I love my Bonneville shoreline runs, that is the one place in my busy life where I can feel connected to the earth and my Creator. Things I think sbout while I run, the music I listen to, and of course the adventure of keeping my eyes fixed on the trail teach me to let go of a lot of stuff that take up space in my head.
Lessons I Learn:
1. Let it go: I don't have the time to hold on to negative or worrisome things on the trail. I can simply watch my feet, and also enjoy the scenery. There is not space in my head to worry, but when I think and run, problems seem to work themselves out.
2. Listen to life: I have quite the mix of music to listen to on my way. Such is life. Sometimes we need quiet, sometimes we need rock, sometimes it's a "Bob Marley" day. It's ok to have a mix. It's ok to live in the moment and accept those thoughts and feelings you have at the time. Variety is essential, I don't think I will ever want to stay with the same 'ol same ol.
3. Watch where you are going: Last run, it was icy for the first 3 miles or so. I had fallen 3 times, and spit on myself twice before I met a couple on the trail coming the opposite way. I said something to the effect that I needed "spiked running shoes today" and the woman responded, "Don't worry, it gets better." I continued on for a while and it wasn't getting better! Sheesh, I started to doubt, "Did I hear her correctly? Should I turn back?" Plugging forward, I found that eventually it did get better. Much better. Patience. Not one of my strongest virtues. The trail also teaches me to stay focused, or you will be on your butt. Rocks, turns, ice, roots, bugs in my face...whatever the obstacle I need to keep my eyes and head in the right place to pass safely.
4. Buddies: Buddies are great! Especially out on the mountain, but buddies are not always essential. On the trail you need to rely on yourself. You need to be strong and smart to keep yourself truckin' away. Buddies make our lives more enjoyable. I have learned that I need buddies to accentuate my life, but I have been learning to rely on myself more these days.
Simple life lessons learned keep me coming back for more. I have an addiction to the mountain, I feel peace there. Best of all, I learn so much about myself and my Creator.
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| My Poo Poo's (Duchess and Boomer) |
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| Enjoying the fall colors. |
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| Buddies are great! |
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| Clean air is much better than dirty air. |
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| The stream frozen over...simply breathtaking! |
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| I think heaven will look something like this. |
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| Mud happens...but it washes off! |
