I asked for autumn and Canada delivered. This morning I did my long run, eight miles, through the Canadian woods on a quiet swatch of trails a hop and a skip from where we’re staying in Oakville.
The paths were wide, leaf-covered, and almost empty this Friday morning. I ran into only two other couples during the nearly hour and a half run (one of them twice as I zigzagged) before I caught up with my Mom and Lori at the end of the run (I had panicked them a bit by not taking the predetermined loop . . . mostly because by the time I realized it I was already committed to a different path).
It was cool, in the forties and mostly overcast but my body felt so much stronger having the chance to run out of the Texas heat. I also got to wear some new workout gear from our downtown Oakville shopping trip yesterday and I know it’s all in my head but the right clothes made the run feel better . . . plus without the new running leggings, I would have been in my spandex shorts and moving on numb legs because I don’t know how to pack for the North.
There is something about being alone in the woods, muscles working, breathing steady, crisp air a blessing as I rack up the miles, that connects me back to myself. I often feel that with running, but this is the trail running I crave. Opens spaces, few people, just me moving through the outdoors, getting stronger.
And getting a fucking delicious ham, cheese, and bechamel sandwich on a warm croissant afterward. That’s pretty awesome too.
With Love,
Natalie