One day last week, I think it was Tuesday, the weather here was beautiful. It was a good eight to nine hours of sun and warmth (anything over 30 degrees these days), and I was so happy I almost threw a party. A welcome spring party, I guess. The most important part was that we could actually feel our extremities thawing that day. While I know our winter ice and cold has been nothing compared to many parts of the country, this one warm day was something I needed to save my sanity. It is also possible that it saved my life because if I complained one more time to anyone around me they would have killed me. Probably by locking me in a walk-in freezer, because SHUT UP, GIRL, WE ARE ALL COLD.
In what really was one of the best parts of that sunny, fifty-degree (F) day for me was of course my run. All winter, surprise surprise, I have been struggling. Nothing feels good enough or right enough when it comes to running. I’m either outside and too cold or wearing too many clothes, or inside on the treadmill doing everything I can to not die from the sheer boredom. No, treadmill running isn’t always the worst thing. Fifty days of treadmill running is though. And there I go complaining again.
But not last Tuesday, last Tuesday was the day of hope. The day I walked out of my downtown office some time around 3:30, stepped out of the shadows of the buildings and into the sun, and ran. And ran. And then ran more. Then I walked because how can a girl be expected to pace herself in this kind of heat? I was getting ahead of myself. And now that we’ve had that one great day, I’m out of control. I’m looking for the signs everywhere. They are coming. I know it.
In case you’ve forgotten what we’re looking for, allow me to remind you:
So let’s go over this again. You see these, you call me. Got it?
Also notable signs are robins and people walking around in an amount of clothing too little for any season.
Thanks. Love you. Bye.
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And, just as an aside, go take a look at this post by my friend, JACC. Particularly the video at the end. Not only is it the best winter tribute I’ve seen all year, I dare you to get through that entire thing, even with all that snow flying by, and not feel a little warm and cozy.
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I so love being a runner and finding the first signs of spring (they usually are noticeable first on some trails I get onto, more in the middle of woods than out where all the cars are…still remember an early spring rain I was running in and saw them). I’m sure ours will be a bit behind yours, but I’ll let you know when I see them. It did warm up into the 30s yesterday and again today…maybe we’re done with sub-zeros (and I’ll gladly listen to the complaints of the cold, as I’m in the same boat and can’t seem to stop either!)
Oh, we’re supposed to have (close to) one of those days today. It’s nearing up to 40!, and hey, I’ll take that over the flipping Nor’Easters we’ve been having lately. Springtime gives such a refreshing feeling, doesn’t it? And the running, geesh- I’d nearly kill myself if I tried skidding on the sidewalks right now. Not pretty. Glad you got some sun!
It was in the 50s here the last few days and let me tell ya, it’s like a blanket of sorrow has been lifted. I forgot how much I love the sun.
The song “Here comes the sun..” has been running through my head of late. I love the longer days, the warmer temperatures… and just waiting for those first buds on the trees.
It is just a matter of time now – a few weeks and spring will begin to arrive. By April, Virginia’s spring will be in full bloom!!
i ran in shorts and a tee-shirt this weekend and was in heaven. of course the clouds (and inevitably the rain) rolled in, but it was good while it lasted!
A sure sign is the birds seem to be entering mating season. There were 4 massive blue jays in the bird sanctuary yesterday.
Thanks for the link, yo.
Beautiful pre-spring pics, weather’s gettting warmer around here atlast!yay!
Didn’t realize you would be seeing the coming of spring sooner that we will. Enjoy!!
And keep the pictures coming.
Those signs are creeping out here in our neck of the woods. They are! They are!
No robins here yet, but beautiful pics! (of course)
The last picture is my favourite. And has me hoping and wishing and praying for Spring to come soon. We had snow on the weekend. Fingers crossed it was the last snow of the season!
It’s going to be a while for us still, but we are getting some sneak previews, with longer days, and I heard talk of rain later this week.
Thanks for the encouragement but it is snowing in Chicago
OK – now I’m getting jealous. I love Spring and the promise it holds. Here however it is heading toward Winter via Autumn.
I like Autumn. It’s pretty. The days can be spectacular. It’s only downfall is it is followed closely by winter, my least favourite season. If winter lasted for just a few short weeks I could manage, but it just goes on and on and on… until Spring begins to bloom… and here we are back to you and me being jealous.
Enjoy it in all it’s glory and continue to post lots of great photos – I’ll be watching eagerly with a tear in my eye…
How wonderful that you are starting to see the first signs of spring. We are still in the deepest throws of winter….I can hardly wait for a warm day!
Best wishes
You know, I’m a winter-lover but for some reason I am really craving some spring right about now!