SURPRISE!

So, I went for a run last night, 4 miles. I can tell you that sometimes I don't think about much when I run, sometimes I think about things I would think about if I were just walking or sitting somewhere. Then there are times that I have what I guess you could call 'small realizations.'

I was running along, almost halfway to the Washington Monument, and I was thinking about how people can surprise you. In good ways and bad, people will surprise you. It's like when you think you know someone, and they exhibit traits that seem totally opposite of what you expect. Then it hit me. People who know me are probably REALLY surprised that I'm training for a marathon. As a matter of fact, I know people who had to blink, then look at the letter/e-mail again, just to make sure it was really from me. Because as I've said before, I've never done anything REMOTELY like this in my life.

Then I thought further. Because of anyone who is surprised by this, I think that I'm probably the most surprised. How cool is that? Surprising YOURSELF!

Now, I'm not writing this as a pat on my back, far from it. I'm writing this, because it's something I would encourage others to do. Do something different than you've ever done before. Something that others wouldn't expect (now I'm not saying something illegal or unhealthy or dangerous... let's not go overboard here! =) ). You will probably surprise everyone, but most of all yourself. It feels really cool, I promise!

Another thought I had last night was, I wonder how many tourists pics I've been in? You know, like in the background. As I was running the sidewalk that goes around the Washington Monument, it was a pretty nice scene. The Marine Band was playing, people were sitting in the grass - listening, and others were sitting around the Monument, taking pictures of their family and friends in different spots. Some in front of the Washington Monument, others of the cool views of the Lincoln Monument to the west, and the Capitol to the east. I felt kinda bad about not stopping when I saw someone take a picture, but they didn't seem to mind. That's when I had the thought... I wonder how many people get home from their vacations, develop their pictures, and there's little ol' me. Sitting in the background, or running by-my pony tail flying.

So yeah, running last night was nice. It was almost getting dark, nice breeze, tourists and softball players on the Mall. Glad I'm doing it.

Have a good one!
Mandi