It's that time of year. The winds blow and the sky gets gloomy. People stop exploring and start to hibernate under the blankets, put on their wool socks and fluffy sweaters, and wait...
For Spring and Summer. The longer days and the sunny skys and the hot weather.
Not me. I love the first snowy run of the year. I love to play in the crisp air. I love the dark morning runs, the give of the fresh snow as I push through, and following the animal tracks.
Today I headed to the park to play.
I needed some play time. It's been a long week - a long month. And when the snow started falling on Sunday, I knew I would find relief once I was able to get a couple of hours - and miles - surrounded by the beauty and silence of the snow covered wilderness.
I needed some play time. It's been a long week - a long month. And when the snow started falling on Sunday, I knew I would find relief once I was able to get a couple of hours - and miles - surrounded by the beauty and silence of the snow covered wilderness.
I parked at the trail's enterance, slipped on my Katoolas, and darted straight toward the trees. Once I got my bearings, I pushed through the thick snow heading deeper into the woods. After some miles, I finally loped around enough to find untouched single-track.
Like a kid in a candy store. I climbed the hills, dropped into valleys, and darted around the switch-backs.
As I headed back, I hit the groomed trails, teasing XC skiers as I ran past laughing and smiling.
Like a kid in a candy store. I climbed the hills, dropped into valleys, and darted around the switch-backs.
As I headed back, I hit the groomed trails, teasing XC skiers as I ran past laughing and smiling.
Two hours and several miles later, I popped out of the trailhead and back to my car. Back to reality. Well, it was fun while it lasted.
Now is my turn to wait...
Now is my turn to wait...
For my next snowy run.
