Running Against the Wind, Again

Turns out heavy winds roll into the Four Corners area annually around late March through April. Exactly the time of year I’m able to visit. As previously mentioned, I had already missed an opportunity to run in the stunningly beautiful Los Alamos, New Mexico due to a back injury. Not being able to truck a mile or two in the windy town of Kayenta was easier to stomach, it helped that while we drove through there was nasty sand storm. But missing out on these grand opportunities to run in the desert during the dame week began to take its toll.

After doing a variety of stretches three times a day the mysterious lower back pain began to subside a little each day. The morning of April 6 rolled around and I paced like an animal in a cage. Given the missed runs and the physiological scare of a more serious injury, I was eager to have a short run. We had lodged in Chinle, AZ, which like Kayenta falls completely within the Navajo Nation. The cities also share strong winds and driving sand. This day was to be my day.

After completing a warm up, a little resistance exercise and some stretches, I lit out in the early morning. Around a half mile or so I turned off the road on to dry wash. Running in the deep sand made each step fairly difficult, especially in the wind. I admit this morning's winds didn't rival Kayenta or even Moab, but it was windy for sure and lots of sand was being blown about. To my dismay, much of it landed in my eyes, nose and mouth.

What grand morning. I delighted in the sun rise as it illuminated the beautiful earth tones of the Southwestern Desert. I thanked God for the opportunity to run and I breathed deeply as I faced the strong winds. I felt alive and grateful for it! And yes, as if on demand, Bob Seger's Against the Wind cued on my mp3 player. Really it did. I relished in the tune.

Appreciate small pleasures. Run.

Tom