Day 164 -- "Deerfly Trail"

Back when I was in high school running cross-country, there was this newly-created trail that we girls not-so-lovingly nicknamed "Deerfly Trail".  This name came from our inaugural run through the new trail, during which we were swarmed upon by deerflies and chased out of the trail.  When we came into the open again, you could see the black cloud of angry flies follow us for several painful minutes before slowly giving up their attack and dissipating back into the woods.  Any time we had to go back through "Deerfly" we would always dread it a little bit.  In addition to the aforementioned flies of death (They bit! It hurt!), the path was swampy, muggy, and grown over with thorny underbrush that would snag and entangle our legs leaving bloody trails behind on our bodies. 

At the beginning of this cross-country season, I was pleased beyond what was reasonable to learn that the nickname we bestowed upon this trail stuck.  The girls still call it "Deerfly" although it absolutely does not not resemble the original trail for which it was named.

Today I ran through "Deerfly" and marveled at how lush and beautiful it was.  The trail has been widened so that there is no branches to leave welts on your face or legs as you run through.  The deerflies are gone.  It is actually a very pleasant little trail.  So, I was thankful today for a new and improved "Deerfly Trail" but also for the fond memories that running down it evoked for me.  Cross-country played a significant role in my life and the friendships I forged throughout those years are something I will never forget.  Our team was amazing and our bonds were strong.  Going through those workouts and races toughened us up and taught us the value of hard-work, encouragement, and heart.  All of this played through my mind because of a leisurely run down "Deerfly", and for that I am grateful.

Thank God for "Deerfly Trail!"

Lord, thank you for cross-country and the role it played in shaping who I am.  Thank you for the "Deerfly Trail" because it is beautiful and because it brings back pleasant memories.  Thank you for allowing me continue to be involved in this amazing sport through coaching. In your name I pray, Amen.

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