Great run in the snow

One familiar theme is me planning to get up at 5 am to run and then choosing not to do it.  Usually I rationalize this somehow (too tired, too cold, will run later, etc.), and this morning was no exception.  But in a stunning reversal, I don't regret it now.  I brought running clothes to work and took a lunchtime run outside.  It had snowed a few inches overnight and was still snowing lightly.  I ran down a hill where my work is to a place called the Intervale, a farming valley in the northern part of Burlington.  There is a dirt road that runs through the intervale, past various farms, community gardens, and a huge commercial compost facility.  Sometimes in the summer it is hot and dusty, but it's always more pastoral than running through town.  Today it was really beautiful - although the roads in town were cleared of snow, the road through the Intervale was not.  Aside from a few cars, I saw only a family walking their dogs.  Oddly, the best moment was when I ran past the compost field and heard a very loud cacaphony of birds (crows?).  I've been so dependent on the treadmill for daytime runs lately that I've almost forgotten how good it feels to just duck outside for a little while, run, and come back feeling refreshed.  I started my running career with afternoon runs, and decades from now that's what I'll be doing, running in the late afternoon before dinner.

I'm also excited about a rare date with Jess tonight.  We've got a babysitter who knows the kids well, and we'll go out to dinner and see a concert.

Today: ran 4 miles easy and free