What is more lovely than to be the first footprints on fresh snow in the morning? That soft crunch underfoot, the muffled quiet of the insulated air, cleansed and beautified by a downy white quilt laid upon the earth. It snowed lightly the whole run. I ran in awe of the world's camofloged flaws made soft and forgiving by the snow. I stood at the very end, end of the trail and looked over the frozen lake and listened to the breeze blow through the dry reeds. My footprints (and the dogs) were the only ones out on that lonely winter tundra. It fills me up to overflowing to partake of the world by myself in this way. I ran 8 miles today, which I have not done since summer. I'll do 7 next saturday and then 9 the week after that working toward 13. I've got to start shorter faster weekday training runs and taking either Fridays or Mondays off. Time to get in gear for Moab....six weeks and counting. What luck to have this extra bit of winter beauty, just in time for a long weekend at home with the kids. | 