Fall Break from school called for a quick trip to Florida to visit my parents. The timing was perfect due to a crisis situation regarding my work as a therapeutic foster parent. Sleep has been difficult, and working out has not been on my agenda.

Somehow, I managed to run the Lake to Lake 10k in Lakeland. The course went from Lake Mirror, to Lake Morton, and around Lake Hollingsworth. I was familiar with the area from dining at Harry’s Seafood and sightseeing the architecture at Florida Southern College.

I was calm and focused at the start. I didn’t expect such a large turnout. I could tell by the conversations that a lot of people knew each other from the Lakeland Runners Club.

I would love to be in this club if I lived in Florida.  Lake Hollingsworth was selected by Under Armour as one of the top 20 places to run in the United States.

Keeping it real with my struggle face finisher pic. I sprinted the last half mile. The lady in the distance tried to pass. I wasn’t having it.

Results: 50:56/ 8:12 Pace

1/27 40-44 Age Group

8/232 Female

37/387 Overall

All participants were given finisher medals. I earned another blue ribbon for my collection.

I like how the race shirts are racer backs. More race directors should consider this functional style.

Later that night, I linked up with my homie Terrence who made the wise decision to relocate from Detroit to the Gulf Coast.

We started off at this Jamaican club in Tampa, then we club hopped in Ybor City.

I flew back to Louisville with the smoke settled on the unfortunate events I faced before I left.  The only way to go is up…to the 16th Floor for a nice dinner and conversation at Ruth’s Chris.

“Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

At the end of the day, my Smootents show me love.  I owe it to them to be a whole teacher for 175 instructional days of the year.  Period.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” – Malcolm X

I’m not running ‘from’, I’m running ‘to’.

♡KelsieLou♡