Track and Field Blogs - Yolanda Flamino

The first official day of spring was yesterday. In southeastern Michigan, we tipped the mercury over the freezing point, so it seemed appropriate. The mornings have still been cool (low 20’s for morning runs), but it has been sneaking up to the mid & upper-30’s in the afternoon, which, if the sun is shining, feels nothing short of glorious.

I didn’t realize it was the “official” beginning of spring until I heard it on the news the day prior to spring’s triumphal arrival, but I was starting to notice a few signs indicating that spring may be around the corner. I’m sure everyone has their own benchmarks for the changing of the seasons, but here are a few of my own.

You know spring is coming when…

--the dirt/mud on the back of your legs is no longer relegated to the ankle region…rather, on a good day, the splatters will climb your hamstrings, even inching up to your butt

--the birds no longer sleep in later than you…they finally are singing you awake again

--angry drivers will once again “brave the elements” and roll down their windows to yell obscenities at you, rather than expressing their displeasure within the heated confines of their speeding vehicle

--squirrels and raccoons join the casual on-lookers with the “what the heck are you doing” stare

--in what would be (and probably should be) considered cold temperatures, people will whip out the shorts when there is the slightest hint of sunshine and a temperature increase of 5º

--the milk jugs affixed to the trees are starting to fill with sap for syrup

--the city DOT trucks are busy filling in potholes and grating the dirt roads

--goose poop once again starts to cover certain sidewalks, golf courses, and gassy areas

--and of course, spring marathon training is in full swing

I realize some of this may be regional and if you feel your region has been left out of the mix, I would feel sorry for you if it wasn’t for the fact that it is snowing as I write this. Regardless, I'm glad it's spring.

Enjoy your spring—may it be warm and bring fast times.