10 (unplanned) miles on the trail

On Tuesday, I had been in the office all day, fueling with Diet Mountain Dew and coffee, and feeling tired and sluggish. I was exhausted. I had some time to burn after work and the day was absolutely gorgeous. Upper 50's and sunny. Perfect.

I had packed my running bag and brought it with me to the office that morning. NO EXCUSES! I needed to get out there and run.

I changed at the office and headed to the Capital City Trail. But, not after stopping by to snap this quick photo.


I headed west on the Captial City Trail. I had planned for 4-6 miles. This portion of the trail is winding and wooded. Hilly and gorgeous. The snow was melting and therefore the streams were flowing and sounded amazingly calming as my footsteps pitter-pattered by.

I listened to my breathing and my footwork as I tackled each hill. And, surprisingly I wasn't huffing and puffing. I was calm and determined. I felt fantastic. I love when a run just feels good. I logged about 2.5 miles, before the portion of the trail didn't seem safe and I headed back in the opposite direction. The sun was starting to go down and I was out there solo.

Heading back, I attacked the same hills again and there were runners, walkers and cyclists keeping me company. There were a lot of families out on the trail with their strollers and bicycles, enjoying our first feeling of Spring. I loved the friendly waves and smiles from all of the like-minded individuals (even if some of them were smirking about my hot pink knee high socks and running skirt!). Another 2.5 miles done.


I headed back past my car and then ran east on the trail for another 2.5 mile out-and-back loop. This portion of the trail is more open, with rolling hills, along the prairie. There were less runners out on the trail now, as the sun was setting. I felt the temperature drop as I headed further and further east. I saw lots of little critters along the way, as they darted out in front of me. I felt so carefree before I turned around to head back to the marathon mommy minivan. I was out there, by myself, doing how ever many miles I felt up to. And, I felt up to many. If the sun hadn't gone down, I'm not sure how many miles I could have logged that night. Sometimes, it all just feels right. Those are the adventures that keep me going. That keep me running. That keep me LOVING running.
After I got back to the marathon mommy minivan, I had logged an unplanned ten miles. And, I had a huge smile on my face.