Just what I need.

It was a nice morning for a run, about 50 degrees, my favorite.

Quiet, and black as pitch.

I turned on the iPod to my favorite run mix, and started out, getting my heartrate up and myself warmed, hitting the go button on the Garmin as I headed out.

I'm not fast, but it doesn't matter.

There's no offspring out here asking me for money or a ride or just being ornery.

There's no papers out here to grade. Or to write.

There's no students asking "why do we have to learn this - my mom says it's stupid and I'll never need it. "

Yes.

This is what I've needed.

This.

...