Wednesday, January 31, 2007

This Icy Run Really Stunk

Yesterday I was suppose to run 8 miles at a 10:12 per mile pace. I did it at a 9:55 pace so the mission was accomplished.

It wasn't easy to go out for the run today as the temp was feeling like the single digits because of a strong northwest wind blowing all day long. I was very reluctant to get ready but by 1 pm I started putting on layers of clothes, wondering if I had enough to brave the elements. Other my chin turning numb a few times, I was definitely armed for the artic tide.

What I was unarmed for however was an unexpected odor that hovered the track. Across the highway, a farmer decided to fertilize the field with manure. At first, I had no idea what that smell was because I thought, there's no way I could smell those Dover Hill turkey barns, some 10 miles away. It wasn't until I finished my run and drove to the front of the school that I saw the tractor scattering the stuff over the fields. The northwest winds were carrying it down towards the track.

Some elements you try to prepare for while others come unannounced, just like today. That's not only a lesson for running, but a fact in life as well. In the end I was able to overcome both prepared and surprising elements along the way, even ahead of pace!

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