Running the weekend before Christmas is always a great time. The path is much less crowded than usual, and there are never any races on the immediate horizon. So it's a great time to enjoy a run, work off some of those holiday over-indulgences, and reflect on the holidays.
That's how it was this past weekend along the lakefront. But there was the added bonus of running in a pretty good fog. As we ran down the area by Oak Street beach Saturday, we looked across the lake and were unable to see Navy Pier. It was completely obscured by fog from just a few blocks away. It was surreal, and very cool.
The footing on the path was horrible. Swampy. So we decided to head over the bridge from North Avenue and run on the concrete along the lake heading south. It was a good decision, as the few others we saw out there seemed to have been led to the same conclusion. It's great to have the flexibility in your training to be able to go with the flow. 
When conditions merit change, you can go with it without worry.
This is always a reflective time of the year for me, and I'm sure, many other runners as well. First there are the holidays to consider. Running is an escape from the hustle and pressure to get everything done. The more reflective part comes in remembering some of the great holidays in the past, with family and friends. It's also a time to take stock at the end of the year of all the changes you have seen in the years that is just about to end. It's difficult to really reflect on any of these things day to day, with all the holiday tasks and obligations to consider. But, once again, that's one of the best things about running. It allows you the time to let your thoughts wander. Running keeps me sane this time of year, not to mention in some 
semblance of shape with all the extra calories I'm taking in.
Speaking of being busy during the holidays... I should tell you I'm picking up this part of the entry three days after starting it. I'm now writing on Christmas day, after finishing a peaceful, beautiful run through downtown Elmhurst. It's very different from the foggy conditions of a couple days ago. There is bright sun today, and most of the ice and snow have melted away leaving great footing. And with the Christmas holiday, the streets are mostly empty. It's great!
I don't know about you, but I feel a little extra pull to incorporate a run on special days. I always like to get out on my birthday, New Year's, and Christmas to name a few. And on this day, I was not disappointed. Our family got up early with our two young girls, and enjoyed the traditional Christmas morning. Our oldest daughter (3) ripped through all her gifts before most everyone else had opened one. It was fun. But as soon as they were ready to lay down for naps, I took advantage and threw on the running clothes.
I hope you are able to get some runs in during this busy time. It's definitely something worth making a priority. And I hope you have a great holiday, whatever you celebrate!
See you on the roads.
Comments