I had visions of celebrating one of my last runs of the year at sunrise on the beach. I had plans to get up early and leisurely stroll through a few coastal miles. Instead, I accidentally slept too late and it was pouring outside. What to do? What to do? They said it wouldn't let up all day. I really wanted that beach run. I was looking forward to it. I decided to go anyway.

Into the backpack went my work clothes, a towel and shampoo. I slid into my favorite old pair of running shoes, ragged shorts, comfy t-shirt, baseball cap and a raincoat. I drove to the beach carefully manipulating the multitudes of sea level rain puddles gathered along the marsh. Sharing the rain soaked beach with only one dedicated surfer and a few curious birds, I ran and ran. The bill of my baseball cap was not very successful at keeping the sideways blowing rain from my face but today I didn't mind. I'm on day #363 and I'm healthy and happy.

Taking photos was tricky with the necessity to clean the lens every time I pulled it out of my dripping sleeve. Luckily, my loyal little blue Canon camera that has been with me every day for this entire year is waterproof. She has braved every rainy, sunny, stormy and dark day with me. She's survived tumbles in the mud, scratches from the brush in numerous single track trails and never once displaced herself in all her backpack transfers. I have a "plan B" camera in an emergency but am so thrilled I haven't had to use it. My "baby blue" and I have understood each other all along the way. Our system has been trustworthy and efficient. Together, we have been able to capture each and every day and share it with our friends without fail for an entire year.

So, after a few miles of frolicking in the rain and chasing the waves, I made it back to the car where I peeled off layers of dripping clothes and threw them in the trunk. I stopped at my gym on the way into the office for a quick shower. I arrived at work in time to watch everyone do the puddle jumping scramble from their cars to the door. I smiled to myself knowing that the biggest adventure most of these people have had today included a stop at Starbucks. I was glad I braved the elements and opted for a beach run instead of the indoor treadmill trot.

Living life to the fullest takes more effort but is much more rewarding.