Fresh Air.

Today I had one of the best runs I've had in awhile. Not that I haven't valued or enjoyed my runs in Ottawa, but today I was reintroduced to one of the best parts of running: being exposed to the outdoors.

On Saturday, I visited the Running Room in Thunder Bay in hopes to find out more information about their Sunday morning run club and joining in on Sunday's run. Unfortunately the group was mainly composed of new runners practicing to finish a 5k. I respectfully declined the opportunity as I was looking to run a 15k+ run to practice my pacing for Ottawa Race Weekend.

Given how Thunder Bay folk are kind and very generous, one of the employees quickly referred me to another employee who usually does a Sunday run from her home and averages several miles at a time. She and I chatted and we decided that it would be a great opportunity to run together alongside one of her good friends.

I woke up at 8:45 am this morning and started my 25k journey to Heidi's house in my rental car. Despite getting lost and calling her home twice for directions (my GPS could not pick up the dirt roads I was driving on), we began our run shortly after 9:30am.

Two kilometres later we arrived at her friend's home which was also home to 3 dogs, 3 kids and two horses, overlooking the hills of the region. With two unleashed dogs leading the way, we set off again a few minutes later.

Positioned between the two ladies, I was in a natural pacing position. Although I paced, I had no idea where I was - and I loved it! We climbed rolling hills, ran across dirt roads, followed strange dogs as they chased us past their home, witnessed the migration of great cranes and felt the fresh air fill our lunges.

Although my legs ached (I had a tough workout Saturday) and my body screamed at me for wearing a jacket in the beating sun, there was something transcendent about running where I was. I had no direction, no rush, no schedule or worry, no pace I was trying to maintain and no awkward or forced conversation with the women who shared my company.

Footfall after footfall - it was perfect. We braked when we felt like it, chased the dogs playfully away from a scared rabbit or bird, talked about our individual lives and expressed our love and respect for running as we together in occasional silence.

I love running in Ottawa, I really do. I adore running with Adrian and my friends and teammates when we can. I also enjoy my solo runs as well. However, the experience of running in the back country surrounded by farmland and untouched landscapes with two fascinating women (and their very loyal dogs) inspired me to finish the 18km with relative ease and joy.

I cannot wait to get back to my city and renew my love for its trails and paths. But mostly, I cannot wait to share similar experiences to what I had today for those who are willing to experience it with me.

Thank you ladies for inviting me to be a part of your weekly ritual today - I am blessed and very grateful. You are each an inspiration and are so strong - thank you on behalf of all runners!

Yours in health,
Jenna


Down Boundary Road, Thunder Bay. Simply stunning :)