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.

<3

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