The picture to the left should be familiar to most Columbia runners. The Snowman 8k is an old and respected race in Columbia and it's located close to where I live. So, naturally, some of my jogging routes overlap it. This race has more of a personal runner friendly aspect to it as you can tell from the sign. Lisa Smarr, the race director, and a runner herself, seems to know the little stuff that only other runners would know. Every year she sends out a personal photograph of your previous year's finish with the time on the back with an exclamation mark beside it with your application form for this year. Now this ain't one of those professional race photographer's outfit that takes your picture, sends a low res teaser print, and tries to suck you into paying high prices for the originals. It's a 4x6 that you can frame and it's free. It's been a long time since I've placed in any race but all my times are important to me. Thanks Lisa, for knowing at least this runner's heart!! This inspired me to run my fastest 8 mile tempo yet: 1:15:43 at 9:27 per mile pace.
Heard a lot of birdsong from Robins, Carolina Wrens, Pine Warblers and Red-shouldered Hawks. They are claiming territory and mating. It is said that St. Valentines Day is the day the birds mate. One of the joys of running is that it gets you closer to the natural rhythms of the earth and signs of Spring are already showing themselves in the Primroses and Speedwells growing from little patches of green on the dry ground. Even a few butterflies are brightening the bare woods. Hope they survive the next cold snap!!
I also took a picture to the right of the Mormon Temple right at the start of the Snowman run. You can always click on these to get bigger pictures.
toadshade
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