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Running through the Woods in the Dark

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The racing year is winding down for most of the running community. I am reading blog posts on off season conditioning, and winter hibernation. I hear the usual complaints about the cold. Basically, there is a whole lot of bitching. But, there are a few of us who know the magic of a winter run through the woods, in the dark.

Recently, a few of us put on our headlamps, and set out for an hour’s run. The air was crisp, and the moonlight was illuminating the trees against the night. Coyotes were heard in the distance. Although our daytime paces differ greatly, the night merged us into a cohesive unit as we snaked through the single track. At times, I wasn’t sure of where I was on the trail. I just moved along enjoying the night. It wasn’t quite an easy pace, but I wasn’t in the searing lungs zone as I felt the burn in my quads as we pushed up hills.

The guys are training for a tough winter ultra. I caught bits of their conversation about gear, and keeping warm/dry for 64 miles. I drifted from being present in the conversation to my own thoughts. My friend, Jean, coming back from Plantar’s was catching me up on news. I was happy to have her to run with again. I felt the comfort and safety of running with a group, but had the feeling of running alone at the same time. This is exactly how I would run most of the time if I could, alone and together at the same time. The night doesn’t lend to an overly chatty atmosphere.

It was one of those runs I am still thinking about. It felt excellent. Winter running in the dark through the woods has a unique effect on the soul. Your senses are heightened, and it tunes you into your reflective self.

I was taken back to the winter woods as a child. We held flashlights, and chased each other until we were breathless. We were sweaty and freezing at the same time. Our fingers and toes were numb, but our imaginations were alive and we never wanted to come in from the woodland playground. Our minds, and the shadows played tricks, but our laughter always gave us away. As long as we were not alone we were never afraid. It was no small surprise I found myself on the trail running at night in complete satisfaction.

After our run, we all met up with a few other runners for tasty beverages and conversation. I am looking forward to more winter runs in the dark in the woods. I can’t wait for the snows to fall. What a run that will be.

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