Right after I finished writing the last post here, I headed out for a run. Crossing the bridge, I almost turned back, the sidewalk icy under the layer of snow. But while the footing was slippery and the air chilly, the views were exhilarating, all sunshine and snow-sparkle. So I paused to take these photos across English Bay to the North Shroe Mountains, and then I continued along to the furthest end of Spanish Banks.
Come along for the run with me?
Just past the Planetarium now and we’re heading down to Kits Beach . . . .
that sharp wintry-morning sunshine reflected off the snow-dusted mountains across the water. . . .
and the blue and the white, clouds and snow, sky and sea, here and there a punch of red. . . .
all those beach logs a reminder of hot days, little kids in swimsuits, beach volleyball players . . . all replaced now by dog-walkers in puffer jackets, clutching their Starbucks. . . .
and yet there are still gorgeous long stretches when we can pretend we have the place to ourselves. . .
At the turnaround point at the end of Spanish Banks, I note that the floral arrangement has been changed again at the memorial shrine I’ve been checking on for over a year now.
and then I turn back toward the city for the run home . . .
I must say that it took some self-discipline to push myself out the door Saturday morning in that cold, and I had to talk myself into staying the icy course, but I was amply rewarded, as you can see.
And I was all done, 18 kilometres, by 10:15, with hot chocolate and a wonderful afternoon with my granddaughter still ahead of me. . . .
Wish I could have offered you some, but I do hope you enjoyed running along with me.
And now it’s Monday . . . . Hope the week has begun well for you!
Oh my gosh Mater, I can't imagine walking, let alone running, for 18 km! You certainly deserved that hot chocolate!
If I think about, it can still seem odd to me that I do run for so long. It's just one foot in front of another while my mind wanders happily from one topic to another and my lungs breathe deeply. . . . I've come to really enjoy it, surprising as that would be to my 40-year-old self. . . .
This was the best way to run along with you – no effort on my part! It was a gorgeous morning and your photos are wonderful.
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The photos are wonderful and I am in awe of you for running in these conditions. I'm not a runner, but I tried spinning just before Labor Day and I've become addicted. Strange, because I don't like exercise bikes and I don't like the kind of music that is played. But somehow I like the total package. I've been going as often as I can, usually 2-3 times/week, and my strength and endurance have improved rapidly.
Perfect! It's so good when we find the fitness activity that suits us. Sometimes it's surprising what that "total package," as you say, might look like — as with my husband finding that he really enjoys yoga (he's always been a runner, but added yoga post-retirement). Especially satisfying when you see the results so clearly in strength and endurance — makes everyday life easier and more satisfying in so many little and big ways.
I get into the same mode spinning as you do running. At times I forget I'm in class and zone out or do work in my head. It's a big change from the first class where I nearly died. Last week I actually missed the start of the cooldown. I was ready to keep going forever.
The clear blue sky is such a lovely treat for Vancouver! You deserve your hot chocolate.
Yes, it's been well worth the cold to have those skies — changing back to grey rain in a day or so. . . .
What lovely photos. Here in the UK we have yet to have any ice – or not where we are at any rate – so your images are a reminder that winter is on its way. Thank you for sharing your running pictures – you are the only person I know who makes running sound tempting. Yes, I know it would be good for me, I know it can be done anywhere, I know it is low cost, I know it is an all round good thing but it is your descriptions which make me want to go and try it. Guilt free hot chocolate could be the crunch motivator.
One day, one day
I think the key is finding the workout that makes you want to do it again — as with Marie above. Running just happens to be mine, for now at least. And the hot chocolate doesn't hurt! đ
So very beautiful. And exhilarating. I admire your strength and endurance to run. Happy times with your granddaughter rounds out a perfect day!
From one Nana to another — we know what makes happiness, right?!
Exhilarating and full of sparkling beauty! Just like that little girl đ
Threw that photo in just for you! đ
Loved running along with you. Beautiful pictures!
Glad you enjoyed!
Such breathtaking scenery! How do you keep your sights on icy spots instead of your incredible surroundings? 18 km run!! I felt lucky to get 1.5 km in on Sunday after 3 months of non-running. I will look to you for inspiration as I begin to rebuild my mileage.
It's tricky, but I do make sure to keep my eyes on the sidewalk ahead, at least for a quick scan. If you managed 1.5k on Sunday, does that mean you're working your way back after the injury? Good for you!