Fit-to-Fat-to-Fit Blog: Finding new paths

I ran a total of 17 miles yesterday.

An abandoned road off the Natchez Trace Parkway

That’s about my daily commute to one of my jobs.  It’s a long way to run.  My legs don’t disagree.

The first two miles I ran with my sons. We went over to the local high school and did speed work on the track.  First we ran a fast mile.  Then we ran six 100-yard sprints on the football field. Both boys are fast and it was all I could do to beat them.  My oldest son is as fast as I am.  He’ll be faster soon.  We then ran some 40-yard sprints.  It was a beautiful day and a great chance to spend time with them.  And time is all that matters.

I normally run very early in the morning.  I do that to stay out of the sun, to make sure I’m not inconveniencing my spouse and of course, to avoid the heat.  Yesterday was cool enough that I ran in the mid-afternoon.  I had my hat and extra gear on, so sun wasn’t a problem. So I ran.  I headed through my neighborhood and when I was on one street, I noticed a path that led into the woods.  Taking a chance, I headed down  the path which led to an old road.  The trees were bearded with moss and the sun filtered through the remaining leaves.  I came to the Reservoir, allowing me a view that few others have seen.  I headed up a hill until a tree blocked the road (the road leads to Lost Rabbit and was there before the Ross Barnett Reservoir was built.  Part of it has been flooded.)

The Natchez Trace Overlook from across the bay.

I turned around and then went back to the Natchez Trace Parkway. I climbed the hill and ran to the Overlook.  From there, I picked up the hilly Ridgeland Multi-purpose Trail and ran past the old Craft Center to Jackson Street and Highway 51.  Then I headed home. I finished the run by adding an extra mile to my total by running in my neighborhood.

Fifteen miles.  Because I hadn’t eaten anything other than a Clif Bar, I ran out of gas during the last mile.  But I did it. I finished strong.

I have a long way to go (literarily) before I can run another marathon. But yesterday was an important first step.  And I got to explore and spend time with my sons.

Sure, I run to keep fit. But honestly, time with my sons is what matters.  It’s all about finding new paths.  Yesterday I blazed some really important ones.

It was a reminder that sometimes the best part of a goal isn’t finishing it; it’s the journey.