Snow is falling as I begin to write this post. It’s spring in Alberta so the snow doesn’t phase me too much. The last few days have been bursting with sunshine. In fact yesterday it was 20+ in most of the province. No surprise the parks were brimming with people.
I was happy to get out to the mountains after three weeks of sticking around Calgary on the weekends. I was beginning to get a little stir crazy especially with the latest COVID restrictions. But I know that if I went to the mountains I wouldn’t give my foot the rest that is needed to mend.
I am faithfully doing all the physiotherapy exercises. I even threw in some glute and hip strengthening exercises. I have started to do some short runs around Calgary. After my big week of cycling, I think I have had my fill of cycling. I like running way too much.
I didn’t want to put too much stress on my foot so I opted for the 20K loop around the Fullerton Loop in Kananaskis. No peaks but it was lovely to be out in the wild – finally the hint of green emerging from the brown landscape.
First things first. I felt naked on the loop. Usually I wear my layers where I am constantly fumbling with my headphones, my gloves and my nutrition. This time I had to stop to take off my one layer (it was slightly chilly when I started). Gosh it felt great wearing one shirt. I still wore my long pants because I am not quite ready to bare my legs. It can get chilly in the mountains. It may be spring on the calendar but today’s snowstorm tells another story.
I started off pretty strong before settling into more of a hike than a run. I am okay with that because I tripped twice and fell once on a sheet of ice. Because I was taking my sweet time, I took maybe 45 minutes longer than I typically do the loop.
Gosh it felt great just to be outside. I have had enough with inclement weather, pandemics and restrictions. How much longer can this go on?