I wrote this about ten days ago or so….sorry it didn’t get posted till now!
What a glorious day it was today. For the first time this year I went running without my running jacket! Clad in my new running shorts and the electric blue short sleeve running shirt I bought just after Christmas, I headed out for what I knew was going to be a good run. I had finished listening to the book “Sea Glass” by Anita Shreve so I took along my mp3 player loaded with my running songs. I was listening to Melissa Etheridge’s “Breakdown” -one of my favorite CD’s to run to.
So after my beautiful sunny day run it occurred to me that I could share some spring running tips I have found useful over the years.
You might think about putting on some sun block before heading out in your running shorts and short-sleeved running shirt or tank top. Having run in running tights or running pants all winter, exposing much more skin to the sun can cause some discomfort the next day. But make sure you don’t put regular sun block on your forehead. You will be sorry when you start to sweat! You don’t want it burning your eyes while you’re trying to get a good run in. Believe me, I know! You can get one of the no-sweat sun blocks that won’t burn your eyes. Click Here Now to check out Coppertone’s no-sweat sun blocks
Spring Running Tips number two: Check the weather.
If there is a chance it might rain…or snow, make sure you bring your running jacket just in case. I always bring along a snack size Ziploc plastic bag with a rubber band around it, too. If it starts to rain I slip my cell phone into it and secure it with the rubber band. It clips right back into the belt clip…albeit a much tighter fit.
Spring Running Tips number 3: New pair of running shoes.
If you have been running outdoors all winter, your running shoes have probably seen better days. And don’t you want to look good when you put on your new spring running clothes? Seriously though, your running shoes wear out faster after being worn in the snow and slush. They lose their form and don’t fit properly anymore, exposing you to all sorts of unnecessary foot and leg pain.
Spring Running Tips number 4: Leave the running songs.
If you normally go out running with an mp3 player, leave it at home for a change. Give yourself the chance to listen to all the cool sounds of spring, like the robins singing and people out enjoying the nice weather. You may even hear the buds starting to come out on the trees…well maybe not, but the sound of your feet hitting the path, and the rhythmic sound of your breathing will make your heart soar and put a smile on your face. Take in some deep breaths and just savor the taste of spring and the smells of new life all around you.
Hopefully you can use some of these spring running tips to your advantage!
In January of 2003 I took a 3 week vacation to visit a friend of mine who lives in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Although I had been as far as Canada and Mexico, this was the first time I had ever ventured that far out of the country.
Having settled in at my friend’s home in Sao Paulo, after a week she surprised me with a trip to visit the coastal island of Floripia. The trip involved a short flight to the beach resort town. To say that Floripia was beautiful is an understatement. With expansive, sandy beaches and that kind of distinct blue color only found in the ocean, I was in awe at the grandeur and majesty of the place.
One of my fantasies had always been to run along the beach. But I hadn’t ever lived even remotely close to an ocean shore, so I had never had the opportunity to indulge in that dream other than in my imagination.
Since my host lived in one of the largest cities in the world, I hadn’t really planned on running while in Brazil. I was tickled with the prospect of going out for a run on Floripia. And not merely running, but running on a beautiful, deserted sandy beach!
I always have running gear with me, for who knows when just such an occasion will arise, so I got up early one morning, my mind set on running along the shore. Having walked the beach the day before, I knew it was about 3 miles which would make for a nice short run.
I brought along my camera, wanting to get the sunrise over the ocean on film. Oh boy! I was not disappointed! I was able to take some of the best pictures I have ever taken. And with the most perfect backdrop anyone could ask for! Talk about heaven….
After taking some pictures, I began a slow, but very pleasant run down the shore. The air was salty and warm. I expanded my chest, taking in lungful after lungful of inspiration, wanting to imprint the entire experience of the run in my mind and body and soul.
About half way down the beach, I was joined by two dogs. They were so excited and playful, and content to run along beside me. Happy for the company, as due to allergies I have no dogs of my own, I found it comforting: a sense of security having these dogs with me.
I could tell I was getting close to the end of the beach. There were huge boulders stopping me from going any further. I guess I could have climbed over them. But the thousands of sea spiders sunbathing on the rocks warned me away, and I was quite willing to turn around.
Before I did though, I wanted to take some pictures of myself with the ocean in the background. I put the camera‘s timer on and made my way to the water. As I turned to pose for the shot, my tail-wagging, frolicking companions decided they too wanted to be in the picture. And no doubt, they deserved to be….let’s give acknowledgement where it is due.
My two enthusiastic furry friends ran all the way back to the entrance of the beach with me. Then they were gone. When I turned around, they were nowhere to be seen….
Maybe the dogs belonged to the fishermen who were nearby, casting their nets out to sea, or perhaps they were sent there just for me: to watch over me on my dream run in a foreign and enchanted place.
Wherever they came from, I have always been grateful for their companionship that day. I call them my angel dogs.
I'd like to donate a cuppa coffee to Vision Runner, as I understand that all that running and writing requires a great deal of strength and energy and focus......
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I'd like to send Vision Runner $10.00 so that she can get a gift card for her favorite coffee establishment.
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I'm feeling very creative and I don't want to be inhibited by someone else's choices. I'm going to pick my own dollar amount...cause what if I want it to end with 46 cents or something?
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What about me? I need some for me..... (Go ahead. Order some for yourself, why don't ya?)
