Yesterday after work, I ran with my friend Hadley through Van Ness, Friendship Heights, and Tenleytown. Fall was in the air and it was apparent that winter is on its way. Rain was in the forecast and, as soon as we left, huge drops started to fall heavily on our heads. Wind was gusting and leaves were falling. It was gray and getting dark. But it was pleasant and it brought back happy memories of last fall and winter when Hadley, Nikki, and I had many after-work runs together. It made me think about how far I've come with running in the last year. I used to struggle to keep up with them and fight through knee pains and cramps in order to not slow them down. But, yesterday, four and a half miles were easy breezy (and corny apparently).
It's funny how running a certain route at a certain time of day with certain people can bring back such distinct memories and nostalgia. Just like smelling a mincemeat (or pumpkin for more normal people) pie can make you think about that one thanksgiving when you were 12 and you and your cousins did a fashion show, running down Western Ave in FH made me remember specific lines of a conversation about a friend's job and running down Wisconsin Ave in front of Maggiano's brought back memories about revealing personal (and secret to most) things about my past that someone read in my journal.
I have been loving the presence of Fall and was so happy to say goodbye to summer that I've been ignoring the fact that winter is coming. And, even though I wore shorts and a t-shirt last night, feeling that nostalgia for the many runs of last winter made me see it approaching more than ever. Even though there are lots of stupid things about that dark and cold season, if it means that I get to relive so many memories by taking more after work runs with Hadley, then bring it on!
I also ran in my toenails are for sissies shirt for the first time and that makes me extra happy. Stay tuned for more this weekend on crafty Halloween costumes and maybe even playing sports in the snow!
It's nice to look back and realize how far you've progressed. :) I have been trying to ignore the cold weather for awhile, but I think it's going to catch up to me!
ReplyDeleteI used to run up in those neighborhoods all the time (because I lived at Connecticut & Military). Now I do some long runs up that way and it brings back memories of that time in my life.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great you can look back and see how far you have come!