CHQ -- Journal #3 --- Doing the NFO run

I ran the 3 miles again, only this time I went the other way. The advantage here is that, instead of having to go up this one really steep hill near the beginning of the run, you get to go down it near the end. The up runs are shorter and less steep. The path I have been running is the one that is used every year for an annual run call "Old First Night" for no reason I understand. On the pavement, to indicate the turns for the runners, are spray painted arrows and the letters "OFN." I call my run the NFO run.

The NFO run starts and ends at the same spot and follows the same route as its more recognized (at least here at CHQ) cousin. It follows the same path in reverse, and when I see the spray painted notation "1/2 mile," I know I am almost done, not just beginning.

Today's run is great in most ways. At 6:00 am, there is almost no noise or air movement. The lake is almost as smooth as glass, as cliched as that phrase is. Boats anchored off-shore point their masts to the overcast sky. and their reflections in the water are betrayed as copies by delicate ripples teased into existence by a feather-light breeze. A ragged tear in the cloud cover lets through a glow of light from the rising sun. Priceless.

Then the route turns away from the water, turning and going up the hills in short rises that are almost like steps. It is always interesting to see the houses and their varying architecture and the well groomed plantings of carefully tended gardens.

The run past the main gate and the firehouse is relatively easy -- flat and smooth. There is more activity along here, as the Farmer's Market vendors arrive and begin setting up. The bus drivers who loop the grounds all day are arriving, and other joggers and walkers begin to populate the path. Some say hi and wave on the way by. Others have a misty look in their eyes and iPod wires hanging from their ears. No greeting there.

On past the new Jewish Life Center, a beautiful pale yellow building with Victorian design elements and a wonderfully welcoming porch.

Soon I am at the southernmost part of the grounds, a seldom-traveled area comprised mostly of private homes. As I turn to go down that wickedly steep hill for the final half mile, I see a whimsical diorama of little wooden bats, a bluejay and a "Welcome to Chautauqua"sign. Another sign in the exuberantly ungroomed plantings declares that this is a backyard wildlife habitat certified as such by the National Wildlife Federation.

As I slow down enough to be sure I am not going to be going down the hill head over heels, I see a couple -- somewhere in their twenties, I think -- jogging up the hill, talking! I look over at the gray-haired woman laboring up the hill behind them. I raise my eyebrow, toss a thumb in the couple's direction and shrug. She laughs and says, "What's up with those people?" Funny how quickly common ground can be established.

I go carefully down the hill and turn into the final length of road, running along the lake again. By now, though, I am dripping sweat off the back of my hair onto my neck and repeat to myself silently, "Just a little further. Just a little further." It's hard to enjoy the scenery, at least for me, when I have to work at breathing. I know I am okay, but I am definitely pushing the envelope for a flatlander.

The century-old Athenaeum Hotel sits grandly along this stretch of shoreline, presenting its guests with a soothing view of the lake and all its activities. I wish there were any way I had the energy even to turn my head. All I could focus on at this point was the last spray painted remnant of the OFN (now NFO) run -- the Start/Finish line.

Finally I reach the sports club building ahead and the shuffleboard courts. The finish line. Huffing and puffing, I cross it, do my little arm-raised victory dance, and start to walk, to slow down my heart rate and see if I can't get my red face to cool down a bit.

Back at the house, I go for a shower, fresh clothes, clean hair, breakfast. Let the day begin.

Begin??? Are you kidding?!?