11 Miles on 11.11.11

11.11.11 - a unique date that everyone wants to document. Last week I got the hair brained idea to run 11 miles on 11.11.11, and take a photo at each mile. If I had really been planning, I would have timed it so I finished up at 11:11 on 11.11.11, but I was just happy to make it through the 11 miles.

I used my Run Keeper iPhone app to notify me at each mile and it was my intent to stop, look around and take a picture at that moment. Sounded good on paper, but I'll admit that if I didn't like the current vista, I chose to continue running until I found something interesting to capture. I also mapped out a route I wasn't familiar with in order to "be surprised" by the scenery.

So come along with me for a virtual eleven miles on this 11.11.11:

Along the first mile:

I'll admit I stopped when I came upon this scene - it was too beautiful to pass up.

Around Mile 2.3:


Mile 3, running in the park:


Mile 4:


Mile 5, I followed the trail that winds along a small stream:


Mile 6, now I'm on the road that leads to the Middle and High Schools:


Mile 7, along the back side of the Middle and High Schools. We are lucky the schools were built around several parks.


At Mile 8.5, I was tempted to just stop and get a bagel. Instead, I ate a gel pack.


Around Mile 9, I was running along a busy street, but I saw these pretty flowers growing on the side road:


It's Mile 10 and that bench looks inviting.


I purposely finished up in the park that flanks one of the subdivision in our city. The trees, although past their prime are still pretty.


I treated myself to a nice pumpkin pie latte - a nice warm way to finish up my run.


And here's the entire route, courtesy of RunKeeper. The gray dots represent where I paused the app to take the pictures above.

I really liked the route, although I learned that I prefer running in the parks and on side streets instead of the busy main roads. I guess that's not too big of a surprise.

A post on Veteran's Day wouldn't be complete without a note of gratitude to those who have served in our Armed Forces that keep our Country free. I am truly grateful for all of our Veterans. You make it possible for me to run in the streets safely.