Monday, February 12, 2007

Solar Powered

The soleil broke through. I waited out the morning drizzle and just as I had hoped, the sky lightened. By the time I laced up my running shoes, the sun was shining through the windows. I couldn't wait to get outside.

At the beginning of my run, just half way down the hill from my house, I saw a coyote standing in one lane of the roadway. Traffic was approaching so the coyote turned around and trotted back to the sidewalk. S/he saw me coming down the hill and hugged closer to the bushes, sniffing about, but s/he was definitely waiting to cross the road. I crossed to the other sidewalk. I thought it would be better to pass the coyote with at least two lanes between us. As I ran past, there it stood waiting for the traffic to go by so it could cross. The coyote seemed to barely take notice of me, perhaps too focused on its mission. I got a good look at it with its one ear bent over like Wile E. Coyote. It was quite scruffy looking like it had just gotten up and was heading to Fivebucks for the morning coffee. It just seemed confused. I suppose traffic is confusing. All of us have to learn the rules of crossing the road. Anywho...after I ran past I stopped and watched to make sure s/he had a safe crossing and s/he did. Down the hill s/he went.

The run went well. The sun kept me very positive and charged. I really enjoy running along the inlet with the beautiful view of the mountains beyond the water. It was completely spring-like today. It didn't take me long before I had to peel off a layer and then continue on in my short sleeves. I even saw crocuses in the neighbour's garden, little yellow and purple ones sticking out of the mulch (Sis, when did it become about the cedar mulch?). I have to keep reminding myself that it is spring here. No more snowfalls or frost on the sidewalks in the morning.

I know 10 k is completely doable for me, but I still can't get over the fact that it still takes all my energy just to do 10 right now, and I'm gearing up for 42! The race is in June! Huh? One run at a time, right? I just have to try and stay hydrated, well fed with good vegan foods, and injury free.

I just noticed that Van City (I know all you Van cityites hate that term but I like it) has a perfectly timed race so that I can do my 21k "training run" on that Sunday in the half marathon race. This is motivation for me and afterall, the joy of racing is what it is all about for me. I'm not sure if the route that typically goes through Stanley Park will be re-routed or not. There's no indication yet that that will be the case. I'll have to wait and see.

I think I have to get outside again and take in a little more sun. Perhaps I'll see Wile E. again. S/he was probably just as eager to be in the sun like the rest of us, having also waited out the morning drizzle before venturing out.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Meanwhile, here in Montreal, we are awaiting a huge snowstorm slated for Valentine's Day...damn there go my plans...not really. Crocus at this time of year...wow. I can't wait to see them...maybe they'll be over by the time I get there. The west is sounding ever more tempting...especially given the guilt one feels over using heat...in my case gas. I've chosen to turn down and every night I turn off everything around a quarter to 7 for fifteen minutes. It's a small gesture, but I'm sure others are doing at least the five minutes. Hope Wile E is around when I'm there. Keep on running. We are all rooting for you. M.

Wandering Coyote said...

Ah, another coyote sighting! I love it! Glad it crossed safely, and glad you had a good run. I'm sure you'll be in great form for your marathon in June.

redjane Stephanie Belding said...

Run for me! For the first day in a long time I'm starting to feel pain in my back the way I used to.....so I'm taking some time. Solar powered really is the case for me- without sun, I find it awfully hard to keep going. Obviously the coyote is checking in on your progress!