If you’re like me, then you also have an affinity for spring. Here in the Midwest, our flowers are blooming, trees are budding, and the grass (which has lain dormant for the better part of six months) is finally awakening. The cold, dark dreariness of the short winter days is gradually being replaced by the sun’s increasing warmth and longer presence. What’s not to like?! Just as the butterfly sheds his cocoon, I’m shaking off the blues, and eager to spread my wings.
Spring season heralds a time of renewal. For me, it has always harkened back to springs of yesteryear when I was presented with additional opportunities to try and best my former running times. Time and time again, running called out to me; and each time I answered the siren’s call. Gone would be the aches and pains with which I’d entered the holidays. In their place, would be vigor for life and another shot at running excellence. With the arrival of spring I am rejuvenated in legs and spirit. I am again
free to pursue my running goals.
A sense of urgency comes with spring, however. It won’t be long before the warmth of summer comes and settles in, only to grow firmly entrenched. Those who haven’t developed the necessary endurance base to withstand the impending heat and humidity face a challenging season fraught with sub-par performances. Diminished fitness will cause many a runner to wilt during the heat of summer. In The Reasons I Run, I address how quick a runner can appear when others around him are faltering and he is able to maintain his effort. Later, when fall arrives, that same effort will propel the runner into the stratosphere above his fellow competitors and far beyond those who’ve failed to do their homework.
As I said, a sense of urgency comes with spring. Runners need to get out there while the getting is good, and the weather is still conducive to building fitness. Another racing season is rapidly approaching. A season of new horizons and opportunities awaits the runner who’ll put in the training. But, time is fleeting. I suggest you get out there and take advantage, before it slips away.
In running,
Dennis Gravitt