sneakers

so little time, crappy weather, the pain machine (indoor trainer) sits gathering dust, just not into it. the sneakers have been a freedom, a quick way to get some exercise, be outside, put the stress of the day aside. who knows, maybe i'll even stay fit for the spring when the legs can spin, the mind wander. nasty ice makes the chore of running a bit more interesting, and the views on the route are always worth the effort. some days can't get-out until after work. i leave the driveway, headlamp on, reflectors around bronte's neck, and head up and out our ice-covered dirt road. we turn onto slushy pavement and up a short climb to the old town common, now just a small patch of grass where two roads intersect. the pavement is the worst part of the run and it's always a relief to hit the dirt of the common road. cruise under the wide tree canopy of the van trapp's farm, the cows and sheep inside for much of the winter - and quickly out into the open fields, the stars blazing, the big dipper laying low in the sky, partially hiding behind scrag mtn. the road dips down for a 1/2 mile, then back up, a long open space with the mtns, fields, and stars all around. i turn at the bottom and begin heading home. to the west, the lights of groomers working the slopes of sugarbush gleam against the white strips of snow. by the time we hit our road again, i'm either dragging ass or sprinting, depending on the earlier day's efforts. sneakers aren't always bad...