ROBINS - WATCHGUARDS OF THE KINGDOM

Little robins (wikipedia linked if you're interested to know more about them) were all about this morning to grace the pathway along the trail. They are migratory birds and the earliest to begin returning in about February.  They set up housekeeping once back in warmer climates and raise 2 or 3 sets of broods per year.  I think it delightful they seem to function as little sentries for the bird kingdom to herald storm warnings and the end of such by singing a series of notes.

I used to enjoy finding and collecting their springtime hatched eggs strewn alongside the road as I ran. That is,  until science discovered birds are prime virus carriers.  So much for collecting sweet littlel bird eggs alongside the road. 

Getting acquainted with Mother Nature is one of the best benefits resulting from running, jogging, or walking. Another is gaining an understanding one's own abilities and simply obtaining and maintaining some levels of fitness. Most will agree, our world is a beautiful world as spring nears and nature begins to renew itself.

Hope you're enjoying it too!

FIT OR FAT. WHICH ONE WILL IT BE?

3.46 miles this morning in weather fit for being out in it!  66 degrees with partial sun on the plateau following a light overnight rain, so layered up for the jog. I was about 1 mile into the run when I met my daughter and granddaughter out for their morning run.  What a bonus for the effort! I handed off my light jacket then watched as they disappeared on the horizon ahead of me telling myself my many years of running were safely passed on to the next 2 generations at least!

Some graces are great gifts! You know how it is when the road is washed clean after a nice rain! Just fresh...well, except when suddenly happening upon a roadkill in the pathway!  My 2nd encounter wasn't as well appreciated but it was never-the-less instructive of life's continued reality betwixt and between it all.

 

Suddenly, the pristine clean after a good rain is dispelled by the rank smell of roadkill and, of course, a vulture to clean it up!   I say, "Hurry vulture...hurry on with your breakfast," and hold my breath until I'm out of it's way and back to concentrate on working to get rid of the pounds put on while healing from a knee injury.  Without a doubt, the challenge before me is daunting.  

Just last week I was sitting with a few ladies, senior in age and status to myself, when they begin discussing bone density and muscle as one ages.  Mind you, I didn't find the discussion pleasant given I'm in the last few decades of life. Thankfully, good medical care can truly assist in the progression of such problems.

The mountain views of the area always perks me up giving me renewed energy to keep on going. Without a doubt the title of this blog post is a question I ask myself more than once in a day these days. One of the best and most helpful running tips I ever was given is, "choose something in the road before you and focus running to it, then choose another and do the same again."

Hopefully, soon, the pounds will be removed and some fitness will be restored in place of the fat. Just have to focus and keep on;  look for the positive, and ignore the roadkill and vultures and KEEP ON! 

LINCOLN'S IMAGE REMAINS

 

photo credit@vickilsullivan - 1/22/2016

Snow started about 10 this morning and has yet to let up.  Weather sources say it will continue until tomorrow about the same time. Meanwhile, temperatures keep to the low 30's, kids play about having fun with yet another day out of school.  

 And, showing up out of the snowy blanket, I find the image of Lincoln appearing in the snow crushed and framed by my shoe tread.  His day is past but is still remembered.

I love to hear and feel and snow crunching under my feet when it snows.  Seeing footprints in the snow take me back to childhood days of fun and play. And, even though the energy and spunk of childhood is long gone, joy is still a part of what is to be found when one continues in some part and way along life's journey.

Running, jogging, outside walking are all activities which bring back life in it's fullest. Layering up with layer upon layer, pulling the hat down ever so tightly, and the gloves snugging into the coat sleeves....all reminders which take a person back to again experience the glibness of being free before responsibilities were recognized as being forever there. 

Take care. Bundle up. Stay warm. Make a day to enjoy the snow. It'll be gone soon for us in the south and there will be other ways to remember and celebrate.

THE COMMONALITY BETWEEN BROOKS RUNNING SHOES AND THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE

McMinnville TN Civic Center photo credit@vickilsullivan

18 degrees and counting this morning didn't entice me to get out onto the road for jogging! The weather reminded me of those freezing cold night runs in Arlington, Virginia when we wore hats that covered the whole face except for the eyes. When we returned they would be frozen! YAY! So glad those days are past. 

Still layered up and wearing heavy socks and pants tucked into my regular BROOKS while anticipating the temperatures and was NOT disappointed. There was a little wind making a big difference in chill factor this morning when the trail turned into it.  The first lap around this morning was brutally cold. But by the second, once turning into the sun and mountain view, I was taking off the gloves and looking up for the sun warming.

As always, I was also NOT disappointed in my running shoes.

They felt great. When the foot hits the ground and finds a soft cushy landing rather than the hard clunk of cardboard, there is none of that tremor going up the leg. Brooks most careful engineering reminds me of how Star Trek Enterprise transitions into high Warp 5 drive without wobble. When my feet hit the ground without variance, I give thanks every time!  Smooth striding transition and very nice stable landing in each step is my requirement in a good running shoe.

And, if the running shoe fits, wear it. If not, find another purpose for it.

Happy Running!

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S DAY 2016

photo credit: vickisullivan

From midweek temperatures to FREEZING!  It's time to pull out the hat, gloves, and layer-up. New's Year's Day 2.64 mile jog for me early this afternoon in nice sunlight but cold.  Was mostly a good jog though I kept to the walking trail rather than the road.  

STRANGE WEATHER FOR THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY

photo credit: public domain

3.14 mile jog this morning in 48 degree temps feels a little more like December.  That is until I ran upon a blooming Forsythia.  For more than a week we've had temperatures in the low to mid 70's and when that happens we are again reminded how nature rules nurture unless human engineering provides an artificial environment designed to fool Mother Nature. 

Discovery of gifts in nature unfolding along the way is definitely a bonus for being determined enough to demand the body move faster than it usually does.  I've always delighted in nature's gifts and as I grow into the middle age years, nature's great bounty and mystery is even more appreciated.

I hope you're enjoying it as well. 

7 DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS AND COLD ENOUGH TO SNOW!

"LET IT SNOW! LET IT SNOW"....

WISHFUL THINKIING - Last year's snow

 Overcast blue/gray clouds, 36 degrees this morning at 11:30 am...but no SNOW!  Where is the snow?