Race for Daylight.

Stephanie admitted possessing an unimaginable optimism at the prospect of running with the sun out. Such are the wants at the Zook/Petty house.

Before today, all we had to show was a whole lot of wanting. Since the marathon and the much-needed rest period that followed, we've been slowly getting back into a routine. I've joined the Fleet Feet racing team this year, and Stephanie has mapped out a semi-independent racing schedule of her own.  Preparing for racing and distance events again, for us at least, involves training in the dark. When given the chance to run friendlier times, we've been subjected to weekend runs marred by clouds, fog, and rain.

Initially, the weather didn't faze us. No longer training, we shared our excitement about not having to hit particular distances, not needing to complete tempo runs or adjust for pacing, and not even wear a watch if we felt so inclined (only I can cop to this, however). But with the increase in speed work, workouts involving splits and tempos, and overall mileage, we've struggled to absorb the added work alongside the relentless winter weather. Since Christmas, for example, I've felt compelled to add sleeves, gloves, and a hat to my ever-growing collection of gear. It helps the training, but the process of bundling up can force me to question the value of the time spent in the elements.

Today, despite the fact that fog swarmed the area around 9:45, we enjoyed an easy run on a parkway bathed in morning sunlight. We started from my new favorite location, the Bella Bru at Fair Oaks and Arden, and jogged to the trail entrance at William Pond. Steam rose from the river, cobwebs and tall grass glistened in splotchy orange shimmers, and my hands and head felt a necessary freedom outside their cold-weather protection.

The pace was smooth; I set out with other team members, conversing throughout at a pace around 8:15 per mile, while Stephanie held back and operated at a speed more conducive to her current workout schedule. I finished my 10 and returned to Bella Bru for a cup of coffee, paper marking, and a bran muffin. Stephanie returned not long after, having finished 12 miles of her own. We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast together amid a throng of gym goers, cyclists, and runners, and decided we'd definitely been missing out on the post-training culture that this part of east Sacramento has to offer.

It was a great way to spend a morning. By the time we left, the sun, much like our plans for exertion, had called it a day.