Contemplating the Tree

There is something special about being outside on a day when most other people figure it's too cold to venture out. Thursday was one of those days -- the temp was about 28 degrees when I headed out for my short 4 mile run. I can't praise Under Armour Cold Gear enough. With running tights, a mock turtle compression top, wind breaker jacket, Nike headband and gloves with liners I wasn't a bit uncomfortable -- perhaps even a tad too warm once I got going. The air was crisp, the sky bright blue (the clouds rolled in later in anticipation of an ice storm brewing for Friday). And there's this humongous tree at the top of the rise after my first mile. It's huge! And on those cold, crisp days when the sky is bright blue and the sun behind me, that tree becomes the focus of my attention. For the impressiveness of its appearance, for the years and years of existence that it represents. For it's massive beauty. It's easily the largest tree in the area. When I drive by it I don't think I notice it quite the same way I do when I'm on foot. I think that's because when driving you see it, pass it, and that's it. When running I approach it with lots of time to notice and contemplate it's sheer size. And on days like this past Thursday it makes me grateful to be alive, grateful to be healthy and active and outside.