A yaktrax assisted run this morning. As I stepped out my door very early in the day I was soon to realize after a few slips and slides that my Saucony running shoes alone weren’t going to cut it if I wanted to remain vertical. The new snow covered the layers of ice beneath making for some very tricky footing. Snow was falling at a pretty good rate and I could already feel a few flakes collecting on my eyelashes. A bright red Sugoi jacket would announce my running presence this gray snowy morning as I made my way down the street.
Vermont in February requires serious running determination and gratefully I am obsessed with the sport. Just a short run planned for today, but “sporty” conditions made the effort challenging. You know your judgement might be a tad off when you are out the door even before the plows and sand trucks have prepared the roads for cars. Not only out the door but also lack the good sense to go back in the door! Hey, this is Vermont and you have got to be tough if you want to run here…
A few skids even with my yaks securely on my running shoes as I carefully made my way down the driveway. I tried to convince myself that the road would be better. Always running optimistic as there is only Plan A. The road was in fact covered with fresh powder. I knew the skiers would be thrilled with the accumulating snow, but it wasn’t ideal for road runners. Actually, just runner as the “pavement” was mine alone. A few animal paw prints interrupted the vast field of snow before me as I made my decision on my route. I tried not to spend too much time wondering what type of animal prints I am witnessing since we share the land with a wide array of wildlife. I would prefer to see them from afar and not up close at 7 a.m. on a Saturday morning.
Just yesterday I was cruising down the road with the sky blue, and relatively clear pavement. Felt almost like spring. My feet were quick, I focused on form and completely enjoyed the ride while Springsteen was singing in my ears. “Born to Run” will always be my number one running playlist album and favorite artist. I was able to take in the beautiful landscape of hills, streams, trails and appropriately placed grand barns. A vintage Vermont experience with endorphins I feasted off of all day.
This morning however was a very different run. I kept my stride short, cadence quick but caution had to be in the mix. I looked around only somewhat as I kept my attention focused on the running task at hand. The run was both gritty and rugged making me feel worthy enough to call myself a local. Not a Vermonter as I don’t have the birthright but a respectable hearty local for sure…
My greatest sense of freedom exists solely through running. A compliment of remote living is the glorious quiet and stillness of early mornings as I make my way down the gravel road. Very different efforts these past two mornings but my environment is never lost on me. Running is and always has been a form of moving meditation. Todays’ effort was not easy but when running feels nearly effortless and you are floating down the street there is no other feeling quite like it. Trust me as it is also a sport that can break your heart and humble you in a way you could never have imagined but somehow, we always come back for more…
My father often mentioned to me that when my grandmother’s swift movements and quick feet slowed to a shuffle, he knew she was ending her days on earth. He would instead choose to remember her and her boundless energy as she ran more than she walked. I imagine much the same fate for myself for when I can no longer run…
“And, finally, I run because there’s no better way to see the sun rise and set.”
― Amby Burfoot
