The Devil's Chase

Ran the Devil's Chase in Salem on Saturday. I attempted to run this a couple of years ago, but got lost in Salem then was late for the race so I bagged it. This year I got there early and enjoyed the pre and post race festivities. Really fun race and good time...both fun wise and time wise. Salem is always good for a good running time. As is Plymouth.

This is a blog article on the race...
The Devil's Chase in Salem 6.66

Unlike the author, I love Halloween and running, so it was a great time. I just can't imagine running in a costume. It was interesting dodging the swinging pitchforks. Great course and beautiful weather.

Finishing at the Devil's Chase in Salem 10.26.13

I spent the summer training for a marathon, but life got in the way of achieving that goal. After my Dad died I just couldn't get back into the training mode. For a while I was depressed. A friend of mine suggested I look for another marathon to run. But being late in the year already I didn't see that happening. One I thought of running I only heard bad things about so I decided against that. I don't want my first marathon to be a bad experience.

So I opted for running some shorter distance races. I ran the Run to the Rock with my niece in September, that got me into the race mode. I say race and not racing because I don't race. I run to run nothing else but to enjoy the experience and run with other runners. Last weekend I ran a 5K in Salem the Witch City 5k that I ran a couple of years ago and loved. Salem is a great place to run. I always have a great time and I love the feel of the city, especially this time of year.

The Devil's Chase was the third race that allowed me to see my training wasn't a waste. I can see how it's made me stronger even if I'm not using it in the way I wanted. But that's what life is about right. Switching gears when you need to....

Crimson

Running hasn't been very consistent lately, however, I have been observing this one tree when I do get out and run. This morning it was a beautiful crimson red. It is so deep and vibrant it just awakens every cell. You feel alive. It is so vibrant you can see it pulsing, vibrating, throbbing, keeping rhythm to some beautiful aria in nature.

I have been re-reading, as I do every autumn Thoreau's "Autumnal Tints." Every time I read it I pick up something new. It is so beautifully written. He observed, and seemingly absorbed everything he saw or touched. What stuck with me this morning as I was running down my suburban street was how he described the oldest leaves turning first, the top usually the last. This tree is nearly all red except for the top branches. Also his observation of red leaves how they grab your attention, standing out with their vibrant stimulating presence.

I love running in the fall, not only are the temperatures perfect, but the colors and smells and feel of the air is so comforting. I can't wait for Halloween, even though I won't be with my girl I love spending All Hallows Eve with her. I want to carve pumpkins. I love carving pumpkins. There is nothing like the smell of a cut pumpkin digging into it's slimy body, pulling all the innards out, reminds me of Thoreau pulling out the marrow, and the smell of my hands when I'm finished.

"I seem to be more constantly merged in nature; my intellectual life is more obedient to nature than formerly ..." HDT 10/12/1851