Old Gabe training week 12: Promises to Keep

Today's long run was a tough one; I won't sugar-coat it. I headed out intending to get at least 20 miles in, but stopped short of that as I grew more and more concerned about frostbite as the morning rolled along. I don't mind running in the snow, but Oh My Goodness... the wind this morning really howled!

Really, Fort Collins? No one else thought this was awesome running weather?!

Given the crazy wind, and the snow blowing sideways all morning, I was happy just to get in a Towers double. And amid this morning's weather, the words that kept resonating in my mind were Robert Frost's. They kept me going, and because I love them so much, I'll duplicate them here.

Wishing you all better weather than this, for your planned long runs! See you on the trail.

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

BY ROBERT FROST

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.