It's an experience

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ran against the wind on the frozen road like an actor in an old silent film comedy. For every step I seemed to be sliding two back. I looked at the flags on the poles flying sideways and knew when I turned north or east I'd get blown over.

As unpleasant as it was, I couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the moment. It felt like trying to solve an impossible puzzle. There's a child like delight and amazement at the wind when it is blowing that hard. Whooooeeeee! My 8 year old self said. My 441/2 yearold self said. Oof. Thankfully just easy effort miles today so I didn't have the layer of trying to hit a certain pace. I could enjoy the experience.

The experience. Ah. I guess that is sort of a good expression for what it is like to run with the kind of consistency and dedication (or madness) I am going for right now. The experience of being alone in the world at 1:30am in the morning further off the side of the road and closer to the center line that would ever be possible in broad daylight hours. There is experience of feeling cold but also having the chill sorta disappear like an exhale after a few miles of the body warming up and fighting back against the elements.

These are experience not everyone can have and I know it. Some people have difficulty getting out of bed. Or if they get out of bed they have difficulty getting out of pajamas. If they get out of pajamas, they may have difficulty getting out the door. And if they get out the door, they might have trouble walking a mile let alone running one. And even finally, they might not get the experience of running further and further but rather toss in the towel and head for home when it's 16 degrees and the wind is hollering down the street whipping up the loose bits of snow makes it 'feel like' -1 degree.

The coach who helped shape the training program I am following, Luke Humphrey, noted in some podcasts and blogs that 'easy effort' miles are the easiest to skip because they don't seem to be doing anything. I understand that risk of excuse making a little better this winter than I have in the past.

Staying home is easier sometimes. But I'd totally miss out on some interesting experiences.






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