Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: Running With the Seasons

Monday, March 14, 2011

Running With the Seasons

I've realized something since I've been running outdoors year-round. I've grown to love each season even more. Running through all the elements makes me feel closer to the earth, to nature.

I love running in the winter... it doesn't matter how cold it is. In fact, the lower the temperature, the more excited I get. Bring it ON! I love my face going numb... wearing gloves AND mittens. I love the crunch of the snow and ice under my feet. I love how my body can warm itself... how I can be running in negative temps and not be cold. I love the stillness and the quiet of running in falling snow. I love the looks I get from people as they drive past with their heat blasting. Winter running is a challenge, and I like that.

Spring... ah, Spring. I love when it starts to warm up, and I can wear shorts! (I still get the crazy looks from people. Hey, it's 40 degrees. Why not wear shorts?) I love running in the rain. I love that I don't have to remember to wear a hat, and two gloves, and an undershirt, and an overshirt, and my wool socks... I can just throw on a layer and go. Spring is such a promise of freedom... knowing soon that the outdoors will be available to you at any time, without preparation.

Summer... I love starting a run in the dark, and watching the sun come up as I cross the miles. I love the peace and the tranquility of the dawn. I love that my miles pick up in the summer, and I start running the long runs... planning routes all over town, exploring new areas, dreaming new dreams. I love seeing other runners and bikers out there enjoying the morning too. I love waving at them, and getting a wave back, and nodding that nod of knowing... the secret of loving exercise.

I love running in the fall... when the air starts to have that bite to it. I feel so invigorated, after a long summer of sweat. I love having more flexibility in when I run... not needing to get up before the sun to beat the heat. I love the trees, the changing of the colors, the beauty of fall. Oh, how I love the beauty of fall. I feel like I can't get enough of looking. I run and look around me in wonder. How could I have seen so many autumns and still not tire of it?

I love being a runner.

5 comments:

Kate said...: You are brave. I'll run in every season except winter. I love running too.; 12:43 PM
Amy said...: I second Kate. No winter running for me. Your my hero. ;); 9:28 AM
Janice {Run Far} said...: I love being a runner too.... runners get to feel/see/smell/hear some amazing things about nature... all before the sun comes up, and after. ;); 1:26 PM
Moxie Girl said...: Amen!; 10:45 AM
Marci said...: you know, i really wish that i had that love for excercise. i hear you talk about it and get so excited about it and i just wish i had that drive. maybe if i got started i would catch it...i dunno.; 11:42 AM

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To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche