The calm before the wind. The Overlook Park off of the Natchez Trace.
Ran 14 miles today. The weather started out warm but the temperature began to drop as I finished my run. North winds howled at mile 13, meaning that the last mile was into the wind. I thought of Bob Seger’s classic tune as I struggled. I thought I was running with my parking brake on. And considering how out of shape we are as a country, I was truly running against the wind.
I’ve been down the past few weeks and exercising gives me the lift I need. The trail was exploding with life as the leaves began to blossom — a nice reminder of life’s resiliency. The color green kissed the bare limbs. Pollen dust ringed the puddles. I ran from my neighborhood to the Natchez Trace to the Ridgeland Trail to Fleet Feet. On the way back, I veered right and ran along the Ross Barnett Reservoir. I checked out the new shelter Ridgeland built and then headed up to Main Harbor Marina. I said hello to various fishermen and thought that was appropriate considering it was Palm Sunday, a day we honor the ultimate fisher of men’s journey into Jerusalem. I ran through the Reservoir Park and on to the Natchez Overlook Park. I dodged a few cars along the Trace and headed on back home. By mile 14, my legs were getting tired, so I walked the last .2 miles back to the house. My right foot has been sore thanks to running on concrete Friday. I think I bruised it.
It set the tone for the day. It set the tone for the week. It’s my last week of Fit4Change and I want to make the most of it.