This is what I've been waiting for

I've had a frustrating summer, running-wise, with more false starts and attempted comebacks than I've ever had. It's almost been enough to make me throw my running shoes in Town Lake and give up for good. I just don't function well in heat and humidity.

But this morning was just perfect for running. It was clear and cool and still. When I headed out the door at 6:00, it was 48 degrees, cool enough that I wished I had grabbed a pair of running gloves.

The sky was absolutely clear, and even in north central Austin, with lots of light pollution, I could see millions of stars. The Big Dipper and Orion were hanging right in front of me as I ran. It made me wish that I was down at the Trail, which can be really dark if there's no moon, allowing for a spectacular view of the constellations.

I didn't worry about running fast. Instead I just enjoyed being out running and feeling good while doing it for the first time in what feels like years. My peaceful feeling was shattered for a few minutes when a woman blew past me like I was standing still. But then she slowed her pace about 10 yards in front of me, and I was able to reel her in a bit. It was good to be forced by pride to pick up the pace a bit.

When I left the house, I knew I probably didn't have long to run before Campbell woke up, so I did my 1 1/2 mile loop, hoping to be able to fit two laps in. Unfortunately, when I swung by the house at the end of my first lap, I could hear Campbell screaming, so I packed it in.

Even though my run was cut short, I'm counting it as a victory. It just felt good to be running again - finally.