"Just Do It" ~~~ Nike
Finally! Out the door at 6AM this morning (Tuesday) for a walk/run, by myself (No Missy). I’m almost tricked into thinking that I am actually out early because it is still dark and the sun won’t rise for another hour. But I know it is really not all that early and I’m trying for an hour earlier on Thursday since all went well today (walking in the dark). Of course, I’ll explain.
Coffee in hand (not in a “to go” mug, but a real mug – 16 oz porcelain mug with a picture of a Golden retriever on it – now that’s a cup of coffee!) I was anxious to get out the door. My coffee machine with the timer on it broke a while ago and I’ve been using the backup melitta which you actually have to boil the water and pour it. (I know, I know – how hard is that!?) It’s really not a big deal, but the coffee used to be ready for me when I got up; pour it and go. Although I got up at 5:45, I’m waiting and waiting for the water to boil. We’ve decided, though, that the coffee tastes pretty good using this melitta drip system – I’d forgotten. I still grind the coffee fresh though. Ok, for those inquiring minds: milk (whole or 2% - not cream and not half’n’half), no sugar, and a bit on the light side! Thanks for wondering! Oh, and no designer coffee for me – just good ole rich Columbian whole beans – 100% Arabica!
So, I’m 20 feet up the driveway and I realize I’d better go back for the reflective mesh vest that I’ll just throw on over my jacket. I mean, I’m dressed all in black and I really don’t want to be hit by a sleepy driver who is in a hurry to get to work! Oh – here’s the best part – I am using my very cool headlamp. Yeah, I know! I look like I’m going down into a coal mine. The thing works pretty good and I’ve used it a lot while outside at night with Missy --- when she has to go one last time. I always pick up after her right away (in fact, when we walk to the park – I’m carrying the darn “pooper scooper”) and in the dark, I don’t want to miss anything. I know – too much info, huh?
Finally “up top” at the road (my driveway is 2/10’s of a mile), I stop to gulp down the last bit of coffee and I place the cup on the stonewall there to retrieve on my way down. It is 6:11 – yikes! Later than I intended. No worries, I’m on my way. I’m doing a 4 mile loop counter clockwise, so I set off going right (west) out of my driveway.
Although the sun won’t be rising for another 50 minutes or so the dawn will be breaking in 10 minutes more or less. I did a little research on-line last year and learned about the 3 different types of “twilight.” I always thought that the word “twilight” was used only while making reference to the evening hours around sunset. But what I learned was that it refers to the point at which the sun is so many degrees below the horizon – evening or morning. The three types of twilight are, civil, nautical and astronomical. When the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon, this is known as civil twilight. Nautical – 12 degrees below and astronomical, the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon. We all know that it gets light out prior to the sun’s official rising time. So, depending on the skies – clear, cloud covered, overcast, etc. – we see it beginning to get light as much as 45 – 50 minutes prior to sunrise, during the tail end of nautical twilight and on into civil twilight. So, the dawn breaks well before sunrise (that’s my interpretation of “dawn”) and when people say, (OK, people don’t really talk this way – but in the movies do- - so--) “I’ll be there at first light” – that’ll be at least 45 minutes before the sun comes up.
I hope I haven’t bored you all yet!
It was 32 degrees and overcast – perfect. I hadn’t worn my running shoes in a long time and it felt great to have them on. I walked briskly with my headlamp - on the least bright of the 3 settings – angled to shine way up ahead of me. There was a bit of a glow in the sky due to the “light pollution” on the cloud cover and I could see fine in front of me while I walked. I heard an owl off somewhere to the right of me. How delightful! I hadn’t heard that familiar hoot in a long while and then I realized that it’s because I haven’t been sleeping with my windows open in a while. You know --- due to it being 10 degrees out at night! (Or, actually, maybe they fly to warmer parts in the winter. Now I’ll have to refer back to my Roger Tory Peterson Bird Guide of Birds of the Eastern US) In the summer there is quite a chorus of owls at night and I sometimes lay awake listening to the orchestra. I’m looking forward to that time of year again. The owls are just ending their day now, going back to their owl homes to sleep and as I hear another owl off to my left and then more – back and forth – I can’t help but wonder if they are calling goodnight to each other. (Good night John Boy).
