Prairie Spirit perfect running

Prairie Spirit Trail, Princeton trail head, ready for the rain and runnin' toward Richmond

Well...I'm not a perfect runner, but it sure was a perfect running day today. Soft smooth trail, lightly wooded on either side, the occasional cow, the sound of chirping birds and ribbiting frogs, cloud cover, every now and then a bit of drizzle, cool temps but warm enough for shorts. Just fantastic.

Given these primo running conditions and the forecast for heavy rain later in the day and on into tomorrow, and since I had gotten a three mile headstart on the trail with yesterday's early evening run, I added a little extra today. The first bit was from Ottawa to Princeton with a light hum from the highway traffic one-half mile to the east, and all other sound just frogs and birds. Clouds above, fields to the left and right, and trail ahead. Charge!

As I ran into Princeton, the rain picked up so I hopped into waiting Hedwig and donned raincoat, gloves & hat, hopped back out, realized the rain had let up again, and continued happily down the trail, destination Richmond. Still a delightful run - but getting hungry and was very pleased to see Hedwig waiting at the Richmond trail head. Hopped in, got a banana, and decided, yup, I've got more miles in me so hopped back out for the final stretch of the day: Richmond to Garnett.

This one's for Joe - it's me trying to click my heels as I run toward the Richmond trail head.
Joe's way WAY better at clicking his heels...
my heels seem completely incapable of finding each other much less clicking.

Kendall and Jester met me a couple miles south of Richmond and we walked along the trail together for a few minutes before he drove off to check on campgrounds while I finished the stretch to Garnett. This bit of the run was absolutely marvelous. Away from the highway so no more car noise, just the frogs and birds and lots more trees, creeks and rivers. Really a lovely way to wrap up the twenty-mile day!

Garnett courthouse - in the center of a classic town square.
Good walking for shaking the miles out of my legs.

Getting acquainted with the Prairie Spirit Trail

pj & Jester at the Prairie Spirit trailhead marker, Ottawa, Kansas

Hedwig (and Kendall, Jester dog, & I) rolled into Ottawa, Kansas today with enough light - and glorious weather - for me to run the first few miles of the Prairie Spirit Trail. 'Twas just a taste - but quite delectable!

...and the run begins...

pjv heading south from the Prairie Spirit trailhead
Ottawa, Kansas, March 23, 2010

Surprise in the concrete city

Saline Wetlands at sunrise, Lincoln, Nebraska

We spent the night in Lincoln, Nebraska and when I headed out for my run it was right onto a concrete road, concrete sidewalks, and a neighborhood built on concrete. But that neighborhood bordered on a wetlands so I kept my eyes peeled for a gap in the houses that might lead away from all that concrete. Sure enough, as I got to the far end of the neighborhood I spotted a faint set of tire tracks. That was all the encouragement I needed. I followed the tracks, picked my way through some tall grasses and onto a two track which circled all around the Saline Wetlands that have been preserved right in the city of Lincoln. Birds chirping, sun rising - a lovely way to start the day!

Lincoln Highway in the spring time

Lincoln Highway, trains, autos, cattle, corn fields, and a very happy runner

While the fellas ate lunch at Ole's in Paxton, Nebraska, I treated myself to another run along the Lincoln Highway. Today's run was under a warm sun, with cows grazing in corn fields still dotted with last year's husks. The road was as quiet as I remembered it, drivers waving as they went by giving me plenty of room along the generous shoulder. I even got a "toot toot" out of the passing train. Only seven miles rather than 30...but seven very delightful miles along one of my most favorite roads from the run to Michigan!

First day of spring

A "challenging" morning run today. A fresh foot of snow covering the ground and trees, ice covering the roads - but we've got blue sky, sunshine, and crystalline glow filling the air now.
Spring has sprung!

Look at this!

See that?! That trail?! That trail with NO SNOW!!!!!!!

That's what I got to run on today. Me and many other folks and dogs,
running, walking, splashing through the mud, smiling, and calling out cheery hellos every one!
Spring: 17 days to go, and counting!