February ‘Fessions

Hello, and welcome to the February installment of Runfessions. I have three running faux pas to runfess this month. Let’s step into the runfessional so I can shed my heavy burden of running sins.

I Should Know Better

In the winter, there is no urgency to run first thing in the morning. During the summer, my hubby and I make sure to get out the door to beat the heat and humidity that, by 10:00 a.m., are a significant issue.

Bill likes to have a cup of coffee before we run, so I sit in our family room, which is three steps down from the main floor of our house, and read the newspaper or work on this blog.

Unfortunately, cold air tends to settle in the family room. We are environmentally conscious (and by that, I mean cheap), so we keep our thermostat set fairly low. By the time we get dressed for running, a chill has penetrated my bones, and I have goosebumps.

When I am already cold, I tend to select an outfit that is much too warm for the conditions. I bundle up in a turtleneck, tech shirt, and windbreaker with long tights even if it is 35 degrees outside. By the time we get home, I am an overheated, sweaty, hot mess.

While I am not about to adopt Bill’s habit of wearing shorts for any run when the temperature tops 25 degrees, I do think I need to shed a few layers.

I am writing myself a note so I remember to dress colder. (Is dressing colder a thing?)

Photo by Adadrianns on Pixabay

A Sea of Dogs (My Idea of Heaven)

Bill and I have started trail running once a week with three other runners. One day last month, we ventured to nearby Blue Marsh Lake to run the trails which ring the lake.

The entire loop around the lake is over 29 miles, much longer than we wanted to run. We planned to go out for 45 minutes or so, then turn around and retrace our steps.

I love the trails at Blue Marsh. They do include the ever-present roots and rocks found on most Pennsylvania trails, but they are still highly runnable. There is just enough elevation change to keep it interesting, without making it a slog.

We had reached our turnaround point (where the men in the group mused about whether they could swim across the lake in the 30-degree weather and decided not to try it) and were running back to our starting point when we noticed an unleashed dog coming toward us. Then another dog. Then another and another and another.

Soon a sea of at least 50 dogs surrounded us. Many of them were wearing what looked like antennas, and all of them were extremely friendly.

Soon, a dozen riders on horseback came over a nearby rise. They were fox hunters.

Maybe you already know this – no foxes are harmed during a fox hunt. The riders do not carry weapons, and dogs are not allowed to catch the fox. The hunt ensues until the fox “goes to ground” and slips into his den. The hunters hope to catch a glimpse of the fox, then find another fox to chase. The antennas enable hunters to track the dogs and know their location at all times.

I got my dog fix, with dozens of dogs to pet and fuss over, then continued running back to the parking lot.

It’s All About the Sticky Buns

Bill and I are signed up for a real in-person trail race next month.

Our state allows outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people. Races that can stay under that limit (including race officials, timers, and volunteers) are allowed. COVID-mitigating procedures are strictly enforced.

The Fire on the Rocks 10K is scheduled for March 13 in northern Pennsylvania, so there is always a chance for dicey weather and snow covered trails.

To entice runners to sign-up, fresh, hot grilled sticky buns will be served to all finishers. I am on a no-added-sugar diet, but I may make an exception for a grilled sticky bun. The enticement must have worked – the race is sold out.

And the “Fire” in the title of the race? That refers to the Fireball shots available at the aid station. I think I will pass.

Thank you for sharing my Runfessions. I am cleaner, lighter, and grateful for the chance to confess my running sins. See you again in March for my next Runfession.

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