Sure there are different ways to run: slow, fast, at race pace, easy pace, sprinting, even "like you mean it." Today, I experienced running in a new way unlike these--with snow shoes in 18 inches or so of beautiful virgin white powder. It was amazing! The woods were pristine and a group of friends and I traversed the woods for 5 miles both on and off trail even jumping baby streams at times. We ran when we could, often taking advantage of straight aways without brush, tree limbs, or inclines. I even took off in front of the group, as the newbie, charging down a hill that had not a flake disturbed. . . well, not until I got there.
After just a few weeks back into running after taking a month or so off of training after the marathon to rest and spend time with my family, this was an amazing way to fall in love with running again. Further, this new way acted as a crude reminder that no matter how much time I spend running on the road, or even working out in the gym, my body can always be challenged in new ways. My quads and glutes burned as I lifted my legs and snow shoes above the drifts and through the powder as a reminder that we are a team. The bruise on my knee from my fall, reminds me that the team may not always work perfectly together. Yet, the little balls of ice on my eyelashes reminded me of the joys of seeing nature through different lenses. These lenses that my snow shoes brought me showed me childlike joy and an appreciation of nature.
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