I did it.

Turns out, I can run five, consecutive miles; outside, uphill, both ways. (Okay, okay; the hill was really an overpass crossing I-45, but we did have to do it twice, once at Mile 1 and once at Mile 4, which was just mean.)

I ran it 10 minutes faster than I thought I would, but five minutes slower than I wanted to. Gives me something to aim for next year, I suppose. It started out cold and warmed up pretty fast. I ended up carrying my hoodie for the final two miles--until Rodney showed up to snag it from me. Yay! Once both hands were free, I sprinted the last quarter mile and almost took down some woman who didn't want me to pass her.

Ah, the things we learn about ourselves.

Strangest of all, it was fun. Our little group of five wore Natalia's Crew t-shirts. It was nice to feel like part of a team, even though we didn't run together. I saw some girls wearing rainbow-striped knee socks, and that made me smile. And, I may have imagined this, but I believe I saw a young man who had painted his entire torso and face in an El Tri theme, as in el tri color of the Mexican flag. Did I mention it was cold?

What a great start to Thanksgiving Day! Follow it up with a family gathering, some turkey and a really, REALLY good football game, and I don't see how you can go wrong.