A quick breakfast of hot oatmeal helped prepare me for the winter cold that lay just outside the door. My shoes, double laced, and I was ready to begin my 18 mile training run. Stepping into the darkness I was greeted by the brightness of a near full moon. Stars were hidden behind the moon's brilliance.
The north eastern winds blowing hard ushered in colder feeling temps than the thermometer's 25°. The bitterness of it stung. Weaving my way through the neighborhood, I reached the point where I would make my first of 4 loops. A rather mundane route would make up the mileage today; a necessity warranted as being a mom is my first priority and a household of hungry boys would awaken as my run would end.
Beginning the first loop, the wind was mercifully at my back. Cold temps have a way of quickening the pace and I was running a good strong pace. In this direction, the moon stole my attention, with the light of it's fullness cascading down on to the surrounding farmlands. The land slept peacefully, with only the milking farmer at work in the parlors.
The turnaround part of the loop brought me back into the hardness of the winter wind, slowing my pace and reminding me that a marathon-paced run would only be possible on the first half of each loop. Mount Baker and the Cascade foothills stood with regal grandeur on the horizon. The blackness of the night was slightly losing it's hold to the pre-dawn greens and blues that herald the arrival of reds and oranges of a rising sun. The mountains were perfectly outlined with this hint of morning's dawn.
At the completion of the first 4 mile loop, I relished in the thought that the completion of the second loop would be a half way point for me. With the route being extremely tedious, this would be a great mental exercise as well as physical endurance building. At the start of the third loop, I told myself the next loop would be my last. This mind game worked and the miles passed quickly.
By the last loop, the moon was lost in the horizon and the sun's rays peeked over the mountain range. The bitterness of the 30 mph northeastern wind stole the golden-rayed warmth of the winter sun and wearied me. At last, the final loop was complete.
I turned toward the neighborhood to make the final mile and half of my run. A few homes began to come alive, while others remained dark in slumber. My thoughts drifted to the meal I would make the boys when I got home. I realize I am hungry.
Rounding a corner, I was startled from thought when I heard, "Hey Mom!" Glancing over my shoulder I was surprised to see my son and his friends out in the neighborhood. I asked them what they were doing up so early and why they were out in this freezing cold. A numb smile crept across my frozen face when they boys explained they were looking for me so they could run the final mile with me and keep me company. Touched beyond measure, I finished my run in the presence of the future's greatest men and with a heart overflowing.
The north eastern winds blowing hard ushered in colder feeling temps than the thermometer's 25°. The bitterness of it stung. Weaving my way through the neighborhood, I reached the point where I would make my first of 4 loops. A rather mundane route would make up the mileage today; a necessity warranted as being a mom is my first priority and a household of hungry boys would awaken as my run would end.
Beginning the first loop, the wind was mercifully at my back. Cold temps have a way of quickening the pace and I was running a good strong pace. In this direction, the moon stole my attention, with the light of it's fullness cascading down on to the surrounding farmlands. The land slept peacefully, with only the milking farmer at work in the parlors.
The turnaround part of the loop brought me back into the hardness of the winter wind, slowing my pace and reminding me that a marathon-paced run would only be possible on the first half of each loop. Mount Baker and the Cascade foothills stood with regal grandeur on the horizon. The blackness of the night was slightly losing it's hold to the pre-dawn greens and blues that herald the arrival of reds and oranges of a rising sun. The mountains were perfectly outlined with this hint of morning's dawn. At the completion of the first 4 mile loop, I relished in the thought that the completion of the second loop would be a half way point for me. With the route being extremely tedious, this would be a great mental exercise as well as physical endurance building. At the start of the third loop, I told myself the next loop would be my last. This mind game worked and the miles passed quickly.
By the last loop, the moon was lost in the horizon and the sun's rays peeked over the mountain range. The bitterness of the 30 mph northeastern wind stole the golden-rayed warmth of the winter sun and wearied me. At last, the final loop was complete.
I turned toward the neighborhood to make the final mile and half of my run. A few homes began to come alive, while others remained dark in slumber. My thoughts drifted to the meal I would make the boys when I got home. I realize I am hungry.
Rounding a corner, I was startled from thought when I heard, "Hey Mom!" Glancing over my shoulder I was surprised to see my son and his friends out in the neighborhood. I asked them what they were doing up so early and why they were out in this freezing cold. A numb smile crept across my frozen face when they boys explained they were looking for me so they could run the final mile with me and keep me company. Touched beyond measure, I finished my run in the presence of the future's greatest men and with a heart overflowing.
oh, this brought tears to my eyes. good men indeed!! thanks for sharing this.
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