Turn a corner and you are in a different world

I always loved running...it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs." Jesse Owens

Seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet. That captures a rave run I had today.

In San Diego for client work I took advantage of the three hour time difference to go for a run, and I am so glad I did. As I asked the concierge "which way to Balboa park" he pointed me left out of my hotel but warned it was it was an uphill climb all the way to the park. For a millisecond I considered heading the other way, but before I knew it I was on my way up the mile climb to perhaps one of the best runs of my life.

Why was it so great you ask. Did I run a PB? Nope, kept my usual plodding 9 minute mile pace. Was I feeling really strong? Not particularly; S&V chips, diet coke and a Chai latte does not a runner's diet make! But even if was a little off my stride at first, I found my groove the second I entered the park, and it continued to be fed by the feast of what I found inside its gates.

Flowers; Azealias, Anomones, Black Eye Susans, Rose of Sharon. People; couples of all kinds, rockers, skaters, runners, walkers, bikers. Dogs; big dogs, little dogs, dogs with all their gear, dogs with coats, dresses, even a dog with a hat! And more dogs. Miles and miles of paths and trails could have had me lost very quickly had I chosen a path less trodden. The path I did chose, while sometime paved, and other times covered by cobbled stone showed me a splendor of sights; geometric sculptures, Chinese gardens (yes, again with the flowers), fountains and more dogs (yes, again with the dogs) : )   I even saw a young Peruvian bride in the most colourful dress I have ever seen. There were museums and art galleries. A zoo, and I even saw Mary Poppins (ok, it was a statue, but it looked just like her).

I am not sure how long I ran, but it was one of those days I could have kept going and going. Reluctantly when I came to yet another fantastic foot bridge that led to another adventure of desert path, I turned around and retraced my steps back to the hotel and enjoyed the experience all over again.

Really the only thing that would have made this run even better is if my long time running partner and friend had been by my side to share the experience with. Next time.