A Beautiful Day to Run (in more ways than one)

Beautiful days yesterday and today are causing me to want to run more than I should.  It was in the low 70s yesterday and it is 70 as I write this, both days with little wind.  And for November 9 in Kansas City, thats WARM.  I've been sticking to my every-other-day regime and ran a little under 8 miles yesterday (adding no more than 10% a week to the mileage) but I think I might sneak out for a short, slow warm up this afternoon.  Nothing hard, nothing fast, not even building up a sweat.  It's just too nice to waste the sunshine.  In a few weeks, I'll be bundling up in 17 layers and fighting off the wind.

On a much different note, having nothing to do with (physical) running, after much deliberation and counseling from people who I trust implicitly, I have decided to run for the school board here in Overland Park.  It is a non-paid elected position and is something that I have contemplated for some time.  Over the past 10 years or so, I have slowly become more involved in civic activities (Boy Scouts, Optimist Club, school committees, etc.) and recently decided to plunge into an election.  I'm going in without a life jacket but since I have no more aspiration other than the school board, I'm not too worried.  The ability to help continue the really terrific work that has been done here in Blue Valley is my motivation.  My kids have been afforded the best education imaginable, and have truly prospered as a result and I want to make sure that we continue to improve and continue to provide the same or better opportunities for future students.  My ego isn't so large that I believe that I can change anything. There are some really smart people on the board now and the administration is top notch, so I believe that my contribution will be one that helps perpetuate the excellence.  Truthfully, there isn't a whole lot that I would change.  I have tremendous respect for the sitting board and would not run if not for some unusual circumstances.  That being said, if I can help, I want to.

Campaigning is not something that I'm looking forward to, especially after watching the Reds and the Blues slug it out this past election.  Regardless of your political bent, you have to admit - we had some really childish things said and done in the name of becoming an elected official.  Let's just get to the salient points of how to improve OUR district/city/state/country and concentrate on them, huh?  Partisan campaign rhetoric makes me gag and the past election cycle was a gag-fest.  If that what makes me lose, at least I will be able to look myself in the mirror and command some semblance of self-respect.  I will not go down that alley.  Fortunately, the local school board election is not a partisan election...Whew, that's a relief.

As always, thanks for reading!