The smells of life

What's your favorite smell?

It's amazing how many smells are out there--on the road, in the fields, on the track, in a house with a mouse, or a box with a fox. I couldn't help myself. But seriously, just the other day, I re-realized how full of smells life is. I've heard that smell is one of the strongest memory "strikers," for lack of the real term. I believe this with all my being.

Any true runner can tell you that there is a smell for each running season. I can't describe the smell of track season or the smell of cross country season, but they are definitely distinguishable. Even being a retired collegiate runner, I still find myself walking out the door or to class and thinking, "Ah, the smell of (track/cross country) season!" And there's almost nothing more appealing to me.

On my run the other day, I attempted to count the smells I encountered, but instead I can only recall these: freshly cut grass; the humidity (yes, it has a smell); a rotting animal hidden in the brush; laundry detergent, chlorine, pancakes, and garbage as I ran through a residential neighborhood; dust and dirt; cattle and manure (I live in Stephenville...); my own sweat; a port-a-potty near a construction zone; pine and other trees; more.

One of my least favorite smells on a run is food--all kinds. There's little more sickening to inhale on a run than the smell of freshly-baked doughnuts or greasy hamburgers or fried anything. I've even had to adjust some of my routes to avoid these fragrant curses during prime eating hours. And the dumpster truck! When I see one, I turn, whether I break from my route or make it longer. I believe The White Gazelle can attest to this.
My favorite smell, whether running or otherwise, believe it or not, is the smell of roses. I'm sure most, if not all, of my readers know that I'm not the girliest gal out there, but roses provide a refreshing scent that can calm my mind...and stomach.

Next time you work out, or even the next time you simply go outside, try to distinguish as many smells as you can. It could be like bird-watching! Keep notes.

Smell you later.