Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Sunrise

ORN: 5 miles, R6/W1

What a treat! After groggily dragging myself out of bed for a five-miler in chilly 31F weather, I got a unexpected thrill.

My favorite Cumberland Woods route takes me 2.5 miles west then I turn around to head home. I slogged through the out portion, not very awake, thinking about a very, very busy day ahead of me.

Then I hit the turnaround point.

The cold weather came with a high pressure system which made the sky cloudless. By this time, the pre-dawn light was just barely visible over the eastern horizon. The palest of pinks, grays, purples and blues danced slowly with each other as I made my way back home. The entire tapestry of light was painted before me. Birds, just returned to the Heartland after having the good sense to winter farther south, were singing their hearts out. No humans were around, the trail was just out there, alone, with the sky, the birds and me clomping along. It was indescribable.

On the front end of a work day which will extend past 11:00pm tonight, it was a marvelous morning. I hope yours is as well, as you persevere.

11 comments:

Wes said...

The finest things in life are the most simple... Totally awesome :-)

Backofpack said...

What a wonderful start to your day. That's what running is really about!

Anonymous said...

It is runs like yours this morning that make the it all worth while! There is something special about having a view of the world early in the morning that most people miss. Truly, this is my Father's World.

boilermat said...

Wonderful word picture, Joe. I hope to be back along the same trail soon, but not before an MRI on my left tibia and the doc's all-clear sign.

I learned to persevere running in the Jan/Feb cold. Now I'm learning to persevere on the sidelines with the warm, spring days here.

Mary Gee said...

Birds make a run a glorious thing. I love their return every year.

Sarah said...

Those kind of runs are the best! Thanks for sharing with us. : )

IronWaddler said...

What a good start with a tough day ahead.

David said...

Hey? Where did all my birds go?

-David in Florida

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great morning, Joe!

April Anne said...

Wes said it best. Thanks for sharing this post. (and I love that song)

Darrell said...

Sounds really, really wonderful (if not a little chilly). Love the song too. I'll be hummin' that one to myself the rest of the afternoon.