I started when it was day light and ended in the dark. During that run I took in the beauty of the winter wonderland I was running through, lost one of my running gloves, almost chipped a tooth on a Honey Stinger Waffle that was frozen, made an emergency pit stop at Sheetz, and almost got bit in the ankle by a Jack Russell dog that decided to run
Another ordinary training run that turned into a fun memory was when my sister and I combined a virtual race with a scavenger hunt. This was another December run (2013). We had both signed up for the Reindeer Racer virtual 5k through U.S Road Runners. We got dressed up in festive running gear and did a 5k around town. What made it special is that while we were finishing up the Holiday Scavenger hunt sponsored by #RunChat, it started to snow. There was something special about running through town while it snowed, taking pictures of Christmas ornaments and admiring Christmas lights all while listening to Christmas music! It was a totally festive run. You can read more about that run HERE.One last ordinary training run that I will never forget happened in June, 2013. I was getting miles in for the Boston Remembrance run. I was running with my dad and we did a portion of our run through a wooded path on the Island park where we would usually go to run or ride bike. When we finished the run we walked back to the parking lot and each went our separate ways to go home. Before I got in my car to go home I re-calculated my miles and noticed I was a little off and needed to get a little more in to complete the virtual race. Because I was by myself now I didn't want to run on the wooded path, so I just stayed on the inner trail around the soccer fields. I only got half way around the path and right in the middle of it was a large deer. I was shocked! I thought the deer would be frightened of me and run away. Instead, it went back up on its hind legs and snorted at me. Yes, I was terrified! I talked about this run for months. This is one I won't ever forget either. You can read more about that particularly scary run HERE.
What memories have you made on an ordinary training run? -M
I think some of my favorite training runs were ones I did with my friend Jennifer. We were both new friends and were going through a kind of similar situation in life, so we were able to talk a lot and it became very therapeutic in a way.
ReplyDeleteI love runs in new places! While in Italy I got to run along the canal in Venice. They were a lot of people out and about and it is fun to daydream about where they are going :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like fun!
DeleteI think there's something about running in snow that is just magical. Maybe it's because snow sort of absorbs extraneous sounds so those runs are extra peaceful.
ReplyDeleteThat must be true because I really don't mind running in the snow!
DeleteMy first run in a new destination is always memorable for me, as it usually happens at sunrise too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for conjuring up some memories for me of some really beautiful runs that were just beautiful BECAUSE. :) I think we all need to take the time to appreciate those as well.
ReplyDeleteI love love love this! I've had a few - the long run when it poured the entire time and we got splashed by so many vehicles, we finally stopped trying to dodge them!
ReplyDeleteI came across a man one time on a run that I thought was injured in his yard - I checked on him... he was actually doing yard work but was so thankful for me checking on him - every time I run past his house now, he's always waving & cheering me on - memory made :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post - I love hearing about other runners' memorable runs, and makes me think of mine. Good times, good times. :)
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite runs have been in the winter. I like the way the snow muffles sounds, it becomes such a peaceful run. That deer story is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI think most of my memorable runs have been because of the friends I was with or when I was in new locations. Though I remember risk run in the snow which was a solo run and so peaceful!
ReplyDeleteFabulous post idea! You know, I enjoy all the races I have run. But some of my greatest moments, runs have been as you called them during my ordinary runs.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I was talking to a friend of mine the other day, we were on high school cross country together and we had some of the most fun times just on the training runs, I don't even think an actual race came up in the conversation but everything was about the fun things we did or talked about on the "ordinary" training days!
I think a lot of runners forget that those ordinary days are the real reasons to love the sport of running, races are just your rewards, those ordinary days are the ones that teach us the most, prepare us the best and remind us why we love the sport!
What a great post! I love the idea of making memories on a training run. Sometimes they just happen! Last winter in the middle of a blizzard, I decided to go do a 10 miler. Because who wants to do that on the treadmill, right? My neighbors were out with their 2 Malamutes and we played in the snow. It was really sweet. You just never know, right?
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right!
DeleteI love making memories while running. That's the best part!!! <3
ReplyDeleteAll of these memories you shared are so fun! I completely agree - there's something so special sometimes about these daily runs that are just part of our lives. We can see the most amazing sights and experience things differently from our running shoes. Some of my favorite runs have been those shared with friends where we had amazing conversations. It's always easier to have a good conversation while running, yes?
ReplyDeleteI was training for my first marathon, and my dad would accompany me on all of my long runs on his bike. We generally took a beautiful out-and-back route through a preserve into a state park and there was a stream alongside us for part of the way. Well, the week I had to do my first 18 miler, it had been stormy and raining non-stop all week. As we got to the part of the path by the stream, the water level had risen so high over the banks of the stream that I had to run (and my dad had to ride) through ankle deep water in places. At another point, a tree had fallen across the path, and I had to help my dad lift his bike over the tree trunk and then climb over it ourselves. We were the only crazies running that path that day, but I had to get my 18 miler in, and I'll never forget our adventure or that training run.
ReplyDeleteMy first time running in the snow. So quiet, so peaceful, it was magical!
ReplyDeleteJen@Jpabstfitness.com
I love running this time of year with a nip in the air and the yellow fallen leaves blowing across the path in front of you. And, the occasional pecan falling on your head too! I miss it.
ReplyDeleteI love going back to my old haunts and running there. Or even just thinking about the runs there. The work that went into them, the music or the sounds..... so special
ReplyDeleteFun to read about your memorable runs! One run that stands out for me is the one this summer when I was running in Yellowstone National Park and I saw a bison up ahead in the road. I kept running and he ran off so no worries!
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