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What Happened When I Returned To The Trail

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Ok, I've been keeping a secret. Ever since I got injured this past summer (When Life Throws You A Curve Ball) and I got my diagnosis of arthritis, I've been afraid to get back on the trail to run. I've hiked, but I've been afraid to run.

Hills plus rocks plus harsh terrain doesn't play nice with my arthritic feet. So I've put if off because I really didn't know what to expect.

But I've missed the trail. I've missed the feeling of running through the woods, the sound of leaves and frozen ground crunching under my feet, the roots, the rocks, the obstacles...  I've missed it all.

I decided it was time.

It was time to get back out there. Time to reconnect. Time to get over the fear. Time to move on.

So I did....

One step at a time....

The ground was frozen. The air felt frozen with a real feel of 12. My hands screamed at me until my hand warmers finally warmed up. My toasty tights kept my legs warm enough. My lungs burned with the cold air. And every part of me felt very much.... alive.

Since the ground was frozen, I could definitely feel each step. I kept the mileage short because I would rather have short runs than no runs. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm just happy to be moving.

Although there were several cars in the parking area, I didn't run into anyone on the trail. It was just me, my thoughts, a few squirrels and rabbits, and a heightened sense of awareness as I made my way along the trail.


No matter how many times I see it, this view never gets old.


The trail is calling... I'm glad that I answered.


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Please Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase using the affiliate link.

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