Sitting in the den this morning, our cat Linus snoozing on the blanket next to me, the world outside covered in snow that absorbed sound like a sponge — still and quiet. The smell of the coffee. Somewhere, a bird made a brief fuss, then silence again.
Even while gazing at the white stuff on the ground outside, I can sense the sputtering end of the cold season. Already the eaves are dripping, and the snow will gradually disappear. It’s been a restful winter, running-wise, a time to press reset and enjoy shorter runs with no real purpose, other than to run.
But the sheet of paper I hold in my hand is reminding me of a new season, soon to come. If I’m serious about getting back into racing, I’m about to find out how serious I am. The more leisurely runs will turn into something more purposeful beginning in March. “A little structure, for a little longer,” my training notes for March begin. Time to see if I’m ready to thaw out with the rest of this part of the world.
Sitting this morning was very peaceful, just an occasional drip from the eaves outside or the distant cawing of a jay. But increasingly, the thoughts that float through my head are turning to the spring, and to longer runs with more purpose. Thoughts of running are once again creeping into my zazen. Spring must be close by.
