My mother-in-law makes some positively amazing meatloaf. I don’t know what’s in it and I don’t want to know. I like the mystery. (I can only assume that ingredients include a mixture of sunshine, rainbows, and unicorn sparkles.
Ingredient #1 – The Scenery
Sure, you can see some beautiful stuff running on the road.
I mean those parked cars and miles of endless white line on asphalt are nice to
look at. But there is nothing that can match the beauty of a trail weaving
through the aspens or climbing to the top of a mesa and seeing the expanse of
nature surrounding you.
Ingredient #2 – The Uncertainty
Unlike the safe, predictability of road running, you never quite know what you’re going to get out on the trail. My mom’s meatloaf is not very good. And by “not very good” I mean – if you gave me the choice between eating a rusty radiator and mom’s meat loaf…..I’d choose the radiator. (I’m sorry mom. But you always taught us to be honest. Plus I’m trying to win a Scott Jurek vest from Ultimate Direction here.)
The point is that sometimes
your experience on the trail can be as bad as an episode of Golden Girls. And
sometimes it is a magically delicious experience (sorry, Lucky Charms for
breakfast). I love that feeling of knowing that every run can be an adventure.
Ingredient #3 – The People
Runners are awesome people. Runners are family. But I
experienced a new level of amazing when I got into trail and ultra running. For
example, my friend Christie was running her first 100 miler and was crippled
with horrible blisters. A guy helped her clean her feet, bandage the blisters,
and get her back on her way. He wasn’t a family member. Not an aid station
worker. He was another runner. In the middle of his own race. That, my friend, gives me goose bumps.
I also love meatloaf.
ReplyDeleteYour photos always make me so excited to hit the trails :)
ReplyDeleteI know I seriously NEED to get back into some more trail running to re-ignite the running fire in me. Sigh......
ReplyDeleteI don't make meatloaf. My husband wishes I would.
I was reading the other day about how being out in nature is like having a dose of anti-depressants. Add in the endorphins from running and you've got a pretty potent drug to make you happy. No wonder you've got such a big smile in your photos.
ReplyDeleteOh no! *Now* I have some competition! But, if *I* don't win the vest, I certain hope YOU do! Great write up! Love the story of the runner helping with blisters! Trail/Ultra runners are the BEST!
ReplyDeletep.s. I love meatloaf too.
What kind of camera do you use? Love the photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks Noah. I use a Panasonic Lumix. It's small enough to be portable but still takes great pictures.
DeleteI need to try trail running sometime. I imagine running through postcard scenery is good for the heart.
ReplyDeleteYes to everything you said. I love trail running so much more than road running. For me, it helps that on a trail I have to pay attention to what I'm doing and can't obsess (as much) about how much longer til I'm done.
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ReplyDelete