Solar Lap Time

I scrambled up the weathered stone pedestal in the flower garden and found myself staring at the ultimate outdoor instrument: a heavy, round brass sundial! The etched Roman numerals formed a perfect circular track around a sharp, angled brass fin pointing straight up. Naturally, I couldn't just stand there reading the hour like an ordinary clock watcher. I took off in a tight sprint, hugging the bronze perimeter for three swift laps before grabbing the warm metal fin with both gloves to brake. The midday sun had baked the brass to a cozy warmth, casting a crisp triangular shadow right over the numeral two. Solar pit stop: officially timed and approved!