running: the dawn

Its funny to think back a few days about how I was worried how I would get some running in on vacation.  Now that I’m here, I realize: it’s vacation! I get to do what I want, and that is run.  Silly me.  All that worrying…

Right now I’m staying with my running BFF Andi in sunny southern California.  It’s so awesome because this weekend is her graduation from Medical School, which means that she basically has this week off to pack and get ready for her big move.  We’ve been going to yummy places to eat, catching up, and even squeezed in a quick run together.

There is something really self-indulgent about traveling by myself.  It’s very interesting.  Usually on “vacation” there’s a list or agenda.  Places to go.  Things to see.  But that’s not really how I roll.  I’m more kick-back about the whole traveling thing.  I have rarely gone places because of a landmark or sight-to-see.  I prefer to go places to visit people I know and eat food I love.  Or be active.  Case in point: on our honeymoon Mr. Dawn and I spent three days snowboarding.  It was pure bliss and one of the main reasons why I wanted to get married in the winter. I know that the day will come when most/all of my traveling plans will revolve around my family.  I will eventually want my kids to see really cool things and explore really cool places.  But for now, I will enjoy lazy days, good friends, and exercise while I vacation.

Being here in California has been absolutely amazing (except for missing my Mr.).  Why?–asks no one in particular.  Because I have had all day to wake up, exercise, eat and socialize.  So fabulous!  I discovered that there is a Jazzercise location (I know, I’m addicted!) just over 4 miles from where I’m staying.  This prompted me to form the following morning plan: get ready to leave the house by 8am, jog to the Jazzercise center and take the 9am class, fill up my water bottle, run back.  Perfect!  I get in almost 9 miles AND I get to explore a class in a new city with fun exciting new people.  It worked so perfectly yesterday I decided to repeat the whole process again today.

A few observations about running in California vs. Running in the Midwest:

• There are TONS more sidewalks here!  I never once have to run on the shoulder or the side of the road.  If there’s not a sidewalk, then there’s a bike lane.  Most of the time there’s both.  It’s amazing!
• The smells are WAY better.  I love that while I’m running I’m not constantly bombarded with the smell of rotting road kill.  Here there are so many flowers everywhere and they fill the air with so much sweetness.  I really think it has made me breathe deeper.
• Apparently I’m fast in California.  I keep going out for “easy runs” with the idea of keeping my pace in a slower-than-goal-pace-zone.  But each time the average pace seems to get smaller…without any effort on my part.  I am hoping that this trend continues…

Now, I have to get back to the season one marathon of Big Bang Theory that we’re currently enjoying…