I knew we were going to have a heavy snowfall for the first time last night and when I woke up this morning the ground was covered in a heavy blanket. I perform this ritual every winter, I have to be the first to put my footprints on the first proper snowfall of the year, the dogs race ahead and leave their paw marks and then it is my turn. This morning was like running through my own private wonderland, a few cars passed me on the road but through the woods not a sound, no birds, no other tracks, nothing, just a white carpet and the three of us. I love being at one with nature at this time, and I gave a silent salute to its beauty as I finished my run.
Tomorrow I will have to go to the gym as the roads will become dangerous and icy over the day but I know that my ritual is performed for the year and I have left my mark.
Do you have any winter rituals? do you run in the snow?
You're brave to go running in the snow!!
ReplyDeleteGreat Perspective! I love to walk up and down the sand dunes, and on the lake shore. I am not a snow bunny so I find myself inside on the treadmill during the very cold and snowy days.
ReplyDeletewhat a great tradition you have and so glad to see snow where you are. Hey, thanks for a wonderful black and white filled November. I had loads of fun and met lots of new, wonderful people. Looking forward to holiday December for the group.
ReplyDeleteLove your photo! Have a great Tuesday.
What a wonderful tradition! I do the same thing! Not running, but I have to be the first one to walk through the yard and leave my footprints. But, I don't want anyone walking through the little tree grove in the front - I like to keep that perfectly snowed because it just looks so pretty. Have a wonderful day!!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot Justine...no, I don't have any winter rituals unless you consider my love for shoveling a ritual. LOL Crazy huh!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great b&w capture and what a beautiful ritual, Justine! I love that first snowfall and used to love running in that amazing silence (well, until the knee injury got in the way! :)) - something so magical about it.
ReplyDeleteWow - this photo is really stunning and I absolutely love your description! I really could picture you running there with the dogs! I also love setting the first footprints, although it's not really a ritual - I don't think I have a ritual, but it's an interesting thought!
ReplyDeleteWOW.. What a wonderful photo. I love how you describe your run, sounds amazing. What a great ritual.. I would say the only ritual I have is starting my car up about 5 min. before I go to work. I cranke up my heated seat so it's nice and toasty all the way to work. Sounds a little silly comeing from someone who lives in the desert! With no snow!!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Linda
Such a fun ritual. I love to keep the snow as fresh and perfect as possible. My husband even remember this morning to make the minimal amount of impact in the snow when he went to work! I wish he was more thoughtful with the mess he leaves around the house!
ReplyDeleteThank you for running November in B&W really enjoyed it!
I wish I had a ritual like that - I need to find a good winter workout - I fear it will just be the treadmill
ReplyDeleteVery impressed with your commitment to go running, especially in the snow!
ReplyDeletei love to run, but i definitely do NOT run in the snow :)
ReplyDeleteOh that clear clean silence. I can almost hear it and smell it. I don't run,but when I used to ride (horses), that feeling of being the only person on the planet in a beautiful place, was the best. I used to ride through sandy soiled vineyards, just my horse and me,on cold frosty mornings, (no snow, sadly ). Or returning from a ride late on winter afternoons, just before dark, when the wood smoke from chimneys rose strait up into the crisp air, and there was not a sound except for the rhythmic clip,clop of hooves. Thanks for reminding me. Love the photo, how did you get so close to your feet ?
ReplyDeleteThe way you tell of your ritual makes me want to run in the snow, but know I do not run in the snow. Not in the snow or even on a beautiful sunny day. When I see others running it always looks like it is the best feeling, but for me not so much. Especially in the winter, I hate being cold.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you got to start your day out with such a wonderful feeling.
Thanks for sharing.
Sounds so comforting. :)
ReplyDeleteI plan on joining the gym and getting in shape -I want to start really taking care of myself. We do not get snow - just rain and maybe ice...but every now and then we DO get snow!
ReplyDeleteI moved to NC to avoid "winter rituals". LOL Lived 44 years with SNOW and I will have to create new southern winter rituals. Great shot, wonderful creativity. Wish I could unleash my crazy doggies, but for now they are leashed. I walk with three and a three year old in a stroller. I'm quite a site at 45. LOL
ReplyDeletewow...definitely different to running in Australia :)
ReplyDeleteWell, I have to say Justine, that I love that you can do that! It sounds so peaceful and beautiful! We rarely get snow, but if we ever do I'm afraid I wouldn't be exercising. I'd probably be rolled up in a ball with a blanket and & hot cup of tea by the fire! LOL
ReplyDeleteI don't run because I damaged my knee when I was young and am very careful with it now. But I walk every morning at 6:00am with my husband and my Irish Wolfhound and today was just like you describe - quiet (hardly any traffic) light because of the reflection off the snow, only the occasional fox track before we came along. Misty's feet looked like she had a pair of those Yeti boots on and it took me ages to get all the snow off her! I love your photo of your boots. Be careful out there!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful! What a great ritual, I bet the dogs love it. I had never really thought about it, but it must be quite difficult preparing for a marathon in winter when the roads are icy and slippery, at least you would have to keep running to keep your toes from freezing!
ReplyDeleteCool photo.
ReplyDeleteJustine I love this post... I totally relate to leaving footprints in the snow and the quiet of the early morning. We don't get much snow but I so appreciate it when we do. Mornings are such a great time to get out and exercise it just starts the day off right! and the drizzle that we sometimes have doesn't hurt a bit ; )!
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