Lacing Up My Running Shoes

I've always been a swimmer or a biker. The thought of "going for a run" was absurd to me. Then this year I got talking to a few of my friends who are avid runners...and suddenly I started thinking about it differently. I mean, I walk 35 minutes each way to and from work with Whiskey. I should be able to do this.

One of the big reasons that I hate running (aside from during sports), was that the few times I've been made to do it, I have done too much too soon, get a cramp, hurt the next day and think "Enough of this!". So when my friends started talking about doing interval training and starting out slow and work up to doing 5km, I was intrigued. Thus began my running regime. I'm following the plan called Couch to 5km, and at two weeks in, its been better than I thought it would be. I feel energized and motivated to keep going!

This past weekend I decided to do my run along the lake in my hometown because...1) I thought it would be gorgeous and a nice change of scenery and 2) I don't want my neighbours to see me sweaty and gross. Eww. Women don't sweat...we glisten.

The nice part about running along the lake is that I got to see all the gorgeous cottages across the road from the water. This one has always been one of my favorites.

I think its the turret and covered porch that get me most. I was recently at a friend's parents' house and their mother was telling me that she regretted building a house with a turret because its hard to furnish. They doesn't deter me in the slightest. I'd find a way to decorate it just to have it.

The bright blue of this cottage really makes it stand out against the other quieter toned houses along the street. Reminds me a bit of the blues from the house in Nights of Rodanthe.

Although I'm not crazy about the awnings on this place, I love the simple porch and beautiful gardens. And that Canada Flag is reminding me that we have only two weeks until Canada Day!

I've always wished I could go inside this mansion and see what the interior was like. I know that there is a giant indoor pool from rumors in town. 

Running along the lake, there were lots of cute, quaint boathouses too.

But its was this little cottage, far back from the road that caught my eye the most. The lush greens, small gardens and a nice porch to sit out and enjoy the breeze from the lake. After a long run, that was feeling like a really nice idea.

I'll definitely be doing more of my runs along the water now that I know how nice it can be. When the weather gets hotter, it will be nice to have the breeze coming off the lake. Its easier to motivate yourself to go for a run when you can admire nice houses too ;)