Best run of the year

Ok, also the first run of 2009, but I think it'll be a while before another tops this one. Beautiful weather. Just cooler than tepid, a light breeze, blue skies, puffy clouds. Barely warm in the sun, slightly cool in the shade. Windy and I ran along the switchback service trails paralleling the railroad tracks. Letting her run off-lead is great, she gets to go exploring, bounding back and forth many times while I run doggedly ahead (ooh is that a pun?). Given my recent slack in running, I was concerned how it would be, given the trails are hilly, and a mix of packed dirt, chunky gravel, and sand. Happy to say it was easier than anticipated, and much more fun than expected.

There were a fair number of mud puddles dotting the trail that I skirted around, not wanting to soak through my white mesh running shoes. Windy crossed a small creek and when I called her to continue up the main path she just looked over her shoulder, clearly daring me to cross and explore the meadow path beyond. After a moment of deliberation and acceptance that there were no stepping stones, I nimbled across as best I could. The cold water on my feet was more refreshing than if I had drank it. After that I stopped avoiding the mud puddles, delighting in splashing through each one. Windy joined in, her speedy gallop sending up an impressive spray. It was terribly fun, and I laughed at how far the mud spatters came up on us. Then we went through an area where the soil was primarily coal dust. Not thinking of the consequences I splashed through a long puddle, and saw my shoes were now jet black. I knew instantly there was no way I was going to be able to clean the coal dust mud from them. I remember when I first got these shoes, I was so proud of the gleaming white and silver-green color. After some outdoor running (and the Coronado Bridge Run mishap) they lost their gleam, but still were sort of white. Heh, I think the best I can hope for now is gray, maybe charcoal? At least they can't get any dirtier than they are now. The weather is cold and rainy now, but I'm counting the days until we can go back. I saw some wild turkey tracks bigger than my splayed fingers, maybe we'll see one :)