Usually I feel compelled to blog about the transcendent properties of running down an empty trail as the sun rises and black snakes crawl out to bathe in it, then sluggishly slide away when I run by, still cold from a night under the leaves. That was one heck of a run-on. Where was I? Right. Today I do not feel compelled to to wax Thoreauian. I'm not feeling optimistic, I'm not feeling nihilistic, I'm just doing the work. I put down a big fartlek yesterday and will be at 60 miles already this week by the end of the day. I often get hung up on weekly mileage, but why not? Running a lot makes you better. Most people who disagree are lazy and/or slow. I do have a habit of over-doing it. Not only in running, but in most everything I do, so I suppose it's good that I sometimes recognize my penchant for obsessiveness. If you notice it and I don't, please let me know.

My newest ridiculous idea has been what I call "run-commuting" It's not complicated, I just run when I need to get somewhere. Driving inside the beltline in Raleigh is a nightmare, and riding a bike is a hassle. Most of the places I want to get are within a couple of miles, so unless it's a black tie thing, I might as well run there. If I have to take stuff, I have an old Camelbak without a bladder that I can cram stuff in. I usually make fun of people running with backpacks on, so I suppose any jeers I get are some kind of karmic retribution. Right. Until next time - keep your stick on the ice.