Perfect Run

I had the best run tonight. It was my usual three miles, except I made three new friends: a four year-old and his six year-old brother, and a woman named Marcia.

As I turned the corner to start the trail, I noticed an older lady fruitlessly trying to chase after two young boys. The boys had white-blond hair and were riding a little bicycle and a scooter, respectively. I caught up to them eventually.

LB: "You guys are such good boys! Are you guys having fun?"
Boys: "Yeah!"
LB: "Good! You guys stay where your grandparents can see you, okay? Have fun!"

I pass them as they wait for their grandparents. About thirty seconds later:

Four Year-Old: "I'm coming! I'm coming! I caught up to you!"
LB: "Hi! Alriiiight!"

The six year-old is not far behind him, hollering at him to wait. They pass me, going downhill before they finally stop and wait for their grandparents on a park bench. When I passed them and said goodbye, the four year-old hops off the bench and runs after me, his scooter forgotten.

"You're BEAU-tiful!" he said. And at that moment, a smile came to me and hasn't left yet!

On the way home, I passed a lady with a sunflower hat. I complimented her and she said it kept her cool. I told her I was proud of her and to keep up the good work. She told me she'd been walking to try to lose weight but that her back had been injured for two years. We had a good conversation and both ended up making each others' day. We agreed to look for each other because we do the same trail every night.

The best part of the run? As I made it to the Jenks Bridge, the sun was cresting over the hills and reflecting on the Arkansas River. The sky was all kinds of pinks and golds and purples. It wasn't like Oregon, but it was close. I sat there and watched it disappear, listening to Hanson and thinking. I whipped out my cell phone and took a picture, so when I figure out how to post it, I will!