September 4th, 2010

My favorite run in months!  (I always enjoy the varied company - it's just the cooler weather and the sights we saw.)

Tim, Beth (and two loaded strollers) and I set off downtown on such a beautiful, sunny, un-humid, mild morning - it was almost hard to believe how perfect the morning was.  Before hitting the Dragon-Con crowd, we went through the Coke complex, Centennial Park, around the Georgia Dome, over Atlanta Underground...  Beth noticed something Tim nor I ever had - the 'Atlanta' spelled out on the Philis Arena.

I've driven by it, but not on that side - and I've never run down the bridge opposite, so it was funny to just now see it.  That's one of the great things about running - it gives you a different perspective.

In Centennial Park there were crowds assembling for the ESPN College Game Day.  Interesting outfits, but of the brightly-colored, team oriented variety.  Not the same as the outfits we would see once we ran further downtown. 

While running by the Underground, Tim pointed out a lost-looking couple, getting directions - and toting polka-dotted luggage.  Both wife and the husband.  After we remarked that they must be tourists quite a ways from their hotel, I kept feeling bad for the husband who was made to carry matching luggage.  Matching polka-dotted luggage.  I have nothing against polka dots, mind you, but the husband, too?

And of course, then there was Dragon-Con.  The ones who dress up and the ones who come out to watch those who dress up were lining Peachtree Street.  I didn't have my camera with me, but this gives you a general idea.

There was leatherette, there were futuristic trucks, there were masks, and there were two strollers and three runners weaving in and out of the crowds with Paul saying 'faster, Dad'.  Paul not being used to seeing me in front of him and his Dad while running.  But, I was trying to cut a path through the warriors and aliens for the strollers. 

So, after 4.7 miles I really could have kept on going.  I'm no better a runner than a month ago, but the mild weather really agrees with me. 

Ruth and Marie joined us for coffee, which was great.  And, being back at our normal Starbucks meant even more people watching.  It was game day at Georgia Tech and people were wearing more yellow and black than I have seen in my life.  It was a very fun morning!