Along My Run | 8 - September Transition

September runs vacillate between hot and cold, as remnants of summer fold away to crisp, cool days of autumn. I even broke out my pair of transition tights when we experienced a cold snap, mid month. I watched several amazing sunrises, ran through some eerie fog that left its sparkling mark on all thing wispy as it burned away, and watched as the combines started their ritual of reaping a well earned harvest.


1. Slice of Americana , 2. Magical Morning , 3. The Clock Struck One, I got my 20 miles in, Hickory Dickory Dock., 4. That's My Post 20 Mile Smile , 5. Perfect Morning for a Run, Feels Like Fall!, 6. Transition, 7. Take a Seat, Bask in the Sun. Had to break out the cold running gear this morning! 42 degF with a wind chill of 36! But I loved it!, 8. View From the Top. Ran several parking decks around town this morning. , 9. Layer Cake, 10. Golden Waves, 11. Harvest Time , 12. I Wasn't Planning to Run Today, but the perfect fall weather beckoned. And the run was great. , 13. Profile.. So dark now, but on the bright side, saw a shooting star this morning., 14. Once Again, I'm Chasing the Sun, 15. What Happened Ten Minutes Later , 16. Headed Through the Country


September was another great running month. I completed two - 20+ mile runs, capping off my marathon training program. I broke the 1000 mile mark for total miles in 2014. I was on track to match or surpass my max monthly mileage total of 136, falling shy at 126 miles. My average pace was 9:14 minutes / mile, consistent with August.

This month's collection of quotes - throughout the month, I earmark running quotes that "speak to me".

That's the beauty of starting lines: Until you begin a new venture, you never know what awaits you.
– Amby Burfoot

The battles that count aren't the ones for gold medals. The struggles within yourself-the invisible, inevitable battles inside all of us-that's where it's at.
– Jesse Owens

I have cried once or twice when I crossed the finish line, out of a fullness of feeling that can't be expressed in words.
– Larry Smith

Hmm, they are all race related. I guess it comes as no surprise, I've been fixated on this upcoming race. As I write this, I'm still sidelined by the Plantar Facsiitis in my left foot and I'm still not sure what I should do about the Chicago Marathon (a mere five days away). The foot is better - I ran two miles Saturday morning with no pain, but there is a dull ache in my arch, constantly speaking to me in hushed tones, saying "I'm not happy with you right now". I just wish I had some clarity to it all.