Snow Run

Wednesday night I went on the best run of my life. No lie. I was excited about it, looking forward to it, and it far exceeded my expectations. It again was just to be a one hour run, my second on my "comeback," but this time in the snow. It was more like freezing rain with a few tiny snow flakes when I got to the park, but it was full-on bona fide snow less than half way through my run.

When I got to the park I got a bit nervous because NO ONE was there. It was only 5:30, but still dark. I know it isn't totally safe to run alone, especially when the park appeared so empty, but I was not going to let that deter my snow run. There ended up being a handful of people around, so I never felt unsafe, and it was still almost like I got to enjoy this little secret wonderland all to my self.

I immediately reverted back to a small child when I got out of my car and giggled with each snow flake that landed on my jacket or head. Within a few minutes of running, a snow flake landed on my lip and I cautiously licked it off - looking around to make sure no one saw me in my child-like state. Each street light brought a new, different, and more spectacular than the last show. After a while I saw some much bigger flakes and had convinced myself they were random feathers because surely we wouldn't have flakes as big as a quarter in our area. Nope - soon enough more and more of the flakes were taking on the larger size and hitting me from all directions.

I cannot recall a time when I have been more happy and content and in total awe of God. I prayed a lot for Baby Bella while I was out there and was filled with His Spirit like never before. I had no stress, no worries, no concerns, for that night I was truly running with God. He surprises you when you least expect it, for just the day before I was telling everyone there was no way it was going to snow and I'm sure the weather guys were just getting bored and needed something to talk about. I thanked Him for the ability to run, and for all the wonderful things I have in my life right now.

I was smiling my entire run from ear to ear - something that has never happened before. I ran half the way with my mouth wide open too - catching more and more snow flakes as the miles passed by. Of course I tried to act like the mature, serious 27 yr old runner that I really am when other people passed by.

The 40 degree difference in temperatures from my Monday night run to my Wednesday night run also helped me run a tiny bit faster. I averaged a whopping 13:09 min/mile this time around and was able to run the last 3 miles straight without having to stop because my heart rate was too high. Funny how three months ago I would have been appalled at the idea of running so slow, and funny how Wednesday I was able to say that was my best run ever. It is going to take some serious patience to stick with this plan, but for now I think it is the best thing for me.