So, as soon as I saw this task I decided that the thing I wanted to run through was a forest, at night (Or a wall of jello, but THAT is a logistical nightmare).

Now, the first rule of forests, and night, is that you should avoid running through them. This is especially true if you are by yourself, the temperature is hovering around freezing, and there is no homicidal maniac chasing you with an axe. Having decided to break the first rule, I decided to give myself a fighting chance by choosing a forest that I knew well, had helped shape, and which lacked cliffs.

Anyway, as ordered, I went early in the afternoon in order to make certain that the forest COULD be run through. Unfortunately it's gone a bit crazy since I used to walk it every day, and the hemlock and creeper vines have taken over a little, but it still looked doable.

Next, I had to wait for darkness... luckily I had some other activities prepared, including a task - http://sf0.org/mreveryday/taskDetail/?id=3994 birdsnesting (still too early in the season for eggs, but the climbs were pleasantly challenging), and more attempts at photography. Still, having not lived in the country (the DEEP country that is) for a few years, I had forgotten just how long it takes to get properly dark. The town, with it's artificial lighting, seems to attract the darkness sooner - some sort of contrast thing I suspect.

Anyway, it was finally dark (at about 9PM), and the running could begin. It's been a while since I've moved in the forest at night, and even so I was surprised at the difference RUNNING makes. My fight and flight response kicked into overdrive. Despite the sure knowledge that there were no creatures more dangerous than ducks and rabbits about, my eyes were in constant motion, my heart was beating out of my chest, and panic was only a step or two away...

Lots of fun, and very few injuries.