In another 15 minutes or so these upbeat, assertive - and somehow, mystical -- hoots, would fade and in their place would come the haunting and sorrowful cry of the mourning dove.
Turning left onto Cross St, near the Green, I am able to do without my headlamp and I shove it in my pocket. Not quite light yet, but now there are street lights and a sidewalk of sorts that runs all the way past the Robertson school to South St. I look for the horses to my right but they are not out of their barn yet. Oh well.
It is 6:35 as I turn left onto South Street and now, after 1 ½ miles – with 2 ½ more to go – my brisk walk turns into a slow jog. This is faster than the walk – but I am running very slowly. It’s been a while and I’d like to start out easy. Nothing to prove here - just me and the road. The road is happy to have me back on my familiar route and is non judgmental about my pace. Now, here’s a weird thing; when I run I over pronate (it’s got to do with the way you land on the heel of your foot and roll off your toes) and as I look down at me feet as they meet the pavement, I look almost pigeon toed. What is up with that?
This section of South Street is long, straight and flat and I love running here because of the scenery. Off to the south, on my right, there is a view of a valley and hills beyond. Then there is the gorgeous Arabian horse farm that was just recently redone and although the horses are not out as I pass, there is something about the fence that runs along the road and the plantings there that are so aesthetically pleasing. Up ahead on my left I am approaching a new home that is a reproduction cape with an ell and a barn. Simply stunning. It’s so “New England” complete with stone walls and fences.
I hear the mourning doves now. It is fairly light and other birds are beginning to sing and fly about. Squirrels are playing tag on the trees and the air smells fresh with hints of spring. I am happy to be out here among it all.
I come to the place on South Street at the corner where the road takes a sharp 90 degree turn and heads north – downhill. Just before this corner, on the left, is Dan Manley’s house. This is the house he grew up in and I remember going there once or twice for a Drama Club rehearsal --- I think. Around the corner – all downhill from here – Pucker Street is on the right. There is a view of Uconn and valleys and hills beyond. Nice! The dogs are not out yet at the house on the left. Usually they run along the boundary of their yard barking. There are about 4 of them and I think they just want to play. They never come into the street. But, at any rate, it is early still and they are not out. In the summer, when I run along this stretch the air is always filled with the scent of wild grapes!
At the end of South St I turn left onto Flanders Rd. It is 6:55. Good. I’m making good time with 6/10’s of a mile to go to the mail box at the top of my driveway on High Street. I run past the house on my left where there is a goat and a Shetland pony in the yard, behind the stone wall and I call out “good morning” to them in a high, soft, sing-song voice that one reserves for animals and babies.
Soon I am at the stop sign at the bottom of the hill. Flanders Rd ends here, but High Street picks up and continues uphill. Snake Hill Rd is to the right. My mail box, where my coffee cup awaits on the stone wall there, is 2 ½ 10ths of a mile ahead. I’ve stopped running now but will continue on walking briskly up the steep 20% grade. I actually feel quite good. I am neither winded nor tired. However, because I know my limits, I have run accordingly – which is really at a crawl. I do not have it in me to push myself as I know I would be sorry if I did. In past years I would take the hill – running, pushing myself on. In past years my pace would be about a 9:30 mile, which was good for me – compared to me, not anyone else. So now, compared to myself, I am slow (it’ll be 1 hour to cover the 4 miles!) but I’m just starting out and I know I will feel strong again. I guess that’s the thing really. It’s not how fast I can run the 4 miles – who cares about that. I don’t. It’s the feeling of being so fit and strong and running up hills and sprinting if I want because I can and it feels great. And, this was not that long ago. So that’s what I’m working on getting back. And I know I can do it. And I know I will.
But, as I walked up the hill now, I wondered, why oh why (oh why) did I get away from this great fitness regiment? Excuse upon excuse and then more excuses still come to mind. Obstacles, road blocks! No more! I’m back. I feel great and I love getting out while it’s still dark so I can see the world slowly come alive.
I grab my coffee cup from the stone wall and walk the last 2/10ths of a mile down my driveway.
