I read before coming to Toulouse that to make a decision of whether you really wanted to live somewhere, you had to live there when it was not perfect and everything was wonderful. Well, I am in that period at the moment (not that I am not still loving it). The weather has been less than ideal the last couple days, gone are the sitting on the banks of the Garonne reading and the ability to wander around the city in beautiful early fall weather. The last 3-4 days have been overcast, rainy, chilly and basically dreary. I knew that it was not going to always be beautiful as there had been two days where it rained for 30 hours straight but I had gotten used to the fantastic weather.

I usually run on Sunday afternoon for my long run but put it off until Monday as the day had deteriorated and was overcast, cool with regular showers. I got up on Monday with the idea of running and found that it was sprinkling and windy. I waited until the rain had stopped and then headed out for my run. I had to dress in running tights and windbreaker which was a first since I have been in Toulouse. I ran along the canal and it was still pretty but rather grey.

The plus side (after the run and during my cooldown) is I found a patisserie that I had not found before and found the perfect type pastries for me. So there are still things to love here even in the dreary weather. They had chocolate eclairs which I love and then basically small bite size pastries in a variety of flavors and styles. I bought a chocolate eclair and two small pastries for lunch and dinner dessert. I have found other good pastries but they are all large and sometimes too much for me. This patisserie is about a block away and will become a regular in my shopping routine. I guess I had not found it as it is across the Main Street away for the area where I usually go. I only use the street for my runs to the canal and to go to the train station. Teaches me to be more adventuresome and get out of the main area more often.

The run was much better than I thought. I guess I have found my love for running again (or maybe it is I do not know many people so do not have a large social life and this is the way to kill time). Anyway, I have been running more and better in Toulouse. Last week, I did an 8 mile run for my long run and this week decided to do a 10 mile run. Prior to coming to Toulouse, my average long run was 6 miles for the last 6-8 months. The run was not as fast as my previous runs but it definitely was faster than my runs in DC of late. I am glad that I am back to running and doing it well. I am very consistent in running 3 times a week at least and that is a good thing.

On the canal run, there is an area that drops down under a bridge and has two turns to get down and then back up to the path. On both sides there is a speed monitor to tell a bike (primarily) how fast they are going and to slow down if necessary. It also captures runners and the speeds they are going. The part I found amusing is if you are going faster than approved it shows the speed and then under it a frowning face. It is showing a smiley face as I was stopped and taking a picture. I tried to get the frowning face and my speed but could not get a good picture. I just found the faces based on your speed amusing.

I found a lot of canal boats on this run and even found a couple for sale. I am going to have to go check them out more. I am leaning against the canal boat idea that the moment as it might be too isolating. I love the idea of being able to move around easily and to see more of France by boat but there would not be the same ability to get to know an area and become part of a community. It is giving me a great deal to think about as I move forward in the next chapter.