Autumn, A Season to...Bloom?

Ahhhh, cooler weather.  I'm beginning to really relish this subtle chill in the air.

Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy those long warm summer days but when we have record high temps for a month straight, well, I'm ready for some crisp fall weather.  Plus, who doesn't enjoy the Fall season?  I believe it starts at slightly different times for each one of us.  For me, Autumn begins the first time I realize I went to bed early with a good book or when I'm excited to put on a sweater.  For some reason those simple actions make me feel all cozy inside.  I suddenly want to read more, knit more, cook more and run more.  Yes, run more.

You see, I basically melt when I run in warm/hot weather so I pretty much give it up for the entire summer.  I replace it with other activities like riding my bike, swimming and the like.   And now that the mornings have become chilly, it reminds me of those early morning practice runs I use to do and the frenzied ritual I would do before heading out:  dressing in the dark, smashing my toe on my bed post, gathering my hydration system, trying to find where I dropped my running shoes, making sure I have my iPod AND earphones, eating (I always eat something small before a run) and heading out the door to meet up with a running group or just by myself.  All the while thinking,

"WHY am I doing this?" 

Fresh running shoes

I know you thought I was going to say something different here, but no, most of the time I'm looking forward to when it's over.  Every run isn't this over-the-top 'runner's high' people talk about, in fact that rarely happens for me.   So, yes, I'm human when it comes to exercise. But there are times when I slip into this mode, if you will, and everything just... works.

What I mean by that is I slip into a stride that's automatic.  I'm simply just running.  I'm not worried about how fast I'm going or how far.  Not worried about how I look or should look.  I can 'see' those things that have been a burden or worry for me lately and 'see' solutions for many of them, allow myself grace if I don't for others and allow those burdens to which I can't do anything about to simply pass by and loosen their grip on me.

When the season is getting ready to go into hibernation, I'm getting ready to bloom.  Shaking off old patterns, worries, stress, set backs and such and letting the chilly air and road under my feet guide me toward a fresh start.  Those are the times I realize why I run.

Now go run, you'll feel better!