I’m looking at the forecast for the upcoming week, and I see temperatures in the 40s, 50s, and even 60s by week end. Dare I say it? I think we have done it, people! We have survived a very challenging winter and I think spring is here to stay! Hooray! (Please note, I have no actual authority in forecasting the weather; I am simply choosing to be optimistic) 🙂
Winter 2018 brought us a little bit of everything, and I’m sure the memories are still very fresh in all your minds. December was actually pretty mild and because I didn’t work that month, I was able to get outside and take advantage of the daylight hours, short as they were. I went to Mill City Running and splurged on a pricey pair of wind pants and in doing so, I thought that would guarantee the mild temperatures would stay and I wouldn’t need the fancy pants. Nope! With January came the cold. And not just COLD but record-setting, polar vortex COLD. Not to be outdone, February brought record-setting snow and then it was back to sub-zero temperatures to start the month of March. I endure the harsh winter elements out of necessity; I’m not particularly fond of the added challenge (running is hard enough on its’ own). However, this year, I actually do feel quite proud of what I was able to accomplish. I logged some pretty challenging miles, both outside and inside on the treadmill, on legs that weren’t 100%. Sometimes, the mental aspect was just as hard as the physical. With each new difficulty, I reminded myself that it was making me stronger. And I do feel tough. I feel ready for what lies ahead. Beyond that, I feel incredibly thankful that God continues to bless me with this amazing gift of running.
And with spring in the air, I feel energized! I am very much looking forward to some more favorable running conditions. I can’t wait to be able to step outside in just shorts and a t-shirt, lathered in sunblock (of course). I can’t even imagine how fast I might be able to run with ONE layer of clothes, a clear trail, seasonable temperatures, and a warm breeze. How joyous it will be to watch the brown turn to green and enjoy all the beauty around me! So, fellow survivors, let’s rejoice! Let’s bid farewell to Winter 2018 and hello to Spring 2019. Here’s to many happy, healthy, and warmer miles ahead.
Happy Spring!