so i ran the tecumseh trail marathon in december. careening around corners while grabbing the tree trucks for stability, racing through the mud and creeks single file. it was cold. indiana in december. i hurt my knee several weeks prior in training-- i think it was a clear creek canyon rock or root that did me in. but what an adventure! i loved it.
apparently i was on such a runners high after the race that i was planning the next years marathoning schedule. the "rush" does make a person insane. i stopped inbetween mile 16 and 17. the guys i ran with encouraged a road race in detroit or chicago. maybe someday, it is a lovely suggestion... but i would much rather run in the woods- even if it is over logs, through water, and ducking so the face doesn't get whipped in the face by branches.
it was amazing. my knee is better, i am no longer applying icy hot and wearing a sleeve. and, i am amazed by stubborn endurance. amazed.
alright, in h.s. i was asked if i wanted to go snowboarding-- and i did but for some reason that i don't recall at this point, i never did go. 10+ years later, i went. a couple dear friends mustered the patience and kindness and trained me for a day. the experience was exhilerating, the snow was beautiful, and getting on the lift may have been the scareiest bit.
part of me felt invincible when i fastened the helmet-- another part of me wondered if my agile, youthful days had passed... as i fell again and again. i wore bikers shorts under my layers to absorb more shock. ironically, i remembered that my health insurance card was alongside my i.d. in the pocket of my borrowed snowpants- just in case.
i grew up sledding and snow tubbing, i've done x-country skiing and snowmobiling-- but this 'down the mountian shredding business' was and is brand new. i borrowed a lot of "gear" and layered up with some of the running grab but i did buy a lift ticket and rent some boots, and parked in a money lot in breckinridge.
it might be because i grew up in wisconsin with plenty of snow for many months or it may be because i watch everest videos and understand avalanches are dangerous- but i also believe waking up and crossing the street has the potential to be life-risking-- either way, i anticipate the moment that i can snowboard on that snowy decline over yonder. yep. i one with several friends and trees, lots of snow, a lot of excitment, and... well no terrifying lift to munever on quickly. :) may it be safe enough that i can talk about the great joy it was coming down in the "powder."
for this day, my neck still hurts, and i am still applying the icy hot. sheesh. and the new memories are such awesome delights.
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