Back to school and the weather's cool

Big day today -- it's the first day of school for Lexington. Well, for kids returning to the same school anyway. Those beginning a new school got to go a day early to get used to the place before the marauding hordes arrived. But today was the first day back for most kids. Tasha and I both like and dislike running on school mornings. On the plus side, there is a very nice crossing guard on Mass Ave. near Route 128 that stops the cars for us even when there aren't any kids in the vicinity. On the minus side, there is more traffic on the sidewalks including occasional squadrons of kids, parents, and dogs. Once last year a dog got so excited about seeing and sniffing Tasha that it jumped and knocked down a little boy who started crying. We weren't responsible but I still felt bad.

To reduce the possibility of chaos, T-Dog and I tend to avoid running directly by the elementary schools around opening time. Running by the high school is OK though -- there are no parents with dogs accompanying easily-tipped children, only sleepy teenagers wearing headphones and carrying coffee cups.

Today we ran into Minuteman National Park and around the visitor center. It was delightfully cool, right below 60 in the shade. We were able to run up the back side of the big hill without stopping once, although my heart nearly pounded itself out of my chest when we reached the top. The other good thing about today's run was that something in the woods or meadows was giving off this really wonderful aroma. I can't describe it other than it was kind of sweet and definitely botanical. Since I'm cooped up in an office all day, I particularly appreciate the chance to breathe some authentic fresh air. I hope the kids appreciated their fresh air too when they were let out for recess today!