Lights Out in FiveFingers: Running in the Dark

A few days of driving and no running since Wednesday? I was itching to run. Even though I was exhausted and it was dark out I needed to do it. With the kids out for some ice cream with their aunt, I took to the running trail, but it was a different kind of run from any other I have done yet.

With my Bikilas strapped to my feet, I opted for the gravel road along an irrigation canal above my sister's home against the hills of American Fork, Utah. City lights and the glow of an LDS temple made for a tempting distraction as I pranced along at an unsure pace. Occasional motion detecting backyard lights cast deceptive shadows at my feet throwing depth perception for a whirl. It was time to trust my brain over my sight.

I ran as lightly as possible, finding that holding my arms out slightly helped to maintain balance as my brain communicated subtle shifts in weight to accommodate the uneven terrain. It was like I was on autopilot, not trusting my eyes but the feedback to my feet to keep me upright for the 10 miles. I only once stumbled during last 2 miles when speeding up and wiping sweat from my brow, just enough of a distraction to almost send me toppling over. Maintaining focus is paramount I found.

This particular jaunt left me calm and revitalized, even more self aware. I could have used this earlier in the week to ease the stresses of long hours of traveling in a car with the kids. Lesson learned.