Day 3: Go for a run

We ran a 5k today!  I can't believe it, but Grant ran it with me, too.  He has a bum knee and usually prefers to ride a bike (or, just not exercise at all).  But, after nine glorious hours of sleep last night, we got up early and had coffee and bagels before heading to the park.  We registered, checked in, and grabbed our race t-shirts.  They even had long-sleeved racing shirts!  Short-sleeved giveaway shirts get lost in the mix, but long-sleeves are a rare commodity these days.

The race was organized by a friend of mine.  All of the proceeds went to an organization supporting lung cancer research.  It took place at Wash Park, which is near our house and an absolutely beautiful place to run.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect; a clear blue October sky and a refreshingly chilly morning.

The race was hard.  Harder than I expected.  Admittedly, I'm not in as great shape as I used to be, but I didn't think I'd be so tired by the end.   Grant runs fast as it is, and his legs are about 1/2 a leg longer than mine, so it takes me about 1.5 steps to each of his one.  Trying to keep up with his pace, I feel like a tiny dog trotting alongside its owner.

We celebrated afterwards by grabbing coffee and pastries with a couple of friends.  It was warm enough to sit outside and soak in the midmorning sunshine on our backs.

Grant had to work at 3pm, but he surprised me on the way home by stopping at a pumpkin sale at a local church.  We each picked out our own pumpkin, plus a decorative white one and a miniature one for a table centerpiece.  Grant always goes for the wartiest, biggest pumpkin he can find.  I like a classic orange with nice pumpkin lines.

In Ohio, we used to go to the same pumpkin patch every year.  It was about 30 minutes outside of Cincinnati in the cutest little farm town you've ever seen.  We'd ride a tractor into the pumpkin patch, pick out our pumpkins, and ride the tractor back to the farm.  There was a petting zoo, a farm store with canned jam and honey, hot apple cider, and corn hole games.

Grant's schedule makes it tough to get out to do things like that these days.  I'm so grateful anytime he has a weekend day off and we can go out on adventures together, even if they're just little adventures.