Run Before Dawn

I woke early this morning, my internal clock reminding me that I should be out running this morning. Instead, I rest, and wait, impatiently, for my relay this weekend - the Cascade Lakes Relay in Central Oregon. I turn to poetry to settle my restless legs. William Stafford wrote an excellent poem about what he might find in his soul on his morning run - Run Before Dawn.

The Cascade Lakes Relay is a new race for the Central Oregon mountains and high desert. Covering 217 miles, the 36 leg race promises many challenges, including elevation, dust and wildlife. The weather forecast, however, is ideal - sunny skies with relatively cool temperatures (80° in the desert is expected), so things could be much tougher. Running a relay race is one of life's adventures that I highly recommend. The cameraderie of shared miles, the challenge of three runs, the party-like atmosphere in the midst of pain is unbeatable.