Day 3,911 —Changing Directions and New Trails—

 I first went to put a package in the USPS drop-off location, but I saw that it was stuck, so I went to the post office a couple of miles away. Once there, I went into Maplewood, thinking I would head back toward Webster Groves from Big Bend Road. I also wanted to go back to Brentwood Park and see what the other trails connected to.

I first went to Strange Donuts and immediately left when the line in front of me was strangely long, so I ran around the corner and came back there was a sign in the front of the door that said “Back in 2 minutes” I ran around the block and came back, and the guy was there, and I was able to buy a vegan chocolate banana donut. They are the only place I know in town that sells vegan donuts, so I cannot be too picky. Probably if it was for me and not Sarah and our kids, I might have just said forget it, but I was out running, so not the biggest deal in the world to have to wait and come back. The guy behind me was much more annoyed with the 2-minute wait than I was.

I went to Brentwood Park next. I was pleased to run a .8-mile loop go under the bridge and follow the trail for a while before turning around. It was fun to be exploring again and experience what it is like to be running somewhere new. I would like to figure out how I might connect this area to Forest Park, but I will have to do that on a different run.

From there I went towards downtown Webster by the big houses towards Lockwood. I decided I would go to the library next and see if I could find the second dragon movie for my daughter.

It was fun to get some chores done, why I was running. Everyone has been so focused on preparing for this winter storm this weekend that people are out shopping and stocking up on supplies.

The more I see people prepare the more I think the whole thing could blow over, but I don’t know, I would love to see and run in a big winter storm, and I am happy it is happening now and not the weekend of the race. Two weeks until the Shippey!

I ended up running this marathon today mostly by accident. I was thinking I would do closer to 20 or 22 miles, so not a huge difference, but it is nice to get my first marathon of the year in, and I should be doing more trail miles this weekend, but it has been difficult to find the motivation.

There was warm potato soap on the stove waiting when I got home, and my children greeted me with enthusiasm.