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Showing posts from December, 2013

Reflections of 2013

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It was a glorious, beautiful Christmas Eve morning with the sun rising above the steam hanging over the blue/green waters making me anxious to slip into my 2013 running shoes - I say 2013 because I get a new pair of running shoes each year – kind of like treads wearing on tires.   The coastal breeze was cool enough to put a sting on my bare legs when I stepped outside.   I never liked running on the beach, in fact, I can only remember attempting it twice, but since I’ve picked up trail running, the anticipation of the challenge grew on me.    My brother-n-law made me feel more excited when he told me the sand was compact and hard.    Mentally, I was ready to run 10 miles.   God's marvelous beauty - like a fine oil painting (no filter!) According to my Garmin watch, my heart rate rose as I stepped both feet on the beautiful white sandy beaches of the gulf coast.   Physiologically, my body was excited for the change of scenery.   I found the compact sand close to the water, st

The cold, winter slump

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At this time of the year…there is less sunshine bringing on gray skies and bare-naked trees.   Nature looks naked in general.   Most outdoor enthusiasts and athletes are in off-season (except for those cold-natured freaks).    At times, the air is simply too cold to bear unless you work your body to produce enough heat in order to enjoy the cold, winter breeze as a cool down.   The sun sets so early it causes many to hibernate and bypass anything fun after 6pm.    So, I like to call this time of the year, the “season of blues.”   This may look so dreary, but this is my favorite spot on our family farm.  Running through this wilderness is surprisingly beautiful and peaceful (except when the wolves start howling!). It’s not uncommon to experience days of “blah” when our bodies lack Vitamin D from Dr. Sunshine.    The thought of getting up early (because running after work in the dark is too late – it’s bedtime) to run in 30-degress or below, is not at all motivating or appealing