Hello, outside, my old friend

For those of you who have slacked a bit on resolutions to get in shape, note that this marks the beginning of a three-day weekend, and that presents a new opportunity to ramp up efforts to get, and stay, fit.

That being said, it's amazing the rejuvenating power of the great outdoors.

Today was my first day running outside for...well...I can't tell you how long. It was still a bit chilly, a bit damp, a bit foggy—"fuzzy," a friend's daughter once called it—but the roads were clear. Finally. After five miles on the treadmill last night, I didn't think I could take another day of staring at my reflection in the window. So I laced up and headed outside.

It was glorious. All of the stars had aligned, it seemed, to allow me the perfect running conditions. I had dressed perfectly—shorts, a Dri-Fit undershirt, a long-sleeve shirt over that, gloves, a headband to keep my ears warm. I used my new Ironman watch, a Christmas gift, to keep mile splits. The music on my iPod kept hitting the right tunes at the right time (a little Paul Oakenfold, a little Prodigy, a whole lot of Girl Talk)...

...and I flew. Or I felt like I was flying at least. The miles ticked by and I got stronger. I kept track (thanks to the watch): Mile 1—8:30, Mile 2—8:27, Mile 3—8:25. And so on. Mile after mile.

I had planned to run six or seven miles. In the end, I ran 10. My time on that last mile? 8:00.

It's supposed to rain tomorrow, but I'm not planning to let that deter me. I've gotten a taste of the great outdoors. And I'm hungry for more.

Happy running.