7 miles in 7:30 pace The prarie dog near mile four perched up on his mound and gave me an enthusiastic wave as if to say "top of the morning to you!" Finally after a year of running past his home three or four mornings a week he's decided to be neighborly. Around mile six I saw an older gentleman who's sharp white and black facial hair and jaw line suddenly reminded me of my Dad. My heart sank as I started wishing I could go hiking with my Dad, see him cheering for me at the end of a race, or just sit down and chat with him. The last time I was able to do any of those things was three years ago before he passed away. At least I still have lots of good memories and thoughts of him. I miss him. | 