Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Running Day, Chelsea and summer evening air.



When the day has warmed everything and its saturated with smells that hang in the air, it is such a surreal time to be out. It invokes a feeling of comfort like the way a kitchen smells  after a dinner lovingly cooked for the family.
I had forgotten how much I love to run in the evenings.

Pine trees, peonies and honesuckle mingling with peoples dinner smells and barbeque's.  There is a mellowness that can't be beat.  The sun is on its way and not beating down and people are starting to relax. That feeling seems to reverberate through time and space unlike in the morning when its crisp and new and full of potential energy waiting to get out again. I haven't settled into the day yet and feel more agitated in the mornings. (Working on that!)

  I set out to burn off some energy and to hang my ribbons for Chelsea this evening. I didn't print a race bib. To me it wasn't a race. Every day that I run is Running Day. I appreciate it each and every time. Today however I thought about my fears and how each time I go out alone in the world to run, I conquer those fears.  You ladies out there know especially what I mean. We do battle with ourselves and face the unknown when we go out and quite frankly its hard.  Some of us don't make it back.
  So I hung ribbons to honor Chelsea along my favorite route at the top of the hill overlooking beautiful Des Moines. If you don't know who I speak of, please go to Kayte's page and read about her.  Kayte is holding a Finish Chelsea's Run virtual run to honor a young girl who was taken from this world too soon and it happened when she was out running. Kayte sent ribbons when I signed up to participate. This route is special to me in so many ways. I have laughed, cried, pushed myself in all aspects and pushed some lovely little boys in strollers here too.

  On my way out I was feeling quite good!  The ground was warm and I was quite relaxed and able to run from my hips. I felt fast and at ease.
I came upon a train I had to go around and figured it would be good practice for Dam to Dam to run on the rough road.  If I remember correctly from last year, the start of the race at Saylorville Dam is on a gravel road, or at least part of it.
  I had to go a little over a quarter mile down and then come back up the other side. I guess I could have crossed the tracks there but it looked rougher to do that then just go down to the road.
I learned that letting my feet mold to the surface instead of fighting it is less painful. Its a matter of accepting that its going to be uncomfortable and its ok. Its not so bad.  I was quite relaxed.
When I got to the top of the hill at the cemetery, I was rewarded with this view.  Right behind me was the tree that I hung Chelsea's ribbons on. Its a sweet smelling pine tree.
Sweaty me after getting to the top of the hill and running the quarter mile loop at the top up and around again a couple of times.
I couldn't have asked for a better day to be out. I didn't want to go too far since I should be tapering a little bit for the race this weekend but I don't think the 5.25 was too much. Just right in fact.
Here is my "Tonia" pose as I was ready to head back down to finish up the lower hills of my route before going home. I need to work on this to perfect getting all of me in it. You can't see my bare feet or all of my sweet Sugoi Moxie skirt.
I hope you all had a wonderful Running Day. It was gorgeous here and I am thankful I got out and enjoyed it. It was good for my Soles!
I will get to that Tropical Traditions giveaway tomorrow. I chose to do this post  and some P90X yoga instead when I got home. Its so nice to come home and be met by the two year old spawn, Archimedes. He saw me and came running up to give me a hug and kiss!
Cheers all!

11 comments:

ShellBell said...

Look at those arms, girl! You are looking good.

I don't think you have to like morning running. I always think I should like running at night because it would be more convenient but I don't. I'm usually so tired at the end of the day that the last thing I feel like doing is running. I wish I did like it more. I am a morning runner but that's when I feel my best and most energetic but I've always been a morning person and not a night owl.

Sounds like a lovely run! (Still jealous but I'm going to try running this weekend) :)

Jen said...

You inspire me with those barefoot runs. Great pictures and race report.

TMB @ RACING WITH BABES said...

I love evening runs too. You are right the smells are great! OK, tip for getting your feet in the shot fully extend your arm up at a 45 degree angle and then tilt the camera slightly toward the ground. Tends to work for me!

Erica said...

haha love the "TMB" pose! Cute! I love those sticky evening runs they rock!

Tiffany @ The Chi-Athlete said...

I wish I could take a seemingly flawless shot of myself like that, hah! Great story you posted, and awesome dedication.

Marlene said...

It's so hard to get the right angle with that pic!

Great job on the runs. Love the Chelsea ribbons.

misszippy said...

Went over and read Chelsea's story...wow. I live in the town where Ulman Fund is located--it is an AWESOME organization. They do all kids of cool stuff to raise money too--runs, triathlons, fundraisers, etc. So glad you participated in the run.

Oh, and go summer! Nothing, nothing better.

Molly said...

sounds like an all around wonderful run, for many reasons. Great photos too.

Julie said...

Hi Angie,
I totally know what you are talking about with the evening runs and the many different lovely smells:) I usually run on a trail that goes through woods and I love the sweet smell of all of the flowers and plants. Nice job on your run and I love the pictures:)

MCM Mama said...

Great picture! It always takes me several tries with that angle.

I'm an evening runner. I run at other times of the day, but I still prefer my late afternoon, early evening ones.

running tights said...

First of all the pictures you have shared over here are very clear and nice. I am sure that your running day was good because running sometime is good for health and we can stay fit also.

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