Where It's At

Since my last post, a lot has happened. On October 30th, the docs gave me the okay to run, saying there was nothing to worry about. Yeah, my heart has a funky beat to it, but I'm fine. As soon as I got back from the doctor's office that day, I changed and went for a trail run.

Opening day was the next day, so I ran out to a spot I hunted heavily last deer season to check things out. I didn't see any scrapes or rubs, but I decided to hunt it the next day anyway. Upon telling Kate this, she questioned why I'd go there if it appeared actionless, to which I didn't have a really good answer. I said that I at least knew the area and felt comfortable there. Great strategy, huh? It would likely be a nice day out in the woods if nothing else.

Up early the next morning with low expectations, I headed out and sat under the same big oak tree as last year. At 6:42am, opening day officially began. Around 35 minutes later, it ended when I dropped a four point buck.

Field dressed, it weighed 139 pounds. By the time I dragged it the mile to my car... over a stream and over several hills... it felt like it weighed 1390 pounds. Now THAT was a workout. It was exhausting. I loved every minute of it and it also underscored that yes, my heart was fine.

That served as a great springboard to running. Not only did I get in a grueling workout right off the bat from my hiatus, but I've been less distracted because I tagged out. That really helped to put running back to the forefront.

So for the past month, I've been steadily ramping up the mileage and workouts. I've got to say, the fire has definitely been relit. I haven't felt this motivated in years. It's awesome and I hope it lasts. I suspect it will. I think I'll be in pretty darn good shape by the time snowshoe racing comes around, and then I have the TARC Spring Classic 50K in April. Can't wait.