Taste of Spring

It's ironic that I am writing a post about the warm days of Spring during a blizzard. Outside my window, snow is swirling around in the 30 mph wind, the 50mph gusts evoking creaky groans from the northwest corner of the house.

It's our annual hunker-down, cancel school, stay off the roads Snow Day.

Just four days ago, we were basking in shorts and tank tops, reveling in the ample sunshine and 70 degF temperatures.

Throngs of people took advantage of the good weather to clean the winter's salt scum off their cars (we washed ours in the driveway) and took to the outside. The local parks teemed with families, couples, dogs and children. And the occasional bird.



The walking / running paths wind through the prairie, punctuated by sculptures. The art adds a unique touch to the park.


Even though there isn't any green showing up, the warm weather is a harbinger of days to come.



Just not a harbinger of today's blizzard.

The Prairie Fields - Rest And Heal

Some photos I captured walking around the prairie last Saturday - the bright sunshine tempered the brisk wind, although it felt more like March than February.



Normally, I spend my Saturday mornings running - it is my designated "long run" day, but not last weekend. The previous Monday, I managed to strain my quad in yoga class while stretching it (aggressively) - the muscle "popped", then hurt and I knew that was trouble.



Nevertheless, it has all turned out fine. I foam rolled / massaged the muscle and resulting knot, put my leg into a compression sleeve, elevated it, and (most importantly) simply rested it. Normal walking wasn't painful, but descending the stairs served as a reminder that all was not normal. I was mentally ready to take 3-4 weeks off, because the reality is unless you take the time to heal, the injury will always linger and make you pay later on.



Somehow, on Friday afternoon the pain simply no longer existed. I could still feel the knot on my quad, but no other remnants of the injury.

I felt it prudent to give it another day, so I substituted a long swim in lieu of my normal long run. And added a leisurely walk around the prairie with my camera. The following day, I ran 3 miles without any issues.


Photography note - I shot the above photo using the "back button focus" technique, something a little different for me and technique I will continue to practice.

So, what did I learn? One - to take it easier on the stretching in yoga. Two - 5 days off from running, interval training, yoga and my normal intense activities forced me to reset. I should take breaks like that more often. Three - the body is an incredible machine, never to be underestimated.

February 2016 Desktop Calendar - Rose

I'm sure I've photographed countless roses for February, but you can't go wrong with this classic icon for the month of love.



To download the February 2016 calendar for free at Box.com, click on the link:
Free February 2016 Calendar - Rose