The last few weeks totally got away on me. I don’t know if it’s because the days are now officially getting shorter or if I’m just officially less organized. Likely the latter.
I did help plan, organize and volunteer at a local race last weekend so I was pretty swamped preparing for that. This race is a totally cool event – yes, I’m biased. It all happens on our community trail. Folks get to choose from 4 different races: half marathon, 10km run, 5km run and 5km walk. There are also 3 kids races (500m for the little little guys, 800m for the slightly less little guys and 1km for the almost big guys). Of course dogs are welcome and totally encouraged to come along for the run. Finishers, even the dogs, get dog tags.
Then I had to do some work related travelling which always results in an overload of domestic chores when I get home.
I have made time to run in the amazing fall weather. We’ve had some cooler days (like today), but for the most part it’s been pretty epic. That’s what makes me wonder if perhaps there is something in the air this time of year.
I usually don’t experience my little runner’s high until about an hour after a run, but lately 15 minutes into any given run outside I’m feeling pretty happy. Maybe it’s just a sensory overload caused by the colours and the smells.
I don’t know about where you live, but up here autumn has a pretty distinct smell and it kind of smells good (kind of like rotting leaves, bear poop, mushrooms and fermenting high-bush cranberries). Maybe it’s just mould spores boring into my grey matter making me think I’m happy, but whatever it is I’ll take it as I know what’s around the corner weather-wise.
Do you get amazing autumn colours? How far do you have to run to experience a running high? Does your dog like culverts? Ever planned or helped plan a running event? Does autumn “smell” where you live?