The Beauty of Nature
Exiting the first tunnel into light and warmth the surrounding scenery is exhilarating like Dorthy stepping into Munchkinland from the black and white opening segment of the movie. Friendly volunteers are nearby and gladly accept belongings and off I go seeking more of this adventure.
Trestles, waterfalls, pine trees and crips fresh air leave a lasting impression. I have heard how beautiful this trail is and this moment solidifies all I have heard.
Back to the task at hand
Must remind myself not to wander too far off and focus on the run. The trail, post tunnel, is easier to run on than the clay in the tunnel and my pace increases. I am on a steady downward slope which makes the trail very friendly. Reality dictates that what goes down must go back up; this is a seven and a half mile downhill run with a steady incline for seven and a half miles back up. I will be paying for this “friendly” portion but I’m just living in this moment, enjoying every minute.
The first trestle expands over a wet valley starting high up were a waterfall roars down, going under the trestle and meanders its way through the forest of green trees and overgrowth. Memories of my walks with Kauila, my chocolate lab, across the old train trestles in Missoula bring a smile.
Reflection
As you read this I hope you are picking up on the immense joy and fulfillment these runs provide. I cannot say there are many places where I feel like this. Hiking or running, being In nature without any distraction, brings me to “that” place. Some call it runner’s high, some may describe it as euphoric and as close to nirvana as one can get here on earth. For me this is what it means to feel alive and in the moment.
When I was younger I attended a holistic fair in Helena Montana. There with some friends we were promoting a network marketing company and providing information and samples of our products. I had a chance to meet a gentleman who was leading a seminar on fire walking. We talked for about 30 minutes about life, spirituality and of course fire walking. I was intrigued by him, his story and how is explained that being in the right state of mind the body is capable of amazing things. He invited me to walk with the others from his seminar.
I hesitated for a moment clarifying that I had not in-fact attended the seminar. He smiled and reassured me that I would be just fine. I eagerly accepted and without hesitation walked three times across the hot coals. The feeling after cannot be expressed in words although euphoric, at peace, centered all come to mind. I thanked him for his generosity in allowing me to experience such a life changing event.
I will never forget his response; “how you feel now, what if you could feel like this everyday? Consider striving for this in your life, remember the body can do amazing things.” A life changing moment.
Tunnels, Trestles and the Trail
Six tunnels in total, none as long as the first yet cautiously fun. The floor is slick, wet and dark but the coolness feels good as the miles add up. The trestles provide an elevated view of the valley below and thankfully they are sturdy and easy to navigate. The weather has been pleasantly mild considering the forces was cold and rainy. The interesting things about these runs; for the most part I run alone.
Despite all the people that have signed up and leave the start simultaneously after a few miles, I tend to end up on a big stretch where I am alone with nature and in my element. Today is no different. I have been alternating positions with another guy starting just after the first tunnel and up to about mile six but haven’t seen him in a while. I imagine that the trail back up may change this as I am not back to 100% yet.
That will definitely leave a mark
This is my first official run since an injury back in January while cross country skiing. Landing on my right buttocks I was able to jump back up and finish the day. As the days and weeks went by the pain only became worse. I could not flex my hip without pain in my buttocks/Ischial Tuberosity. Ice, NSAIDS stretching gentle range of motion and yep you guessed it; running.
I really shouldn’t call it running, it was really more like trying to walk fast without lifting my leg too high. February and then into March and I am pushing through the pain but honestly nothing is improving. I have a Negative Split half marathon in April that I am trying to get ready for but pretty discouraged at this point. I am not getting myself better. I cave finally and ask for help. I reach out to a local Acupuncturist for help. Session one is three days before the race and after evaluation she gives me an hour long session. Feeling better and despite her recommendations NOT to run, I plan on running. I am however a realist and the deal I make with myself is simple.
On Saturday if I can run 200 yards without pain then I can run on Sunday. Saturday morning I am up early, stretch well, take ibuprofen and the usual pre-run ritual. Out the door, headphones in and Pearl Jam setting the pace. 200 yards is all, if I feel really good then a mile or two will be my cut off and I run on Sunday. Well needless to say, I did not make it 200 yards, nor did I make it 200 feet. I felt no better today than I did two weeks ago or a month before that. Sadly I took off my shoes and looked reality in the mirror. I saw running nowhere.
Upward and Onward
At mile seven and a half a marker designates the halfway point, and the turnaround and the ascent back to the start/finish of the run. I am curious how my hip will do but positive that the sheer beauty and joy of this experience will be enough to push me to the end.
