Yay! It is the Solstice! More light is on the way. Being a spoiled Coloradan, our yearly average of three hundred days of sun have conditioned me to need vast amounts of sunlight. Spending what I consider ridiculous amounts of time indoors has robbed me of essential vitamin D, as well as the psychological pick me up of the sun shining in my face. Let the longer days begin!
Winter has some side benefits. Skiing is pretty darn fun. Snow is good, because that is where much of our water comes from here in the arid west. It also forces me to get up early so I can avoid muddy trails. I've seen a good number of sunrises lately, and sunrises make me happy. The dog digs it too. Winter is harder than other times of year. It just requires more effort. More suffering. Which is beneficial for...Hardrock!
Yes, Hardrock. For those not already familiar with my Hardrock obsession, check out the website. I was very lucky to get into the race via the lottery, and for the next six months my life will more or less revolve around training for this race. Which really is not as boring as it may sound. It will basically be building up my physical tolerance for my favorite activity, which is running up and down high alpine mountains. The word training has a negative connotation for many people, so perhaps another word would more accurately describe what I'm doing. Perhaps Anton Krupicka's description is appropriate. Indulgence. Fully overdosing on the wonderful feelings that stem from spending vast amounts of time in the mountains. Getting dirty and letting nature have its way with you, and loving it. Yes, there is a certain desire to finish this race for the sense of accomplishment. For the most part, however, this race is an expression of love. The love I have for the harsh beauty of the San Juan mountains. In that respect I already feel like a winner.
So well put Drew!
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