App says:
24° F.
Wind 16 MPH WNW.
Feels like 6° F. (Are.You.Out.Of.Your.Mind?)
I step out the door.
Shock.
Autumn to Winter overnight.
Wind shearing through jacket.
It finds the bare skin between the sweatpants and socks.
And blows up my pant leg.
Mmmmmmm.
George Costanza. Shrinkage episode on Seinfeld.
Got to move.
Yesterday, the legs were pumping on the Elliptical machine.
Indoors.
Warmth.
Netflix movie running.
Today. Right knee is throbbing. Bitter cold.
The Question is Why? Why are you out here?
(Hundreds of blog posts. Not one has emanated from the elliptical machine. Not one.)
Low tide.
Thin black ice coating the shoreline and sandbars.
The deeper waters shimmering.
White Swans diving. Kicking up grubs.
Winds gusting.
Leaves swirling overhead. Floating. Drifting.
I can’t be dropped in a crowded room.
But let me Be.
Here.
Give me the bitter cold.
Clear the roads.
Clear the parks.
I round the final turn.
Sun up now. Full. Blinding. Warming.
My pace quickens.
I will take the sun in my mouth
and leap into the ripe air
Alive
with closed eyes
to dash against darkness.
― E.E. Cummings
Time Check: 6.25 miles. 58.94 minutes.
Steamy hot shower.
Chicken noodle soup and saltine crackers.
Hot tea.
Bourbon Pecans.
Down Comforter.
And then,
Nap Time.
- Credits: Cummings Quote – Thank you Geoff. Photograph Credit.
- Related Posts: Running Series.
You intrepid, committed runner you…of course, I think a cup of tea and a comforter is in order without logging time in refrigerated air, but bravo for taking on the bitter cold! Have a delicious nap.
Thanks Mimi! (intrepid def. as a few days during the weekend.)
Oh and laughing out loud at the Seinfeld ‘shrinkage’ reference.
Ah yes. The episode was classic.
BIG props for getting out there and gettin’ er done, DK! And I’m with Mimi, the Seinfeld “shrinkage” reference practically sent coffee shooting out my nose. Can’t believe Zeke didn’t want to join you for a frolic! 😉
Laughing. Amazing what the mind remembers and calls up. (Especially for me).
As to Zeke. Ah yes, my fair weather friend. He went later with Mommy. Had no interest in going with Dad.
Well, that surely would not have emanated from the elliptical machine…and that is all the difference, isn’t it? The difference between fully embracing life or letting life just happen. What a way to start your day…and I can feel all of what that did for you. 🙂
Thanks Carol. Yes, that’s the message (for me). Get outside. Have a nice day.
Bourbon pecans, yes!!
🙂
why no poetry emanating from the elliptical, you ask? it’s clear to me you need the real experience to inspire you in all you do. this poem is the perfect result of one such experience.
Smiling. Yes. Period.
It was rude of Mother Nature to bring on the cold so early, wasn’t it?! There is something about being outdoors, even with the wind and cold, that makes you feel alive, isn’t there? (Something that just does not happen in the gym on the elliptical or tread mill, for sure!) Your day sounds especially yummy after you finished your run!
🙂 It was Vicki. Long, deep nap…
LMAO @ Costanza’s shrinkage reference. Love that show & always enjoy the episodes no matter how many times I watch them. A true classic!
WTG for sticking to the runs despite the frigid temps.
Run David, Run!
Me too RoSy. Can’t get them out of my head. Thanks for the encouragement!
You get bragging rights, my friend! The hot shower after is always my favorite. Must try hot chicken noodle soup and bourbon pecans.
Thanks Carolann. Yes, great combo. 🙂
Sounds chilly – but perfect! Much better than Netflix movie running! 😀
🙂 Yes…only after do you feel that satisfaction. The journey can be grueling.
My left knee is giving me hell. Winter holds around the 4 Celsius mark, I can live with that.
4 Celsius. Not bad. Sorry about left knee.