March 10, 2011

The snow came down ALL day yesterday and I had the greatest run of 2011 so far.  I took rotary trail south from Trent University after work with wind and snow whipping in from the East.  Even with 3 inches of snow, the traction was perfect.  It was an ideal temperature for traction where the snow was untouched, luckily for me, that just happened to be the whole length of the trail (less a pair of bike tracks, eeek).  The snow was soft like running on perfectly groomed grass (during a blizzard), and with temperatures hovering around zero degrees I might go so far as to call it the perfect venue for running.  

There is a certain tranquility to running at night through a snow storm that I won't be able to successfully describe to produce a true appreciation for what I experienced.  I'm sure there are a few of you out there who battle with the elements during physical exertion while feeling a special kind of peace, just like I do.  There is something very primal about knowing that what you are up against is totally conquerable, but is going to be quite the battle.

At my turn-around point, I stopped in my tracks and closed my eyes.  I consciously slowed my breathing rate, took a few slow and deep breaths and thought about how lucky I was to be able to experience such an undertaking.

I hope that one day, each of you will be able to experience the feeling of overcoming a challenge like that.

When I was on my way home, this is what it looked like.  I just so happened to have my phone with me, so I snapped a picture to show you.

Be well,

Scott