Coffee in hand (not in a “to go” mug, but a real mug – 16 oz porcelain mug with a picture of a Golden retriever on it – now that’s a cup of coffee!) I was anxious to get out the door. My coffee machine with the timer on it broke a while ago and I’ve been using the backup melitta which you actually have to boil the water and pour it. (I know, I know – how hard is that!?) It’s really not a big deal, but the coffee used to be ready for me when I got up; pour it and go. Although I got up at 5:45, I’m waiting and waiting for the water to boil. We’ve decided, though, that the coffee tastes pretty good using this melitta drip system – I’d forgotten. I still grind the coffee fresh though. Ok, for those inquiring minds: milk (whole or 2% - not cream and not half’n’half), no sugar, and a bit on the light side! Thanks for wondering! Oh, and no designer coffee for me – just good ole rich Columbian whole beans – 100% Arabica!
So, I’m 20 feet up the driveway and I realize I’d better go back for the reflective mesh vest that I’ll just throw on over my jacket. I mean, I’m dressed all in black and I really don’t want to be hit by a sleepy driver who is in a hurry to get to work! Oh – here’s the best part – I am using my very cool headlamp. Yeah, I know! I look like I’m going down into a coal mine. The thing works pretty good and I’ve used it a lot while outside at night with Missy --- when she has to go one last time. I always pick up after her right away (in fact, when we walk to the park – I’m carrying the darn “pooper scooper”) and in the dark, I don’t want to miss anything. I know – too much info, huh?
Finally “up top” at the road (my driveway is 2/10’s of a mile), I stop to gulp down the last bit of coffee and I place the cup on the stonewall there to retrieve on my way down. It is 6:11 – yikes! Later than I intended. No worries, I’m on my way. I’m doing a 4 mile loop counter clockwise, so I set off going right (west) out of my driveway.
Although the sun won’t be rising for another 50 minutes or so the dawn will be breaking in 10 minutes more or less. I did a little research on-line last year and learned about the 3 different types of “twilight.” I always thought that the word “twilight” was used only while making reference to the evening hours around sunset. But what I learned was that it refers to the point at which the sun is so many degrees below the horizon – evening or morning. The three types of twilight are, civil, nautical and astronomical. When the sun is 6 degrees below the horizon, this is known as civil twilight. Nautical – 12 degrees below and astronomical, the sun is 18 degrees below the horizon. We all know that it gets light out prior to the sun’s official rising time. So, depending on the skies – clear, cloud covered, overcast, etc. – we see it beginning to get light as much as 45 – 50 minutes prior to sunrise, during the tail end of nautical twilight and on into civil twilight. So, the dawn breaks well before sunrise (that’s my interpretation of “dawn”) and when people say, (OK, people don’t really talk this way – but in the movies do- - so--) “I’ll be there at first light” – that’ll be at least 45 minutes before the sun comes up.
I hope I haven’t bored you all yet!
It was 32 degrees and overcast – perfect. I hadn’t worn my running shoes in a long time and it felt great to have them on. I walked briskly with my headlamp - on the least bright of the 3 settings – angled to shine way up ahead of me. There was a bit of a glow in the sky due to the “light pollution” on the cloud cover and I could see fine in front of me while I walked. I heard an owl off somewhere to the right of me. How delightful! I hadn’t heard that familiar hoot in a long while and then I realized that it’s because I haven’t been sleeping with my windows open in a while. You know --- due to it being 10 degrees out at night! (Or, actually, maybe they fly to warmer parts in the winter. Now I’ll have to refer back to my Roger Tory Peterson Bird Guide of Birds of the Eastern US) In the summer there is quite a chorus of owls at night and I sometimes lay awake listening to the orchestra. I’m looking forward to that time of year again. The owls are just ending their day now, going back to their owl homes to sleep and as I hear another owl off to my left and then more – back and forth – I can’t help but wonder if they are calling goodnight to each other. (Good night John Boy).
In another 15 minutes or so these upbeat, assertive - and somehow, mystical -- hoots, would fade and in their place would come the haunting and sorrowful cry of the mourning dove.
Turning left onto Cross St, near the Green, I am able to do without my headlamp and I shove it in my pocket. Not quite light yet, but now there are street lights and a sidewalk of sorts that runs all the way past the Robertson school to South St. I look for the horses to my right but they are not out of their barn yet. Oh well.
