Chasing Down the Sun

Today's run really never had a chance to be normal. This was mostly because today really never had a chance to be normal. In my finite wisdom, around 11p last night, I decided that a couple of hours of sleep would be sufficient rest to finish off a paper that I've been chipping away at over the Thanksgiving break.

In the hours between 11p and 1a, I did not dream. But at 1a, I did roll promptly off the couch with at least one eye open to target a shifting computer screen in front me. At some point after that, I did press the period key for the final time, and send shortly thereafter. But all doing aside, let's just say I'm not as young as I used to be. Unless a 24-hr race is in my future (FANS anyone?), I think I'll be keeping my rest as close to double-digits as possible.

Add to such a sleepless start a late afternoon run and a 4:34p sunset and you've got the perfect recipe for some "sleep-running," as Ashley called it tonight. What is sleep-running?

Well, it's hard to define precisely since it's hard to actually remember the specific details of sleep-running outings. My guess is that, on average, all memory functions of the brain drop to around 35% of their normal operating capacity—just enough to get you out and back. What do you do when you sleep-run?

Well, you chase down the sun. In chronological order...

4:10p--atop Martin Sabo Bridge

4:20p--from the Greenway bike path

4:24p--the end of road (just before the Greenway funnels into Mississippi River)

4:39p--cruising along the Mississippi trail

4:53p--from Mississippi trail (the "scenic overlook" spot along my recently pioneered 0.5-mi loop)

5:00p--rush hour back on the Greenway

5:13p--getting darker...

5:27p--downtown Minneapolis

5:39p--And, home.

Now, for some catch-up sleep. Wait...what just happened today?