in the desert just outside of Tucson. I continue to battle chest congestion, but the warmer temperatures should have a healing effect. As I slogged along, I was easily passed by another runner, making me feel even more self-conscious of my slow pace. My feet felt like concrete and my breathing was labored. It was not an easy 5k, but I still managed to cross-it-off my list of things to do. 

I’m waiting for my turn in the bathroom at the home of our friends. Once everyone gets ready, we’re headed to either to the town of Tubac or Biosphere 2, both lengthy drives. I enjoy the scenic mountain views and ancient cacti that stretch for miles. We’ve stayed put the past couple of days, but their backyard affords plenty of sunshine. It felt so good to absorb the warmth on my face and appreciate the sun’s natural energy flowing through my veins. It’s just what I needed, an escape from our downtown Portland apartment where the sun rarely shines this time of year. In fact, it even snowed there the past few days. We’re in a much warmer place than home for the next 4 days!

We hope to have a home similar to this when we move to Florida next year. It’s set in a 55+ community with low upkeep and plenty of recreational opportunities. Unfortunately, because of the Coronavirus threat most of their facilities are temporarily shuttered, but we still got together with some of their neighbors last evening. One woman of my age was a very active runner of about 8 miles a day. She isn’t caught up in the “every-single-day” obsession like I am, but undoubtedly logs more miles at a faster pace each week than I do. I just keep plugging along – please excuse the heavy breathing!