The Florida Sun plus a Cold

Thank you for the birthday wishes!  It was full of unexpected twists and turns, looks into the past, glimpses into the future, and adventure.  It was quite a ride, as I fully expect all of this year to be!

In the meantime, back to the updates long overdue...

While working with Dwight Howard in Orlando, I was at the beginning of a 3 week long cold that I am STILL fighting.  It began with a cough that felt like a solid 10lb weight on my chest.  Trying to stay on the running/training schedule while traveling is extremely difficult.  It can be done, but time changes, schedules, hotel rooms, tiny workout rooms, and weather all play a huge factor.  Plus a cold.

It was sunny and 70-80 degrees in Orlando and although I really wanted to lay in bed and cough up what was left of my lungs (so gross, sorry about that)...I strapped shoes on and went for a run.  It was supposed to be 11.  It ended up to be an epic-ly challenging 9.  And of course...ever the "tourist" (even in my own city)...I took pictures.

On the path that surrounds a little lake by the hotel

I was struck by this house...it felt very plantation-style in the middle of a residential neighborhood.  And - it was up for sale.  It may sound corny, but when I see an interesting house or property that captures my attention, I like to imagine what life would be like if that we were my home...Here, I'm kind of thinking my existence would have something to do with afternoon tea, mint juleps, and croquet in the backyard.  Oh, and LUNCH with the LADIES.

In the middle of the neighborhood I ran past a girls softball game. I played softball from the time I was 8 through my freshman year of college.  Pitcher & outfield.  It was a big part of my life.  My grandpa was a player and a coach in my hometown and although he was beyond those days when I knew him - he attended all of my pee-wee softball games until he could no longer make them.  He would sit in the passenger side of the car (my uncle drove him) and watch.  After the games we would talk about what happened, how I did.  Pee-wee softball games were likely as exciting as watching paint dry, but he never let on.  I still get chills when I watch a game live or on TV...and nothing compares to that moment when the umpire tosses you a brand new, pristine softball on the mound.  It represented possibility and hope and strength.  Not yet hit.  Not yet pitched.  

Then I found this park with a beautiful lake in the middle...the path was about 1.5 miles around.  So - I did about 5 loops.

Gorgeous, peaceful lake...

 Baby Ducklings!

Nearing the end of my run - an amazing fountain in the middle of the street in a very cool, eclectic neighborhood.

I admit, I felt horrible after the run - due to the impending cold.  Yet I am so thankful I made this memory.  The best way to truly experience a city is on foot.  Whether they are running or walking.