"Spring" into fitness?

I'll be honest, when I look at all of the running seasons I have been blessed to be a part of, this season is one of it's own.  With snow in the forecast and still piled on the ground, the middle April, I have to say my motivation for getting out the door isn't the best that it could be.  Normally, my motivation is sparked by the growth that happens in the spring time.  Witnessing all of the buds on the trees make their entrance, watching blades of grass poke their way through the ground after a cold winter, listening to water running, and birds chirping.  I enjoy running on pavement and look forward to the times when slush isn't an issue.  All of these things combined ,get me out the door.  I enjoy being surrounded with the changes.  The new growth of spring.  Yes, winter has it's moments and I embrace those moments, however when March rolls around I am ready for a change. 

I'm not going to lie, running has been a challenge this year.  I refuse to run on a treadmill, I despise it.  Therefore running outside is really my only option.  I have ran in all types of conditions, rain, sleet, snow, hail (one time) thunder, lightening, wind storms... I've seen it all.  I am just sick of winter!  I can imagine I'm not alone in this?

I decided that I need to push myself, I need to get out there, regardless of the weather.  Energy seems to be non-existent some days?   I know this is due to the lack of sun.  I'm tempted to bake myself in a tanning booth just to get some "rays" but I just can't submit my poor skin to such a thing.  I will have to be patient. 

Today, I decided to chow down an Access Bar, which is basically an energy bar for running.  If I eat it, I have to run, (so my mind tells me so).  So that's what I did, to get myself out the door.  Trust me, looking at the snow coming down, and the wind pushing the trees around, the last thing I wanted to do was to go outside.

I pushed out 3 miles and it felt great.  I find it funny that running 3 miles actually gives you more energy, you'd think it would be the opposite? 

With the Boston Marathon Bombings just a few days ago... I felt different running today.  I had all of the families and runners on my mind.  I can't help but think about Grandmas and what if that happened to me?  What if I was near the finish line and terror came into play?  It saddens me deeply that our country, our world has such evil in it.  This gives me more motivation to continue to run, to continue to pray, and to embrace each day and to make a difference!  

 Happy Running!