If Tower of Terror 13K was #1, the Celebration 10K was #1a, capping a fantastic weekend of firsts, mosts and all-around adventure.

It began on Friday morning with a short 3 mile run around the neighborhood. At this distance, it felt like a moving stretch. Short and sweet, it would be the first of 3 runs in a row, a novelty for me in preparation for the Disney marathon weekend that is now only 2 short months away.

Saturday was the monster, a 23 mile trek that started with a wake up call of 47 degrees. I am one of the few people who thrive in the 90/90 weather – 90 degrees, 90% humidity. This would be a challenge but certainly the easiest one of the day. The first section went very smoothly. It marked the first time this year I had been on the east side. In my opinion, it is the more scenic end, characterized by lush green foliage, extended hills, horse farms and a Buddhist temple. There were very few people running or cycling so the quiet provided an opportunity to clear my mind and just be. Other than a tri-colored sheltie, it was rhythmic if uneventful.

At the half way point, I met up with Lisa, all decked out in red like a little she-devil. Apparently, testosterone does assist one in endurance events as the next few miles went by unusually quickly. The sight of a screaming eagle jetting across Lake Apopka certainly helped as well.  Overall, it was a solid training run and my longest training run ever.

Sunday was race day. I had no expectations for this run but wanted to participate due to the fact in was in the town of Celebration. This is one of the most dramatic, peaceful, good-energy places around. You will easily find the friendliest people living in a blend of old-fashion and modern homes, one more beautiful than the next. What you won’t find is crime, litter or low energy establishments. It is probably a great place to live and raise a family.

Around 1200 runners lined the well organized start area. Three or 4 hot air balloons polka-dotted the blue sky above. The organizers could not have planned that one any better. An emotional rendition of the National Anthem initiated the race and we were off and running.

Instead of a race, this felt more like a running tour of the town. From the meticulously manicured lawns to the natural ponds inhabited by a dozen ducks, we ran by one post card looking place after another. Everything was clean and colorful, with the sun spotlighting Mother Nature’s finest work. Like other races, these types of gifts were every where, if you were willing to look.

People of all ages came out to offer their words of encouragement. From kids in pink fuzzy PJs to retirees waving the American flag, they clapped and cheered us along their roads and pathways. One moment locked in my mind is the sight of a handicapped boy in a wheelchair, watching the stream of runners go by. He smiled widely from ear to ear, clapping as only he could as we went by. It is amazing to me how those who I would think would have the least to appreciate, in fact, appreciate the most. Looking for role models? Go to Celebration and start with that 10 or 11 year old boy.

A pacing partner joined me at around mile 3.5 in the downtown area. A huge (I don’t think they make  any other size) Burmese Mountain dog temporarily escaped his fenced yard and joined me for 3 blocks, taking a liking me to and vice-versa. The owner could not have been more apologetic and I could not have been more delighted.

I could always tell when I absolutely love a race. The Finish Line comes too soon and such was the case here. Yes, it was a long weekend — 32.2 miles of running — and a great one. Running in nature. Seeing beautiful sights as well as inspirational ones. Being with good people. Befriending a 125 pound canine for a couple of blocks.

I don’t have to wait until Thanksgiving to be deeply appreciative of this.