It is 6:35 as I turn left onto South Street and now, after 1 ½ miles – with 2 ½ more to go – my brisk walk turns into a slow jog. This is faster than the walk – but I am running very slowly. It’s been a while and I’d like to start out easy. Nothing to prove here - just me and the road. The road is happy to have me back on my familiar route and is non judgmental about my pace. Now, here’s a weird thing; when I run I over pronate (it’s got to do with the way you land on the heel of your foot and roll off your toes) and as I look down at me feet as they meet the pavement, I look almost pigeon toed. What is up with that?
This section of South Street is long, straight and flat and I love running here because of the scenery. Off to the south, on my right, there is a view of a valley and hills beyond. Then there is the gorgeous Arabian horse farm that was just recently redone and although the horses are not out as I pass, there is something about the fence that runs along the road and the plantings there that are so aesthetically pleasing. Up ahead on my left I am approaching a new home that is a reproduction cape with an ell and a barn. Simply stunning. It’s so “New England” complete with stone walls and fences.
I hear the mourning doves now. It is fairly light and other birds are beginning to sing and fly about. Squirrels are playing tag on the trees and the air smells fresh with hints of spring. I am happy to be out here among it all.
I come to the place on South Street at the corner where the road takes a sharp 90 degree turn and heads north – downhill. Just before this corner, on the left, is Dan Manley’s house. This is the house he grew up in and I remember going there once or twice for a Drama Club rehearsal --- I think. Around the corner – all downhill from here – Pucker Street is on the right. There is a view of Uconn and valleys and hills beyond. Nice! The dogs are not out yet at the house on the left. Usually they run along the boundary of their yard barking. There are about 4 of them and I think they just want to play. They never come into the street. But, at any rate, it is early still and they are not out. In the summer, when I run along this stretch the air is always filled with the scent of wild grapes!
At the end of South St I turn left onto Flanders Rd. It is 6:55. Good. I’m making good time with 6/10’s of a mile to go to the mail box at the top of my driveway on High Street. I run past the house on my left where there is a goat and a Shetland pony in the yard, behind the stone wall and I call out “good morning” to them in a high, soft, sing-song voice that one reserves for animals and babies.
Soon I am at the stop sign at the bottom of the hill. Flanders Rd ends here, but High Street picks up and continues uphill. Snake Hill Rd is to the right. My mail box, where my coffee cup awaits on the stone wall there, is 2 ½ 10ths of a mile ahead. I’ve stopped running now but will continue on walking briskly up the steep 20% grade. I actually feel quite good. I am neither winded nor tired. However, because I know my limits, I have run accordingly – which is really at a crawl. I do not have it in me to push myself as I know I would be sorry if I did. In past years I would take the hill – running, pushing myself on. In past years my pace would be about a 9:30 mile, which was good for me – compared to me, not anyone else. So now, compared to myself, I am slow (it’ll be 1 hour to cover the 4 miles!) but I’m just starting out and I know I will feel strong again. I guess that’s the thing really. It’s not how fast I can run the 4 miles – who cares about that. I don’t. It’s the feeling of being so fit and strong and running up hills and sprinting if I want because I can and it feels great. And, this was not that long ago. So that’s what I’m working on getting back. And I know I can do it. And I know I will.
But, as I walked up the hill now, I wondered, why oh why (oh why) did I get away from this great fitness regiment? Excuse upon excuse and then more excuses still come to mind. Obstacles, road blocks! No more! I’m back. I feel great and I love getting out while it’s still dark so I can see the world slowly come alive.
I grab my coffee cup from the stone wall and walk the last 2/10ths of a mile down my driveway.
Author's Note - Update: As this goes to press now (Oh, who am I kidding and why do I talk this way?) I must mention that I ran again today and plan on getting out again tomorrow. Today the sky was completely clear -- the stars were shining. It was gorgeous. I was out the door earlier -- at 5:30 - nice! There were no owls or mourning doves today! Weird. It was getting light up on South St, just after 6:00. It was a whole different twilight due to the clear crisp atmosphere! Really really nice.
