A man for most seasons

Back when we lived in Tucson (AZ), I remember having many a discussion regarding the importance of having "seasons" during the year. In the midwest, we have 4 very distinct seasons, although some can sort of merge together leaving you wondering what happened (usually the absence of a true spring or fall). In Arizona, we did have seasons. They just weren't as vibrant. Monsoons brought about great beauty in the fall. And winters were downright gorgeous. Summers were just plain hot. But I can't say I truly "missed" the midwest seasons when we were away.

I didn't start to appreciate these changes until we moved back to the midwest in '97. Running in the springtime was a joy. And, for me, there is no greater time to run or train than in the fall. Feet beating down on a crushed path through miles and miles of forest preserve is a splendor not to be taken lightly. The cool, crisp air -- just enough to actually show your breath in front of you but not have to cover up -- can almost take your mind off of the work and pain associated with a long training run.

Of course, once the temperatures sink down into the 30s and below, it signals the end of comfortable running and the addition of many layers of warmth, many more hours of darkness, and a serious lack of motivation. And thoughts turn toward the desert again. At least for a few frigid months.

The joy of fall is also accented by the beauty of the leaves. Breathtaking colors. When we lived in Winfield (IL), we were surrounding by giant oaks. It also meant dedicating entire weekends to the act of raking. Hours and hours spent moving piles from the back of the property to the roadside for pickup. Walls of leaves.

Now in Geneva, in a newer subdivision, this isn't so much a problem. We don't have tall trees. We don't have much to rake. There lies the trade-off. We also don't have the same beauty. I can finish my raking chores in about a half hour. Seems great, I suppose. But I would trade it in a heartbeat to get back to our old surrounding.

But at least we had enough leaves to create a little fun for Su...