OWL-DRAGON

October Running

Since I didn't blog much in October I thought I would use this post to reflect on this month’s running which included trails, boardwalk and beach. I celebrated wrapping up another Haverford Township Day with a long, leisurely run through the neighborhood. The next Friday (the 8th) I had a very pleasant trail run – woods still green in that getting ready for fall mode. Early Saturday I headed down the shore. Once in Ventnor and after letting my dog Max have a run on the beach I ran south on the beach from Ventnor to Longport. It was two quite different runs - wooded trail and beach sand. But they have in common that they connect me to nature in way my street runs can’t. Perhaps because they are changes from my normal routine, perhaps I just find them more relaxing, but these runs just seem to fly by. There are only a few people about and many of the homes are already boarded up for winter. The last mile I take off my shoes and run thru the surf. The water feels good and before leaving I venture out and let the waves crash over me – I’ll be chilled going back to the house but it will be worth it.

The next morning I am out for a long run (three hours). I trot to the end of the boardwalk turn and head north toward Atlantic City. I kinda like the boardwalk. Not too crowded on this October morning. You get to look out at the Ocean at least until Atlantic City. AC is as downtrodden and bedraggled as I found it last year with the added bonus that the striking casino workers are picketing. Not sure why since there seems to be almost no one on the boardwalk. The boardwalk continues past the casinos. A portion is closed too rickety even for foot traffic. There are dozens of people fishing and it seems a chummy community. They are the first people to greet me with hellos. The boardwalk ends and I venture only a little farther into the marina area before turning back. The advantage of the boardwalk is that there are some public restrooms and water fountains. The strikers are a little more organized on my way back and are chanting and drumming as I pass. One striker even calls out some encouragement to me. (Later I was to read a judge issued an injunction limiting the noise they make – who exactly were they bothering, the seagulls). I get back to Ventnor sooner than I expected so I make my way down to the beach. Although I am very tired the last miles are a delight and though it is cloudy and cool I can’t resist another dip – probably the last of the season.

Today I did my Friday Trail Run. Yesterday had been beautiful – the trees seem to be at their peak. I forgot that this close to the clock change how dark it would be early morning. Fortunately, I know the trail well enough that running in the dark woods is not a problem (but you Ultras that run trails at night – wow!). I’m a little nervous at the first creek crossing but I get over without falling in. The woods are extremely quiet. Instead of the chorus of birds you hear in spring there is only an occasional cry. Twice I hear deer but I only catch of glimpse of white tail. There is a stump on the trail. It’s about eight feet high, jagged and knurled – it broke in some storm years ago. I have passed it dozens of times. But in this morning’s gloom as I round the curve and encounter it, it seems like some wood troll out of time past and, momentarily, I hesitate to run toward him as a cold chill runs up my spine. Yo I was born in the 2oth and will die the 21st there are no trolls. No trolls. No trolls. I murmur my chant as I run past. I am almost 45 minutes into the run before this cloudy morning gives some color to the trees. But what color. I am surrounded by reds, oranges, yellows, golds of all shades and varieties. Perhaps some evolutionary psychologist could tell me why the colors are so pleasing. Don’t they harbinger death? Yet they are splendid. I look carefully for my turn – the trail I’ve chosen is narrow and hidden – easy to miss even in full light. But find it I do and carefully over another stream I make my way up to Ridley and then back down along the stream. The return trip will include a long uphill climb. From the ridge I look across a valley to a gorgeous tableau of trees in full color even in the cloudy light. The fresh leaf litter is pleasant to run thru and I get to see what I missed on my way in. Tall tulips trees their trunks almost black are headed with crowns of gold. I feel I should round up people and say take the day off go see the trees.

October has been cool and cloudy but I have had some great runs. Hope you have too.