First Saturday of September

ERA of WTF……………..joy and resistance

Week one of school complete. This girl is TEE-ired. Friday was the second teaching day. With Labor Day on Monday, some of my students had stomach issues, and one had a migraine — this was only the second time we'd met in class. They didn't read the syllabus, because I know life happens, but they used their "free, don't-come-to-class days" unwisely. Not my issue. It was a day of meetings, emails, teaching, and organizing.

Friday was also birthday day. Millisue had a birthday, and my co-ambassador for BGR had a birthday too. I made sure to call Millisue and the Iowan, and I took KB out for her birthday. Did I mention my period came yesterday? Tired on top of tired. I was on campus from 6:30 a.m. until 6:20 p.m. — first week madness. Then I met up with the Iowan so we could see KB. I'll just say, we had a time: dinner, drinks, birthday dessert, and some dancing with the DJ, who was spinning R&B tunes to perfection.

By the time I went to bed, it was midnight. I'd planned on getting up early to run six miles this morning — that did not happen. My plan was to wake up by 6; I woke up at 7:30 a.m. I did make it to Deer Island by 8 a.m. though. Whew, I'm here. Even if I just walked, I was going to move my body. That was the goal.

It feels like fall, though it's still technically summer. I was thankful for the cool breeze along the water. This was a late start for me, but I was going to do something. I'm always a little wonky when I start off running, and I was mindful that I was on my period, still full from last night, and running on bad sleep.

I just took it all on. It became my time to think. I thought about my to-do list for the weekend. I thought about that man giving the go-ahead to kill grey wolves. Why protect animals, the environment, and nature? Why not just keep enriching yourself while stealing taxpayer money? Why?

I thought about my wedding dress and wedding planning. The Iowan and I really enjoyed the DJ last night — his vibe, the lighting, the open windows of the restaurant leading out to the street. We were both feeling it. We need to lock that DJ in. Soon.

I ran. I ran for a bit until I realized I hadn't started my Garmin. Ugh. Once I did, I tried the 2-minute run, 45-second walk method.

I felt good. It was just right. There were a lot of people out walking and running, everyone taking advantage of the cool morning and the holiday weekend. My goal was time on feet.

I ran 50:44 at an 11:47/mile pace and finished 4.31 miles — that's just what the Garmin caught once it started; not sure how much distance or time I racked up before that. Part of the surprise and joy was passing the little free library and the "No Kings" sign. Running past the water treatment pods, though, I found myself wishing we could put some people in them. Life — or at least the actions of this country — feels like a dystopia. It feels unreal, like a science fiction movie. Those pods would be a great place to put all the bad in one spot.

So many thoughts in four miles and some change. I did good for me, for the first week. I ran Tuesday, Thursday (in the rain), and Saturday, with strength training on Monday. I have 10 weeks until Nebraska.

Making moves. Making moves.