Back At It!

So, yes, I know.... I've taken a rather long break. If you look at it, you'll see it's practically the entire summer. Can you guess why?

My first summer in Maryland was H-O-T! and I stopped running.

At first, I didn't want to stop. I would go out in the cute summer digs I recently reclaimed from storage. My intentions were pure. Intentions, however, do not equal a destination or even continued motivation. I made it down the hill upon which this house rests and partially up the next... and turned around, covered in sweat, feeling like a lousy buck. Soon, I didn't even make it to the door. I never thought I'd learn that there is actually something worse than cold weather running.

Seasons change. The story moves on.

I wish running was more like opening an abandoned book. You see that old book on your shelf and finger through the pages and remember exactly where you left off, so you can just begin again. I know it won't be like that. I'll struggle... again... wish it were easier... again... ponder why exactly such torture is necessary... what is it all for?

I made my answer slightly easier by signing up for the Celtic Solstice, a 5 mile race, in December. I ran it last year miserably. What kind of difference does a year make? I'll be able to tell you in minutes!

In the meantime, I have some things planned for this blog--food stories of how a girl who lit brownies on fire three times in a row in college (and, yes, the fire department came twice) learned to make and bake, revisiting old places and old characters, a commentary here and there, and maybe even the end to that Baltimore 10 miler I promised. Stay put, please--leave the running to me!