Today it snowed, quite a bit even, about 8 inches or so. I wanted to get out for a run after my swim in the morning, and really don’t enjoy running on treadmills, so it was time to venture out into the snow globe. I’m so glad I did.

Starting the run out slow, it was actually a pretty decent temperature. Could even say comfortable around 24°F and there wasn’t too much snow on the road since a plow went through earlier in the morning. I stuck mostly to the treadmarks from the cars and quickly realized just how beautiful it was out there. The pine trees were covered in snow, and there wasn’t any wind at all. The peace and calm was almost overwhelming.

As the snow continued to fall, there wasn’t a sound at all, no cars were driving past, nobody out snow blowing, I had the world to myself.

I continued on a route I’ve run a few times before, but at one point decided I’d try a turn I’d never taken before, and it turned then into an exploration run. The snow started to let up a bit and the road changed to a few more hills and turns. Around each bend I was rewarded with an amazing new view. There really is something special about running when you’ve never gone before, a sort of pull on the imagination. Curiosity starts to override fatigue and you’ve just got to see what’s around the next corner.

While I kept running, the snow was slowing and the sun even started to come out, and with it the birds. The company was welcome, it became fun just watching the birds fly about.

This run reminded me about a lot of things, but my favorite take away to ensure I’m enjoying living in the moment. I didn’t care about pace, or my wet feet or the lingering fatigue from the swim beforehand. It all melted away and I could just enjoy the stillness of the day and the constant simple effort of my legs carrying me through the snowy Wisconsin winter day.