On a Path

“Meditation is simply about being yourself and knowing about who that is. It is about coming to realize that you are on a path whether you like it or not, namely the path that is your life.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn


photo credit: Morgue File

Reasons To Run

"It's only when you're flying above it that you realize how incredible the Earth really is." Philippe Perrin

There is something phenomenal about flying 25,000 ft. up in the air.
As I sit there encapsulated, I not only get a panoramic view, but an overview - of my life. Like an out of body experience, I am detached.
On this trip I felt the urgency to go for a run. You really discover your wants – when they are unavailable. (When will they provide in-flight treadmills?)

Instead of running, I focused on the Reasons To Run:

Runaway
Quite literally – you can. Not only mentally but physically. Sometimes you need to run hard and fast to get the prize – a flood of endorphins. This is the reward.

Overindulgence
You know those days when you can’t stop eating. The next day you seek absolution. Running can repair.

Grounded
Being a dynamic component of nature instead of an observer. Just the act of getting outside delivers.

Fitness
When you have nothing to say… You can brag about your slow pulse.

Connection
The thing about running – it can be solitary or a group adventure. With every race I run – I feel a kinship with my fellow man. Together we move…
But perhaps most important (to me) is the virtual connection I have with you online runners. Everyday I can witness someone supporting or cheering on another runner. We share a common passion, and because of this - we are connected.

Why do you run?

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Trail Race – Check!

Beneath a blue sky the woods spread, entry - a single path leading upwards…
Who said running up hills was easy?

The first mile and half was a vigorous uphill climb with switch backs and scrambles. I have to be honest and admit I did convert to hiking in several areas just so I could catch my breath. [What an awesome workout!]



The next stage of the trail was gently rolling - easy going. It was on this part of the trail that I felt the woods take over… It may have been the mountain air or the isolation – but I ran like a wild turkey!

This gift of running, I so often take for granted, transformed into an epic passion. I’m alive, free and I can run!

Fears:

• Getting Lost – They said just stay on the trail unless you see a white chalk arrow – then follow that. (Great system - BTW)
• Eaten by a Cougar – I did hear things in the woods…but was so busy concentrating on the next foot placement – I had no fear.
• Getting Injured – No trips, tumbles or falls. Later that day, my neck was sore as hell, strange? Plus my Ankles and arches were a tad stiff. (I need some trail shoes!)

Post race snacks:

Shot Bloks, bananas, and chocolate chip cookies! In the cooler, water and a few brews, but I don’t drink beer before breakfast ;) We headed to a nearby bakery and discovered a farmers market set up in the parking lot. NICE!
I drove home nibbling on a vegan berry streusel, and sipping on an Americano. Had a large cantaloupe on my lap!
I will definitely check out other trail runs in the future.

Wore the tread off my Pegs!

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Running is Like... Reading

This week’s theme at Runner's Lounge TIaRT is - Running is Like... I know, I know, you are dying to finish this with "...a box of chocolates." Tell us what you think running is most like in your life.
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In the beginning you struggle. That first mile is made up of many steps – like reading, you have to start with the basics to build a foundation. You will have to repeat, practice – even read out loud so you can move forward. Just as in running – you must put in the time, the repetition – there are no shortcuts.

Your vocabulary expands and all of sudden reading becomes interesting. Just like running - when you learn about intervals, stretching and all the equipment.

But perhaps the most useful parallel is the significance of comprehension. You can read a complete book and not remember the name of a character or the color of his eyes. Just as with running – you can run blind, where the nuances of a shady path go unnoticed. You might as well be indoors on a treadmill...

Running is like reading – A process that can be enriching or just another monotonous task.

So:
Open the next chapter.
Run with a new pace.
Look, listen, and feel.

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No Goal Today

Something we need to strive for – if we want to live in the moment. Running for the pure joy of running. Feeling your legs take you along for the ride. Imagine a place where it’s always sunny and warm…

And I was doing OK till I noticed the track was EMPTY. As I stepped onto the giving surface, I had to struggle with the desire to time the laps. Instead, I just felt the softness of the surface and the warmth of the heat rising from the black.

Yeah I had a great run. No goal - no disappointment.

And cyktrussell – you don’t need an excuse to slow down and enjoy your run. Just Do It.!

Above quotes:
"The goal is not to have a goal." - John Cage
"Just Do It" - Nike

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On Mindfulness

Today I got up at 6:45 despite an eyeball headache and lack of sleep. It's Monday - my morning to walk the dog.
As I walked along the trail with the sun just glazing the Coburg Hills,
I realized instead of taking this all in, I was busily planning my day – where to run, what to wear, shopping list add-ons, etc...



I glanced down at my dog. She was truly IN THE MOMEMT – sniffing the wind, head up, looking at the path.
In that moment, I came back.
It is not an easy task - for me anyways - to be in the moment.
I believe the term coined for this is mindfulness.
It grounds us in the present.
So during today’s run - I spent 20 minutes – unplugged, just listening to my breath, my heartbeat, the rhythm of my footsteps. Reconnecting with the pleasure of running.

Life is not a someday thing
or a one day thing.
It is a right now,
everyday thing.
Life is in the living,
every hour of every day.
- source unknown

Other Things We Can Learn from Dogs

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