This year, the start of spring finds me feeling a little antsy. The heliski season has ended, the guests are gone, the seasonal staff have bolted back home and the resort is now on full shutdown. All of the sudden, the frantic energy has slowed to allow the seasons to change from winter to spring and summer.
Since I am new to this remote environment in the Chilcotin Mountains of British Columbia, I am not sure what to expect next. Just as I was getting used to the winter routine, spring has changed things yet again.
Part of my winter fitness routine was to run on a treadmill. To celebrate this seasonal change, I thought I would try out my new trail running shoes and go for my first outdoor run on the fairly dry dirt roads. I ended up very surprised at what transpired during my eight kilometre run.
First of all, I didn’t run the whole distance. I found myself wanting to stop – not to catch my breath, but to absorb all the wonders of spring. Chattering squirrels, curious chipmunks, fat robins, shaky butterflies, noisy woodpeckers, moaning grouse, babbling brooks, creaking trees – they all caught my attention.
My awareness shifted from workout mode to pure rapture. This was my second surprise. The original intention was a physical workout and I ended up getting a big dose of spring energy.
What a wonderful bonus to notice what was happening around me and not miss out on these natural wonders. I could have just as easily gone for a run and pounded the dirt road … but I didn’t.
I ended the run feeling like I had a little workout and a big hug from nature. The pleasant effect was very calming. For the time being I am accepting that I never will know what will happen next. Thanks for the gentle reminder Mother Nature!
And for my next run, I will be carrying some bear spray … my colleagues mentioned that all creatures are now awake.
(In memory of my departed father whose birthday was today.)
April 21, 2011
So proud of you Carol reading your blogs i feel wow wish i was running down that trail, springbank park will have to do for a while! Take it all in and enjoy it. Sharon
April 26, 2011
Oh Carol – it sounds so very beautiful. Wish I could share a run with you!