Ten clicks at Bemis

WESTERN SPRINGS, Ill. -- Not sure what got into me, but I decided to prepare for the Peachtree 10K by running at least that distance.

It was nice and cool starting out in the very green Bemis Woods path. I must have some kind of tendinitis near my left ankle because I can feel it for the first mile or so, but it goes away.

I decided I'd run for about 31 minutes on the 6.6-mile path and then turn around and come back.

Halfway in, I settled into a sort of cruise mode, which upped my confidence for running in the 10K race. On the way back, less than a mile to go, I was in full attack mode and running as fast as I could.

Saw a deer on the way back, crossing the asphalt path, which was very cool. There also was a snapping turtle on the road with about .6 left.

Even though I was completely soaked in sweat, I felt good, which is the key. The 74 degree temperature is likely what I'll face in the Peachtree. The main difference between this route and the course are the giant hills in the Peachtree. But hopefully I will be able to use experience and get through them.