Dreaming

I had a dream last night that I could run so fast that every few steps, I could lift up my legs and glide above the ground.  Every few steps, I flew a few feet, and when I landed, my legs were already moving forward in another long, fast stride.  The dream didn't last long, but I awoke around 3 AM longing to go for a late-night run.  I felt energetic, invigorated.

I didn't go. 

Soon, I need to get back on the trails and have strong knees again.  This dream told me that even my subconscious self needs to feel all that running makes me feel.  I miss it.

Stupid Knee

My right knee has been hurting me lately, and I haven't been running for almost a week.  This will not do.  I weighed myself this morning, and I am three pounds heavier than I was last week.  I have all kinds of emotions and thoughts that I usually "get out" when I go for runs, and without running, I am stuck with them.  I don't get my endorphins.  I don't get outside.  And I don't get any of those awesome experiences that I like to write about in this blog - the sensations, the earth, the moon, the snow.

I've been icing, soaking, and massaging, and I hope that my knee is almost healed.  I want to get back out there.

<3

November 6-8, 2009

New experiences this week:

Running by moonlight - 3.5 miles

The moon was full, and the golf course was quiet.  Since I was running on the asphalt path, I didn't have to worry about stumbling on rocks or slipping in the mud.  My legs felt strong.  I ran toward the light, my eyes fixed on the glowing orb.

Running along the Snake River (in my new Cascadias) - 7 miles

I got up at 5 AM, and we were at the trailhead at Pittsburg Landing about four hours later.  We ran along the Snake, high above the rapids.  The trail was fairly technical in places, and I hoped that I could keep up with my companions.  Highlights: the views, the company, and my new Cascadias.

 

 

Running in the snow - 9 miles

My long run this week was up to Paradise Point.  Before reaching the top, light snow began to fall.  A few hundred yards later, the snow started sticking on the trees to my right and left.  A bit later, I found myself smiling as I watched the flakes fall around me and melt on my legs and face.  The non-runner part of me wondered what I was doing in shorts...on a mountain...in November.   But then I felt my muscles flex, looked around at a world that I wouldn't otherwise experience, and noticed the expressions on my companions' faces, and I knew what I was doing up there.  <3

The Summit

Another beautiful Sunday run on Moscow Mountain.  This time we went all the way to the summit.  My legs were tired after the first couple of miles up.  (Part of the run was on a trail called Nemesis.  Need I say more?)  Total distance 9.9 miles - my third longest run to date.

 

 

(A well-deserved break at the summit.)

(So you can see what I see...)

 

Today I am going to let my legs rest. <3

13 Miles!

I am constantly reminded of how blessed I am when I run.   It seems that every time I go up to Moscow Mountain, I experience something different and beautiful - new views, new textures beneath my feet, and new sensations in my body.  Yesterday I ran on trails I had never run before, and I felt the soft, dark soil under me.  In places the trails were covered in pine needles and a blanket of orange, yellow, and purpley leaves. I breathed in moist, earthy air; I breathed in my first autumn on Moscow Mountain.

Another first happened to me yesterday without even knowing it: I found out how it feels to complete a 13-mile trail run. 13 miles! Can you even believe it? When I saw that number on the ol' GPS, I could barely contain myself. Sure my feet were tired, sure my hamstrings felt so tight they could've snapped at any moment, and sure my shirt was completely saturated. But when I saw that number, I felt so... well, I just felt so good. I am doing something now that I didn't think I was capable of, and I am continually inspired to do more and get better.

(Anyone remember Bridge to Terabithia?)

 

All of a sudden my goal for my first half marathon seems too distant.  I may have to start looking for races soon.  Really soon.

<3