Ahhhh, Spring

[Sandy]

     â€œIf we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.”  Anne Bradstreet.
     Over 12 years of running I have morphed from a road runner to a trail runner.  Is there essentially a difference you ask; physically no, emotionally absolutely.  I still run on the roads and race there but my heart is on the trails.  Not being a winter person I find running helps me to tolerate the cold, snow and wind, and over the last three years have spent the winters slogging knee deep in winter through the trees, with a smile on my face.  This winter because of training logistics has been spent entirely on the roads. 
     Sunday found me standing in the warming sun at the trail head waiting for others to arrive.   With the time change it became quickly apparent that I would be flying solo.  Usually “solo” and “trails” goes against my better judgment for safety reasons but I convinced myself that I would only do the first part of the trail which usually takes me about nine minutes, then I would be back on public streets.  Unsure of what terrain was waiting for me I gingerly took my first couple of steps over what appeared to be icy rocks.  I was pleasantly greeted by the wet of melting ice and decided I was safe to pick up my pace.  I love this first trail section because it is through the woods on a wide gravel roadway with great visibility, but with a sharp left turn you can move off the beaten path and climb quickly up a small, rocky, technical rise.  With every step I feel my “I hate winter” mood lifting and begin to really observe my surroundings.   The chirping of the birds and the crunch of snow more then twice melted and refrozen under my feet scream softly that spring is indeed coming.  The footing is great as I wind through another technical area and pop out onto the rail bed, steps from public access.
     With every step closer to the road I have one more argument with myself that I should stay on the trail.  Easily convinced I decide enough people know where I am and I have my cell phone.  Back into the woods I plunge.  In this section of the trail I notice that after months of battling the winter winds, there is not a hint, a wisp or even a puff of a breeze and promptly peal off all elements of winter clothing.  Down to leggings and a long sleeve top, I’m feeling almost naked after months of layers as I slowly huff and puff over the hills and tumble into the valleys.  To the onlooker I must have looked clumsy and slow on my first trail outing of spring but in my runners mind I was fast, agile and free.   
     â€œSpring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"” Robin Williams

[Paul]

  I really enjoyed that. Too bad nobody was there to share it, but sometimes the quiet and alone time is what clears the mind. Wide open fields, woods, trails and great weather. It doesn't get any better than that. 

[Sandy]

Thanks Paul.  Don't tell anyone but I enjoyed being alone.

[Jane]

I liked that article too.  Having been out there, I could totally picture what you were experiencing Sandy!  And it made me wish I was there too!

[ShoppinShannon]

That was lovely Sandy, I could almost see it in my mind.

[The Moose]

Ahh, the prose of a pro.  I can almost hear the wind in my ears as I pick up the pace, leap over that giant puddle and adopt my "uphill"  running stance to race over the next crest.  These are the days that remind me why I subject myself to months of abuse.

Thanks Sandy.

Mike

[sweetsue]

I loved your article, it was great.  I have to agree with everyone that you could picture yourself running beside you.

I think the Spring is my favorite time of the year.  I like watching everything come alive as you run by.

Susan