Great Fog Run

I had a really good run last night.  I was pretty fired up from work, so I had a lot of frustration to run off.  I got home a tad earlier than usual, so I guessed I could get my run in before it got too dark.  Normally I don’t care too much about running in the dark, but we had a wind storm last week, and there are still some trees down along the paths in my neighborhood.  I really didn’t want run gut-first into a fallen tree.

It had just rained, so I immediately knew I had to watch my step.  This was especially true when turning sharp corners.  But the rain had brought with it the perfect temperature, and a very crisp air.  It felt great outside.

I cruised along the lake, tip-toeing through the goose poop.  I was running fast, and I knew it.  I thought I might pay for it in the end, but it was worth it.  Before I knew it, I was at the top of Big Hill #1.  I knew I was having a good run because there was no swearing during the ascent.

The paths were pretty solitary, which I enjoyed.  I thought about running on the treadmill, and tried to compare my speed.  I guessed that I was moving at a good clip.  I must have been lost in thought because I don’t remember much of the run.

I was completely jazzed at about the 3 mile mark, when I entered a little suburban park.  Coming down the hill, I could see a thick fog below in the twilight.  I ran directly down into it, along the bottom, then out the other side.  It was incredible leaving the clear skies, into the dark and foggy air until I couldn’t see anything around me, then out the other side.

I was energized.  I trotted impressively up Big Hill #2, then around the rich neighborhood.  In the final stretch, I descended into another foggy valley and out the other side.  I loved it.  I felt like an airplane blasting through the clouds.

The only problem with this run is that I don’t know the exact mileage.  It is about 4 miles.  I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at my watch, did the math, and came up with 33 minutes.  That’s a good time for me, especially considering the hills and slippery surface.  But really, running in and out of the foggy valleys was the highlight of my week.  It was one of those runs that reminded me why running is such a good hobby.