a pleasant addition to my morning runs

I have been doing a stellar job keeping up with my running this year. I think it will continue even after my upcoming trail run has passed, because I am actually enjoying it (and I have two weddings in September that I want to be in shape for). I will not be running four to six miles on a regular basis, but two or three is definitely doable and I love my "official" training course loop. I feel great when I motivate and do it. It is crazy - I never thought I would be a fan of morning exercise, but it is happening. 

I run through three neighborhoods and at the entrance to one is a beautifully landscaped flower bed. It is full of flowers that are colorful, beautiful, and at this point of the summer are all in bloom. One of the plants is lavender. The entire front perimeter is lined with it and the flower bed faces the east, meaning the sun rises and bakes it in the morning. When I run by it smells absolutely amazing. I was worried that because of its calming properties it was going to make me sleepy and not want to finish, but it does just the opposite - it energizes me. Thank you to the homeowner(s) that planted it. It really is such a treat.