The Little Peak

 0700 trail run Saturday
 I turned off the beaten path to explore a little peak I had been eyeing over the last few months. I have run the same quad trails, gas line and horse trails for about a year and some how always found something new but recently the little peak looming off in the distance was calling. I had half heartily searched trail off shoots, and deer trails trying to get closer to the little peak only to find myself in someones back yard or at a pond with the little peak still too far off in the distance.
 This morning as I stopped at the edge of an expansive hay field to take in the view the little peak seemed closer than it had ever been. I thought for sure I had run through this field before, but now I wondered, had I? Instead of skirting the field and heading back into the woods I headed out across the sea of emerald green toward the little peak. Deer scattered in all directions, the morning doo soaking me to the waist as I bound through the hay.
 At the edge of the field was a beautifully constructed stone wall, out of place in the middle of no where I thought and the little peak. I found an opening in the wall and stepped into the woods on the other side. It was like enterning Narnia, cool and peaceful with the biggest trees I had seen in the area. A trail headed off into the woods away from the field, I actually looked back and wondered if I should be doing this.
 I did say this was a little peak and in less than 10 minuets I burst back into the sunshine at it's top, it was the most beautiful view of the valley I had ever seen. Rejuvenated I turned towards home reluctant to look back, afraid that the little peak may not be there next Saturdays.

On the road again......

 It was disappointing to find my self sidelined with a stress fracture in my foot. It was however important to take the suggested time off and allow my foot to heal properly so that I could get back out on the trail sooner rather than later. Not running for a couple weeks was nothing in the grand scheme of things, the 50 day hiatus allowed me to focus on my core, upper body and leg strength often neglected by runners. I was eventualy able to ride my bike and use the elyptical but not running did drive me crazy.
 Enitially I found focusing on my core and strength an exciting change to my routine. Twenty push ups turned into fifty and 30 second planks turned in 1 minute planks, I was getting stronger. Eventually, however this exicitement waivered. Staying active in this manner became dull, a daily test of will and patience, even a chore. I had to go to the gym and going to the gym always seemed to have to fit in between something else.  It became easy to neglect and I often did. I missed more days than I should have and was much relieved to start riding my bike, at least I could get out side again. The weather was getting quite nice and I longed for a run.
 Before this forced hiatus I could not answer: Why is running your exercise of choice? I have learned there is more than on answer, that running is not one thing it is multiple things. It gives me time alone, time to ponder. Some days I push hard some days I just lumber along. I can go for a quick run or be gone for hours in all weather. Some times I'll zone out and snap to when the terrain changes forcing me to alter my pace. Running just works for me in that way, it makes my day.
 I ran today for the first time in 50 days. It was the best run ever. Now I only have to take it slow, hiatus not allowed.