Running in the Spring allows you to experience the reawakening of the earth. Each day, a subtle new twist to the landscape - one day, just slightest hint of green, two days later, a clear chartreuse lining. A week later, the burst of spring flowers pops the landscape. I can always tell which flowers are blooming, based on the perfume in the air. If I catch a whiff, I automatically look around to see where it originated from - "yes, from that Viburnum" or "oh, there's that Lilac bush".
1. Spring Rebirth, 2. High Water Crossing, 3. Limited Edition , 4. Come What May. Each Day A New Chance. , 5. Great Possibilities, 6. Pre Run Group Shot - Before The Pouring Rain , 7. Somewhere Between Mile 20 and 21, 8. We Finished It! , 9. Cherry Blue Skies - What a Difference a Day Makes., 10. A Year Later, 11. Morning Blessing , 12. Welcome Fragrance
The end of April culminates with the running of our local spring marathon, which was quite the adventure. After the marathon, I take things easy with extra rest and take a little break from running. This year, due to a nagging calf injury, I need to take more time off (even though I really don't want to).
April Running Stats:
Total Miles: 82.3 miles
Average Pace: 9:40 minutes / mile
April's stats are down, due to a respiratory illness I caught at the end of March, the taper before the race and post race rest. I purposely dialed down my pace during most of my training runs because I didn't want to stress my immune system. I'm looking forward to getting my calf healed up and getting some speed back.
This month's Running Quotes, The Marathon Edition:
The marathon is an opportunity for redemption. Opportunity, because the outcome is uncertain. Opportunity, because it is up to you, and only you, to make it happen.
– Dean Karnazes
If people were possessed by reason, running marathons would not work. But we are not creatures of reason. We are creatures of passion.
– Noel Carroll
I was going to run either way – I'm a runner, that's what I do [Thoughts that go through your head when the marathon you are running gets cancelled midway]
– Stephanie Geraghty
It’s not only about finishing, it’s about moving forward.
– Bart Yasso
Be willing to move forward and find out what happens next.
– Frank Shorter
The difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting.
– Walt Disney
When we run, we are already so exposed, often nearly naked in our shorts and T-shirts, huffing and puffing, purified by the effort. Briefly removed from the defenses and secrets we maintain in so much of our lives, we feel less need to hide our private thoughts, loves, fears, and stresses. We share.
– Amby Burfoot
I got to meet Amby Burfoot during Marathon weekend - he was the featured guest legend, the 1968 winner of the Boston Marathon - and a really nice guy. I hope I can still run marathons when I am in my 70's!
Read more...
