It's 65 F. It's March 17th. And for the first time since the winter 5K, I went running outdoors. I could hardly wait till the work day was over, since I already set my mind for the run, and the breeze coming from a slightly open window was forcing the spring sensation onto me. Nice run along the Mohawk river; geese and ducks are courting and coupling, those birds amaze me. I stopped for a few minutes to observe them, it's interesting how they stay close to each other and make cute sounds...so devoted and non-dramatic. I would love to have a partnership like that. :) Anyways, I've been staying off the treadmill for the past few weeks, and relying on other forms of cardio, since after the first mile on the treadmill, I would get an unbearable pain in the front shin area of both legs; it would get so bad, that I had to stop and walk. Nothing like that happens on elliptical or any other cardio machines. I suspect I might have either stress fractures(from daily 5mi runs earlier on) or just some overtightened underdeveloped muscles(which is more likely). Thus, I was emotionally prepared for the pain. It did start coming on aroung the 3/4 of a mile and I walked next 1/4; then I got into a stride and the next 4 miles went so smoothly, I had no desire to stop; the propelling power was fantastic. Yay! I'm back on track, and it's time to build up the stamina for the upcoming 5Ks.