I am heading out to Brentwood for my favorite run. I have never been a runner (in fact, I'm more of a jog-walker) but I do enjoy the solitude of being left alone with my iPod and running shoes. Tonight I am introducing my little sister to my favorite route, 2.2 miles around the Brentwood Country Club. When I lived in Brentwood I used to jog-walk this route because it was the easiest on my knees -- almost the entire thing is a dirt path. It gets a little dirty when it's muddy so I try not to take Lulu with me unless I had plans to give her a bath anyway.
I think the funniest thing about this route for me is that I always start at the same place and go in the same direction. I find comfort in the fact that I slow down in the same places and push myself to the same corners. I love that running syncs you up with your body, so that you find comfort in the familiar. Your knees and hips give you immediate feedback. You know which muscles are weak and which ones need work.
The soundtrack for tonight's run will be Alicia Keys: The Element of Freedom.
