Spring has sprung

Spring is in the air!  The birds are out, the sky is blue, the sun is making occasional appearances, and it's just the right temperature to actually enjoy an outside workout. 

There's this one park by my dad's house that I absolutely love to run in.  It's not a very long run - about 3-4 miles, depending on which route you take - but it's hilly (for me, at least) and it's a dirt trail and part of it is in the woods. 

I don't know why, but I actually like to run hills.  I'm a little mental, I know.  But they're so much more interesting to me than flat runs.  And I love anything that gets me into nature for a little bit.  Never mind that I can see the parkway from part of the trail.  It doesn't matter.  I'm surrounded by tall trees and fields and not a lot of people.  

And it's not a trail on the edge of a cliff or something that I'm afraid I'm going to fall off of (I have a serious fear of falling).  It's relaxing and lovely.  Even though the running part generally sucks.

I'd love to go find other trails to run on.  Probably something more up in North Jersey.  There are a few parks up there that I've done mud runs at that have some crazy hills.  But that also means crazy hills to drive on.

Or do the Big Bear 5K.  But that's coming up pretty soon and I'm definitely not ready.  Maybe I should add it to my list for next year. 

In any event, I'm glad that the weather is finally breaking, and people are emerging from hibernation.  I can't wait to once again explore all the county parks and go to the countless street fairs and festivals this summer. 

I really feel like I've been cooped up (and hunched over, trying to keep warm) all winter.  The warm weather and the sunshine and the bright flowers and trees and grass really do make me a much happier person.  I've never been one to really complain about the stifling heat in August (aside from the usual "wow, I need another shower after being outside for 10 minutes" and "crap, my hair's all frizzy"), but after this winter, I definitely have a new appreciation for the warmth and the sun.   

So it's time for me to get to work planning all sorts of outdoor activities for the upcoming weekends.  Runs and rollerblading and kayaking and hiking and whatever else I can think of.  Fire pits in the backyard (hopefully we're better at it this time.  And hopefully we'll make Smoreos.).  Sitting on the deck or the roofdeck reading a book (or taking a nap).  Trips to the park with the dog.  Trips to the horse track.  Outside dining. Boardwalk food and ice cream.  I can't wait. 

Heck, even if it rains, I'll take warm rain over snow any day.  It's too bad that New Jersey is subject to winter every year.  It kind of ruins my vibe.