A couple weekends ago, when I was still trying to figure out how to get back to a place with running where it felt more like I was doing something good and less like I was torturing myself, a new running friend invited me to meet her and run in a place I’d never been before. Always one to take advantage of new running buddies, I agreed to be there.
We weren’t two miles into the run when something in me just felt wonderful. I am usually very cautious to predict a run so early on, but I knew this one was going to be good. Even if I didn’t feel so great, I had new surroundings. And sometimes that’s all you need to get the miles in. It was a welcome distraction to gaze into the Fall trees and forget about pace and breathing. I didn’t have to run fast, I just had to keep going.
We ran early in the morning, and were very alone on this new-to-me trail. It was a mix of cool air and those warm “pockets” early morning athletes often encounter. Just enough to remind you that the rising sun would soon be rendering your gloves useless. The trails were open and clear, which worked out well for me because I couldn’t keep my eyes off of everything else. The way the trees stood out, the way the trail curved through them. It was the most peaceful run I’d been on in months. The air was quiet and still, along with any ache or pain I’d had in the days leading up to the run.
I had time to think. I thought about how I’d like to have more runs like this. I didn’t mind a slower pace. I thought about how maybe, just maybe, if the end of 2007 went well, I could start working on speed again for 2008. I thought about how I’ve spent almost a year in recovery, and how lucky I’ve been to stage any sort of running “come back” at all. It’s only been through hard work, a lot of help and my learning, begrudgingly, to be patient that I’m now able to be out here at all. I’m still uncertain of what lies ahead, and the picture may never be clear, but it’s more than enough motivation for me to keep going.
A new place to run can do all sorts of things for a runner. It can challenge you, it can reassure you, and it can put you at ease. It can have such an affect on you that you drag your sister back later that day to run while you obsessively take photos of this new-to-you, magical place. But mostly, this new place to run, even though it’s been around for decades, can come into your life at just the right time to remind you that no matter how you do it, no matter how you find it, getting out there is the only goal. Everything after that is just for fun.
backofpack says:
Wow, that is a beautiful place to run! I’m so glad to hear you found your joy again.
October 29th, 2007 at 5:16 am
anne says:
Fantastic pictures - I come for the pictures and I know that is not the point per se - but I think we all take away our own messages from posts…
October 29th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Danielle says:
Wow that is gorgeous…and I so know what you’re talking about…I have been basically in recovery for a year too and the idea of speed work is so appealing.
October 29th, 2007 at 7:21 am
Cat Chaser says:
You caught ravishing pictures of autumn color! Like the one browns greens against the light blue sky!!
October 29th, 2007 at 8:21 am
sizzle says:
wow it is so pretty!
October 29th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Jen says:
wow this place is so beautiful now I want to run too!
October 29th, 2007 at 10:03 am
egan says:
I really need to start trail (off road) running. Your post makes me want to make the switch today. I was reading Runner’s World last night and they reviewed trail shoes. All signs point to the trail. Nice pictures and you’re so right, running should be fun; not punishment.
October 29th, 2007 at 10:48 am
afuntanilla says:
very nice pictures and thoughts well written. you put it perfectly.
October 29th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Airam says:
What a fantastic post. And no wonder that new place to run made you feel all those wonderful feelings. That place looks amazing!
October 29th, 2007 at 6:39 pm
Dawn says:
Gorgeous!
October 29th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
nicole says:
I’m so happy for you - there is nothing like a great run.
And what great pictures.
October 29th, 2007 at 7:59 pm
Bre says:
Every time I read this type of post I want to go running… of course, it’s currently 11pm and freezing outside… and I don’t own good sneakers yet…
but the urge is still there!
October 29th, 2007 at 8:03 pm
barbara bruederlin says:
That’s wonderful! What a beautiful spot to run and how nice that it has given you your joy back. That’s what it is all about.
It makes me want to drag the elliptical out of the basement.
October 29th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
brandy says:
“I didn’t have to run fast, I just had to keep going”.
I think in one sentence you summed up an attitude that everyone should consider adopting. Well done friend!
October 29th, 2007 at 8:59 pm
Database Diva says:
I totally agree with Brandy. It’s not so much about being the runner you were, or the runner you want to be as it is about being content with the runner you are. If you can’t find contentment in that setting, you would have trouble finding it anywhere. Now I suddenly have an urge to run down dirt roads. I got a small does of serenity from just looking at the photos. I may have to revisit this post in the middle of winter!
October 29th, 2007 at 11:01 pm
Sisterbuckle says:
This is so nice and sequential; I think you could make a Book for Runners. A contemplative book, with nice pictures. One you flick through and mull over. Hmmmm.
October 30th, 2007 at 4:15 am
JACC says:
All of that and you carried a camera?
October 30th, 2007 at 8:08 am
Princess Extraordinaire says:
Your running sounds like a beautiful experience - and the pictures are proof positive that it was..I am glad you achieved such great heights on your run…
October 30th, 2007 at 1:31 pm
brookem says:
i love these photographs. trail running is really great… such a good way to break up the monotony of road running, which for me, gets boring real fast. good luck on your new trails!
October 30th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
amy says:
Thanks so much for telling me about your post - what a gorgeous run. I could feel it through your post!
October 30th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Jacinta says:
Great post - love the pics and totally understand why you wanted to return to capture it in images. Beautiful.
October 30th, 2007 at 2:38 pm
WWE Divas Photo says:
Hey!…Thanks for the nice read, keep up the interesting posts..what a nice Thursday
November 8th, 2007 at 12:26 pm