Thirteen years ago, my father died a few days before Thanksgiving. This year, the anniversary falls on Thanksgiving itself.

Because he died of a heart attack (and longer-term heart disease), his death at the young age of 52 has been a huge motivator for me to run regularly. And races are always a celebration of my dedication to running. Now my daughters are starting to run with me, too (it's great to have your children imitate the good things you do, and not just the bad).

So today's Drumstick Dash 10k race goes out to my dad. I'm very thankful that I knew him as well as I did, though it was for much too short of a time.

Run stats:

• 35°F
• 6.2 mi.
• 56:55
• 9:11 min./mi.
• Calories: 750
• Miles to date (2009): 512.5
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

The university power plant, with a lock in the foreground.

Gray, cool, and misty. Not inspiring weather to run, certainly, but nice once you're out in it.

Run stats:

• 47°F
• 2.4 mi.
• 19:47
• 8:11 min./mi.
• Calories: 296
• Miles to date (2009): 506.3
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

One of the more hilarious construction signs I've ever seen.

Finally broke 500 miles for the year! Good news, though it took too long.

Next year's goal: 1,000 miles. I'll need to average 20 miles per week to get it done. It may not happen, but that's my goal.

Run stats:

• 58°F
• 7.0 mi.
• 1:02:57
• 9:00 min./mi.
• Calories: 829
• Miles to date (2009): 503.9
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

Looking downriver from the 10th Avenue bridge

Run stats:

• 47°F
• 2.4 mi.
• 21:21
• 8:35 min./mi.
• Calories: 296
• Miles to date (2009): 494.4
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

10th Avenue bridge.

Sunny and spectacular.

Run stats:

• 45°F
• 2.4 mi.
• 19:45
• 8:11 min./mi.
• Calories: 296
• Miles to date (2009): 492.0
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

On the 50th Avenue overpass, looking toward downtown Minneapolis.

A nice enough day for running, though this photo certainly helps one understand the metaphor "leaden skies".

Run stats:

• 45°F
• 9.0 mi.
• 1:28:03
• 9:48 min./mi.
• Calories: 1160
• Miles to date (2009): 489.6
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

14th Avenue, Dinkytown, Minneapolis.

Fourth day of running in a row. This is exactly where I want to be.

Run stats:

• 55°F
• 2.4 mi.
• 20:16
• 8:24 min./mi.
• Calories: 302
• Miles to date (2009): 478.1
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

The Stone Arch Bridge over the Mississippi River.

Another great fall day to run.

Run stats:

• 58°F
• 3.5 mi.
• 30:47
• 8:48 min./mi.
• Calories: 424
• Miles to date (2009): 475.7
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

Fishing boat at Lake Harriet.

I rarely go running twice on a weekend, but with this amazing weather it was irresistible.

Run stats:

• 63°F
• 3.5 mi.
• 32:00
• 9:00 min./mi.
• Calories: 421
• Miles to date (2009): 472.2
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

Minnehaha Creek at Nicollet Avenue.

An incredible day for a run. Which is fortunate, as I'm working on increasing my mileage after several somewhat lazy weeks.

Run stats:

• 55°F
• 7.0 mi.
• 1:00:49
• 8:41 min./mi.
• Calories: 840
• Miles to date (2009): 468.7
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

Looking downriver — Mississippi River.

Run stats:

• 50°F
• 3.0 mi.
• 27:39
• 9:11 min./mi.
• Calories: 364
• Miles to date (2009): 461.7
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route

A maple tree in front of our house.

Afternoon run on Halloween. Fabulous.

Run stats:

• 45°F
• 6.0 mi.
• 55:08
• 9:11 min./mi.
• Calories: 726
• Miles to date (2009): 456.2
• Miles (2008): 610.4
• Map of route