The Comeback Kid - A Woman Runner...And The Hope For Spring

Warning: Reading this post may cause Traxee members who live east of the Mojave desert to experience dizziness, "cabin fever" and an uncontrollable urge to purchase a plane ticket.  

So many of you have written to express support in my fight back from injury last October.  It's been a long hard road, but now, after experiencing nearly two weeks of pain-free outdoor running with a gradual increase in mileage, I feel its safe to say that I am truly on the mend.  I am able to do six miles at a pace-though not fast - is at least under 10" and that means I am ready for some speed work.

The lessons taught to me by my PT Jeff regarding my form are really paying off. I find that I can move faster with less effort and little wasted movement and it just feels, well, smoother.  Saturday's and todays runs were freakin amazing!  But here is the part that's going to get you...we are running out here in California in shorts and t-shirts!  It's 78 degrees and absolutely gorgeous! The birds are singing and the plants and trees are all blooming and it is so incredibly beautiful.  I mean, it's not like we ever experience a REAL winter here in SoCal, but it can be rainy and cold (30s) January - March.

I knew it was going to get warm early when I saw my first bunny rabbits a week or so ago while out for a run.  And Saturday, I saw the baby lizards coming out!  That's a sure sign that most of our colder weather is behind us. Last night the coyote pack that lives behind my house had a howling good time and that means game is plentiful for them.  Another sign of spring.

Now, I know many of you are suffering right now with one of the worst winters in recent history.  I have had so many meetings cancelled with east coast people who are stuck in airports or have no power.  I feel your pain.  Having lived on the "right coast" for 13 years, I remember how the snow and cold lost its charm after Christmas.  Still I do maintain fond memories of those snowy winter runs and the special beauty that winter brings.  I also remember well the indescribable joy that comes with seeing those tiny buds - shut tight like little fists for months - start to loosen.  There's nothing like spring after a hard, grey winter. It's almost as though you had to suffer to truly and fully appreciate Earth's renewal each year.

It somehow seems fitting that I should be back outside running just as this amazing weather has arrived.  There is truly a natural cycle to things and sometimes there is nothing we can do but be in acceptance.  I am not going to forget the lessons these last few months have taught me.  And to all of you in cold, snowy white places right now...I am thinking of you.  Hang in there babies...spring is coming!

• Currently 3.0/5 Stars.