Rave Runs

You know how Runner’s World publishes “Rave Runs” each month, complete with photos and stories about the route?

I totally had my own rave run this weekend. MY OWN! I don’t know where my personal running photographer was though, he must have been out for brunch. Dang, I could have been in Runner’s World. Next time.

Anyway, back to my rave run. On a mountain. In Massachusetts.

Mountain running doesn’t seem so great, right? You know, all the hills and stuff. Thrilling, yes. But sort of painful. Almost degrading. My brain was teasing my body about its slow-ness and out-of-breath-ness up the hills. But the scenery?

OH-SO-BREATHTAKING. I was never bored. I sucked in a whole lot of fresh air. I felt rays of sunshine falling on my (sunscreened!) face. I listened to absolutely nothing. Who knew these simple pleasures still existed?

When did fresh air become such a prized possession? In the words of the great Rascal Flatts, “Can’t take a breath without getting sick, I’ve had enough of this concrete jungle”. Get me out of the big city for a few days and I’m a happy girl. Must be the Midwestern in me.

There’s something about a new running route that invigorates me. It’s refreshing to pass by different landmarks and feel the change in pace that comes with exploring new territory by foot. The second best part? I forgot my Garmin. When I first realized this, to say I was not pleased would be an understatement. How would I track my mileage!? How would I prove that I ran these dang hills! I NEED AN ELEVATION PROFILE!

Imagine my surprise when it turned out to be more of a blessing in disguise! (I know, I should be a poet, my rhyming skills are phenomenal. Or maybe a rapper. I’ll get back to you on my decision.)

I didn’t worry about my pace. I didn’t worry about my mileage. (GASP!) I just set a stopwatch and ran. (Remember those things?) I actually just listened to the feedback my body was giving me. I know what you’re thinking…it’s like the olden days, right? No technology? No stats? How did you survive? Your legs actually moved without GPS technology?

I enjoyed every little moment. I didn’t freak out. I let my legs do what they wanted. I ran to the top of a HUGE hill and stopped to admire the view. Have I mentioned it was huge? Like, two+ miles long. I think I need to start practicing for Ragnar because I wasn’t so great at it.

So, I threw in some squat jumps and lunges and pushups. I did what I wanted, and it was glorious. I even got some lifting in at our friend’s at-home gym!

Wouldn’t you love to have a gym like that in your garage?

Once I finished and came off my runner’s high, Brendan and I continued on our journey to Vermont. I was overly excited to check another state off my list. Thankfully, the newest state I added to my “I have visited” list did not disappoint. Not ironically, Rascal Flatts also has some lyrics fitting for our trek through the Green Mountain State:

It ain’t on no map

And I’m glad it isn’t

Leave the phone and the GPS,

Those satellites ain’t found it yet,

Got our own little piece of heaven hidden

Alright, so Vermont IS on the map, but it was like a little piece of heaven. We went to a wedding with carriage rides. HORSE AND CARRIAGE RIDES! How unique is that?

After the dancing and craziness that ensued Saturday night, I was back home and back to my daily routine by Monday morning.

Harsh reality set in yesterday after my swim session. I headed out immediately after some pool time for a short run. I swear, I felt like I was flying…but every time I saw my pace I was in disbelief. I kept thinking there was NO WAY I was going that slow, but feeling that fast. Sigh. Running always finds a way to throw you for a loop, right? My legs felt a little tired from working on kicking in the pool, but I had one of those “this pace shouldn’t feel like hard” moments. Those are the worst. But, I have to give myself credit. I’ve been swim-bike-running my heart out to get ready for my triathlon. Note to my legs: you need to catch up.

What’s your favorite rave run? Do you ever run technology-free just for fun?