Aug 2: Sun Run

The parking spaces were almost all gone along the lovely Fort Lauderdale beach on Sunday. I couldn't even find a spot to pull over for a few minutes on my morning drive home. That tells me that lots of locals headed to the beach, taking in the surf and sand together with the tourists. And why not? It was a gorgeous morning. The sun was out full and the temperature felt moderate for the first day of August. I opened my Mini Cooper's sun roof and windows to take in the sea breeze and the oceanside sights and sounds and scents. It was a nice ride. But I couldn't help noticing that there was another group of folks also taking in the sunshine and the Atlantic Ocean - in their own ways. A group that doesn't use up parking spaces.

The runners. Yes the runners were out in force, as usual on Sunday mornings, gravitating to A1A for the sheer joy of exercising by the sea. I understand this feeling. Though I'm really more walker than runner, to be honest, there is something very special about enjoying the beach as I work out.

It's like a little bonus you give yourself. It is the opportunity to do something healthy for your body and your soul at the same time. Anyway, I was paying more attention than usual to the runners this Sunday for whatever reasons. They're an interesting lot, these people. Many seem very serious about their running. They stride in long lopes down the middle of A1A's bicycle lane, often plugged into iPods they wear strapped to their arms. Toned women and taut guys, most of them, gearing up for however many miles they do in their morning runs. Judging by their looks, it's a bunch of miles. I see walkers too, walkers of all kinds and shapes and sizes. Some are as fit as the runners, speeding along the roadside with extended arms quickly swinging front and back. Others? Hmm, not quite so trim. You can tell they're all suited up in their sweats and gym shoes for that big weekly fat-burning session - but then have decided a slow amble beside the beach seems like a better idea. There's a small parade of these runners, and these walkers, on Sunday mornings. Every morning, really, but Sunday is prime time for them. Check it out when you're at the beach some Sunday. Actually, when you go there I'm hoping you'll just run to the beach. Or walk if you prefer. Only please don't drive. Maybe there'll be at least one parking space free for me.