Nookachamps Half

I ran the Nookachamps Half once again this past weekend. Ran and walked it, more accurately. It has been a very sad week, and so going out and running around the valley was good for me. Running, hiking, walking—these are things I do to connect with nature and myself, to help ground me.

The event was moved to Sunday, with regular start time bumped up to 9 AM. I did the early start, which means less people and traffic. Cars are more noticeable in recent years. The birds came out this year—swans, snow geese, gulls, a few hawks. We live in the best place for bird watching. The course passes Dean and Ruth’s house, and so I was glad to say hello and walk with them for a bit. A couple of my favorites. The weather overall was good—just a bit chilly, but clear. A fine January day.

My finish time was 2:34, which I record here for posterity. While not fast, this wasn’t really a race for me. I am in better shape than last year, though I have “many miles to go,” as the poem says. Just enjoying a beautiful January morning. Thanks are due as always to Kevin, Keefer, and all who put this event on, year after year. A fine cup of soup at the end, and a hello to Stanley, always working the finish line.