Focus

Contrary to how it may seem, I don't actually stop every minute on a run to take pictures of pretty (or not so pretty) things. But I've definitely been taking it easy these days, playing with my new Elph 100 Canon and rarely pushing myself physically.

You see, I’ve had this nagging knee issue. Not serious enough to keep me from running, but debilitating enough to keep me from working toward the things I like to do. Like epic runs in wild places and challenging races. It came on strong in December, backed off last month, but has persisted enough to keep me from upping the mileage on “long” runs, or running anything very steep. For awhile I embraced this unusual injury as a chance to run without a plan, however many miles I felt like running that day, for the pure pleasure of it all. Sounds wonderful, and it worked out nicely for a time. But now the lack of clarity, combined with the fact that my knee is still not completely healed, is starting to have a negative effect. Its the routine weekday runs that have me asking “why bother?” in the mornings as I pour another cup of coffee. Beautiful hills and Riverparks aside, running around here eventually requires a goal or you will stop bothering.

The trick now is to find a reasonable but satisfying goal for Spring. One that is realistic enough to allow my knee to its continue healing and yet provide some sort of motivation for my efforts.

 

Snow?!

I awoke to that diffuse glow seeping through the blinds that only occurs when there is snow on the ground. Would we have the four inches that was on the high end on the  prediction scales? I was hoping for the opportunity to pull out my Yak Trax for some runs on hard- packed snow, but, alas, it was only another dusting and the winds had blown most of the snow off the trees. Disappointing, for sure. But a dusting of snow is better than nothing, so I bundled up for a run along the river. It was a raw and drab, New England-esque winter day which, oddly enough, lifted my spirits. Not the easiest day for taking outdoor photographs, however. A little creativity would be needed in the hunt, which was fine since the legs were feeling less than inspired this morning.

An epic evening

The Arkansas River, reduced to a mere trickle in the last few months, is back in all of her glory, thanks to some heavy rain and releases from the Keystone Dam. Its amazing what moving water can to to the asthetics of the river.

Great Divide Brewing's Titan IPA provided the perfect compliment to the sheer massiveness of the river. It's a hearty beer that doesn't skimp on the hops. You get a sweet and sticky malt with caramel and biscuits. The hops contribute a bit of citrus and a bit of pine with a strong bite. Let this brew warm and more subtle flavors emerge. This one's a sipper; more like a double IPA.

Cheers!

Elote

It's a rare Wednesday evening when both my wife and I are free of responsiblities, so when the opportunity presented itself, we made plans to meet up at Elote for two dollar taco night. After work I threw on my running clothes and hit the pavement under warm sunshine, taking the trail system and Boston Avenue on into the art deco canyons of downtown Tulsa.

The weather was pleasant, the tacos were cheap, Marshall Atlas IPA was on tap, but it was the company, of course, that made it one of those perfect nights.

Cheers!