photo credit@vicki l sullivan, 2016
Everyone who routinely challenges the environmental elements by running will soon discover there are welcome AND unwelcome moments along the miles trek. These past few days, as August has evolved into September, I've welcomed the change of some little cooler weather and the awe-inspiring honk of migrating geese making their morning flight to the river.
The familiar sound of their honking always takes me back to my growing up in the Mississippi Delta. My home was located on a lake jutting off the Mississippi River and those autumn days were filled with happy, comforting memories of watching the geese flying in to land on the lake in front of the house, a warm fire in the fireplace, and Mom's fabulously delicious chili.
The familiar sound of their honking always takes me back to my growing up in the Mississippi Delta. My home was located on a lake jutting off the Mississippi River and those autumn days were filled with happy, comforting memories of watching the geese flying in to land on the lake in front of the house, a warm fire in the fireplace, and Mom's fabulously delicious chili.
The welcome moments during a run make the struggle worth the effort. Much like mentally girding for holding steady through the next line of traffic, the unwelcome moments are nothing more than a challenge to hold pace and keep on moving. There will always be the negative challenges appearing in the environment; and yes, even from people passed along the way.
That's life. Both experiences have been a part of the run every year (since 1985) I've been a runner. Can't wait to hear the geese tomorrow!
