November Trail Run

Tonight I headed out to Haverford College for some night time trail running. it is fast becoming a standing date for a small (and hopefully growing) group of runners. I was last there two weeks ago and I want to make it regularly.

We meet at 6 pm which is a bit awkward for me. I finish work at 4 and even taking my time changing and driving there I arrive before 5. Perhaps by Spring when my endurance is back and it is lighter longer again I can go for a solo loop while I wait. For now I make sure I have something to read.

November has been its typically roller coaster like self swinging from cold to warm. Two weeks ago we had extra layers tonight it was still in the low 60s at 6:00 p.m. and a little breezy. The loop is just over 2 miles of dirt, gravel and short stretches of pavement. In the daylight it offers peaceful views of the campus and it's duck pond. The trail meanders through the trees over bridges and past ball fields. It is very pretty. In daylight.

At night the trail is still peaceful and the pitch darkness on some parts make it mysterious, challenging and fun. It also makes it unwise - in my opinion - to run it alone. Alone it's scary. With company it's an exciting challenge.

So tonight the group consisted of me Mike and Levi. Mike I know is faster than me right now. Levi I only met for the first time tonight but if he's 25 I'd be surprised. Not hard to guess he's faster than me. There was only one way this would work for me. Honest begging. LOL I told them I knew it would be a struggle for me to keep up but that the only way I could run this tonight - and I really wanted, needed a run - was if they stayed with me. In true running-friend fashion they did and made it feel like my pace was cool for them. I thanked them after one loop and let them go the second loop on their own.

I was gasping for air at the end yet feeling refreshed and glad that I didn't go home. Here's to getting back out there, getting stronger, with luck getting a little faster and looking forward to the chance to pay Mike's and Levi's patience forward some day. :)