So, I almost didn’t run today. Almost.
Was one of those busy, stressful days at the office, with a full plate for getting home tonight. I’d bought a printer that was going to cause stress with the wife if I kept it, ’cause we really don’t need three printers for two computer users. Still with the potential sickness from the kiddos, etc, so on and so forth.
But, it was a beautiful day, I wrapped up work on the earlier side of a typical day, and, on the way home, realized that I did have time to stop and hit the trails in Arcadia State Forest. Best decision I’ve made all week. Heck, it might be the best decision I’ve made all month.
Keeping with the “keep the mileage down a bit and try to avoid re-initiating planar fasciatis” theme, I was going to do 15 minutes out, 15 minutes back. But, the trees grew, the breeze blew, and the sun beat down on my ears. Life was good.
There was a time in my life when I was always making time to be back in the woods. Not sure why I don’t do it so often any more. Probably has to do with growing up, all that Christopher Robin allegory and such. But, I need to do better this year. Puts life into perspective and all that stuff.
Anyway, I ended up going “out” for about 21 minutes, with a couple minutes of walking, just ’cause it was that nice of a day to be in the woods.
Best part? the “back” was only 18 minutes – baby, I was flying. About halfway back, whatever weight I was carrying went away, I felt light in my shoes, and got that “flying” feeling. The one where you head down the trail as fast as your legs can turn over just ’cause it’s cool to see the bushes flying past. Where, no matter how rocky the trail, every footfall is just right, where your legs are moving around the rocks and finding the four flat inches to take the next step.
I was a giant Yawp tearing through the Rhode Island woods.
I get to sleep in Friday morning – Sitting in for the Mrs. with the kiddos, and only working half a day in the afternoon. Which is all good. Will probably do the long loop on Jamestown on my way into the office. Why? ‘Cause I can.
I’m a runner.
Funny how the marathon made me forget all that…
Happy sleep in day! I could have called me kid a disease vector when she was in daycare.
You descibed the perfect day of running in the woods; but I’d watch out for that “light in the shoes” feeling. Somebody might question you.
Now I have to go look up Yawp. It better be good.
Janks,
‘Tearing through the woods’ is the #1 reason that I became a runner again after a 20 year layoff. The memory of being a 5’11” 135 lb HS senior flying along a narrow dirt trail with effortless speed was like I imagine a former addict thinks back on a high. My one goal since coming back in ’04 was to get into good enough shape to get the feeling again that I knew so well 40 pounds ago.
The reason I’m still training hard in ’05 is that the legs once again allow me to experience this feeling – although not as often and not for as long. Gotta get that next ‘hit’.
Sounds wonderful! Love your point about “getting back into the woods.”