Racing To Zen

I’m no professional, but decided I’d take some photos throughout the morning and share my thoughts along the way.

First on the agenda was giving my newest running purchase a second chance.  My first attempt at using Yak Trax was not successful.  I was running on both paved and unpaved roads and they don’t fare so well on straight concrete.  Knowing I was hitting the trails, I decided to give them a second chance.

Second, consult the plan.  This is a mild taper week for me, with every 4th week in my plan being a drop in mileage to try to get some active rest.  This week’s long run called for 6 miles.  Trail running is taxing, especially in the snow, so I was not too worried about the numbers, but just wanted to get out for an hour or so on my feet.

Weather check confirmed it was going to be a little cold, a little snowy.  Time to layer up!

Snowy indeed!  Jon and I arrived to find the bridle trails in rough shape, with heavy snow and more falling.

After a rough two miles through the snow, we decided to head back to the paved path, which was still snow-covered, but would give us a little less knee-lifting to do and let us pick up a little speed.  The Yak Trax certainly helped to give me a little traction in the changing conditions.  They feel strange, but so far I’m ready to give them a thumbs up.

The paved path offered a little help.  Somewhere around this point I screwed up my Garmin and either turned it off or forgot to turn it back on.

We trudged back to the car, at which point I thought we had only run 2.5 miles.  Nope, actually 3.5 according to the guy that kept his Garmin in line!  After being out for nearly an hour, we decided to call it quits.  My headband protected my ears, but not my hair.  I think snow is good for your hair, right?

Post-long run ritual Starbucks in hand.

With my post-run treat in hand and my snowy outer layer shed, I am a happy girl.  Sometimes, life feels like a repetitive set of days for me.  Rise, teach, parent, cook, clean, sleep.  These days, these runs, are my fun.  They breathe life in to my week and make me grateful for where I live and for the joy that running has brought to my life.  Happy Saturday to you.  Hope whatever you are doing today brings you some happiness and peace.