Or about running, or staying fit, or losing weight, or getting faster, or winning races.
It's not about fancy trail shoes, or electrolyte replenishing, or protein shakes.
It's about finding inspiration, thinking through the day, or memorizing drug interactions until my mind just goes blank. It's about losing myself into the trees to the point where the only noticeable sounds are my breathing and the cadence of my feet. It's about melting into the woods and becoming a part of the trees and trail that surround me. It's about that one hour every day (or sometimes every week) that is completely mine. No obligations, no responsibilities, no distractions. Just me. And the trail.
Sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it's a choice. I can quit, cry, and complain or I can just keep running. (Don't worry. I'm not going to go all "running as a metaphor for life" on you here.) It's about pushing yourself farther. It's about pushing forward.
It's about feeling exhausted, sweaty, overheated, muddy, and completely empowered. It's about mental strength and perseverance. It's about overcoming self-imposed limitations.
So really, it's not about the trail.
It's so much more than that.
copyright Hiking in Stilettos
4 comments:
You've successfully made me want to go on a run . . . which is really not something that ever happens, ha. I definitely prefer trails to roads, and there are so many gorgeous ones out my way, that's for sure!
Ooooh I needed this today! I need to start training for my half marathon and needed inspiration:-) Thank you!
I just went for a trail run this morning!! And it was AMAZING! Keep at it lady!! XO
Oh, this is wonderful!!! I am so with you on the beauty of trail running. God, there is nothing like it! I used to live in the Santa Cruz mountains, my backyard was a trail. And my favorite bay area pastime was trail running, near my house, and all over. I always always drove somewhere to run in a beautiful area. I miss it so (as there is nothing close to that here), but am so happy that all those trails will be waiting for me when I get back!
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