Today I ran on the Universal Studios Backlot. The race took place on the backlot of Universal Studios where many movies and shows have been filmed and are currently filming. The event was sponsored by Say No to Drugs and was only open to Students Run LA. It was a private event. They have events open to the public at other times.

It was a cold morning and I wished I'd had a face warmer, arm warmers, leg warmers, gloves...

The sun eventually came out though and it was a beautiful view atop a hill overlooking Los Angeles.

I ran with a fellow teacher and we stopped along the way to pose for pictures in front of where Jaws was filmed, the Psycho House, the plane crash from War of the Worlds, and other film and TV facades. As soon as I get the photos from my colleague I'll post them here.

The race was fun. I enjoyed it more than the previous two races. I felt a sense of camaraderie today I hadn't previously felt with co-leader. I had felt tension because I'm not a fast or experienced runner and I felt I wasn't respected. Today, I felt more accepted. It's not about me or my time or how far I run. I am there to support the students and participate in events. I am passionate about health and fitness and this is a way to incorporate my newfound love of running with my professional life. It's also a great way to get to know the students in a way I wouldn't be able to in the classroom.

Here I am at the finish line!