I love walking and hiking; I like to get out early as well and get into the forest around dawn. I'm usually looking for something, mushrooms, antlers, animals, flowers, medicinal plants, or just about anything that's interesting. Always have my camera, hunting knife/digging tool, binocs, water and snacks. I don't run very often, it's too hard on my knee and lower back, but even though I know I shouldn't, I sometimes can't resist, it is a thing of joy to run, just something about it. Anyway, nice story and makes me glad it's about springtime.(That should have been a new paragraph, but I'm afraid to hit the return key(enter). :) Stephen
ReplyDeleteHey Steve --- thx for posting! (I know what you mean about the return key -- too funny!!) It sounds (and looks - from your pics on FB) gorgeous in Colorado! Sometime, I must go there!
ReplyDeleteHI Sheri, Wow, I'm out of breath after reading this because, once again, I felt like I was right there with you. I haven't been through Coventry in some time so I wasn't sure where you 'were', running/walking until you mentioned Robertson School and South St....etc. Then turning down Flanders Rd. Wow, I do remember Flanders Rd as being very hilly. But good for you for sticking to your goals.
ReplyDeleteI often think of you now when I swim because sometimes I just float on my back and look up at the ceiling high above me with my head back in the water, my ears under the water and the loud sounds that go through my head from the water gurgling around me. I think "How would Sheri describe this moment right now?"
I was up this morning traveling to work and saw the same moon that you did....it was gorgeous. It was just setting in the north/western sky and it was such a clear sky to gaze at, but unfortunately I had to be sure I kept my eyes on the road...LOL.
Have you ever experienced a sunrise the moment the sun 'turns on the switch' so to speak to daylight. I experienced that only once in my life....about 8 or so years ago while driving my kids to school. I had heard about that moment but had never experienced it until then. It was like someone turned on a switch and I just thought, WOW, that was cool.
Its funny you mentioned the owls you could hear. My husband was looking out our back deck slider last weekend and lo and behold there was an owl sitting on a branch very close to our house. It was weird...sort of...as I had never seen an owl before. (Is that strange?) I can't remember what time of day it was but I know the sun was up and it was bright. And so that is why it surprised me to see an owl in the daylight. It was a neat sighting.
Good luck with your new regiment. I'm jealous. I had some good feelings about how I felt after a nice run, but my legs feel like cement now and I just don't think I have it in me to get back to that point anymore. So I'll try to stick to my swimming after work.
Talk to you soon.
Sharon
Sharon -- I just wrote this whole long response to you -- then - poof it was gone! I will have to re-write it soon --- and I will!!!
ReplyDeleteOh Sheri, I hate that when that happens.
ReplyDeleteBy the way....I too, love just regular old Columbian Coffee...BUT I must say, I do like my Half and Half....!
Sharon -- I loved your description of floating in the pool – looking up at the ceiling -- ears under water – hearing the gurgling of the water! Perfect! It made me think of my days at the lake a bazillion years ago and I remembered how things sound so odd under water. I hadn’t thought of that in forever! So thank you for that! Nice!
ReplyDeleteI do think it is unusual to see an owl in the daylight. So, I’m glad you got to see one!! I’ve seen a few, but it’s been a while. I still think they are mysterious creatures. I saw one in flight once , right in front of me, at eye level. It zoomed across the driveway as I drove in -- at dusk (nautical twilight). I felt privileged to see it!
Oh – the moon is supposed to be real close tonight – I hope you get a chance to see it!
I like the thought of the sun rising – like turning on a switch! I don’t know if I have fully experienced that – but I watch the sunrises often and it seems each one is different. I could go on and on!
Please don’t ever feel jealous – I’m sure you didn’t really mean it – about running or not running or ?? I think it’s great that you do your swimming after work! I can’t swim myself – tendonitis in both shoulders –and I also otherwise have poor range of motion. So, I run. You will be very toned all over – (my calves will be toned!) Anyway --- the point is to just do something that you enjoy – whatever works for the individual. Everyone’s different. It’s good that you’re doing something good for yourself – and it’s good not only physically, but good for your mind and soul too, don’t you think! So, kudos to you – and to me – and everyone who can make the time – if only 10 minutes to do something good for themselves!
I hope you have a super “weekend!”
Later –
sheri