Yesterday, I went out for my 7 mile long run at Tobico Marsh. I'm ashamed to say I've lived in Bay City for fourteen years, and I've never been out on the trails there, despite passing them about every weekend. The trails were very picturesque, despite having no foliage on the trees, and most of the animals still in hibernation. I was fortunate enough to see a mating pair of snowy white swans, and a small flock of geese. Also, I had the company of a beautiful, distinctive oriole with yellow markings, instead of orange. He would fly to a nearby tree, and as I passed, would fly off. A few minutes later, I'd see him again. This went on for about 5 miles!
The downside is that, despite several days of sunshine and warmish weather, there is enough shade to keep the trails pretty solidly iced over. Yesterday's 40+ degree weather allowed the top inch or so of snow to melt, leaving a layer of wet, slippery slush on top of several inches of ice. My feet were FREEZING by the time I was done, and my quads and glutes were killing me from all the effort of stabilizing myself. It was a lot of fun, despite the cold toes and cold fingers (left my gloves in the car at the trailhead... oops). Oddly, I was really warm otherwise, running in only shorts and a tank top.
Today, I woke up and drove to a neighboring community's high school, and proceeded to run around with a bunch of other guys playing with guns! Before anyone freaks out, I am a police officer, and I was conducting Active Shooter Response training, hosted by Texas State University and the FBI. It's a lot of fun, but my legs and feet were tired and achy all day. A lot of good information, and new ways to look at stuff. The best part, I get to go back tomorrow for more!
As for today's run, I did an easy 3.75 miler. That put me at 75 for the month. Looking forward to relaxing the legs a little tomorrow. I'll be working on core tomorrow. Taking a tip from Jimmy Dean Freeman: no "down" days. Do something every day to bring you closer to your goal. Even if it's reviewing maps or elevation charts, or cross training. And sometimes, that means taking a needed rest day.
Well, until next time, see you on the trail!
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