Get Off the Couch!

I recently joined the UltraList... an email chain of like-minded people who are into this crazy sport of ultra marathoning.  I mostly sit back and observe the list.  People tell tales of recent races.  Share training and racing tips.  Seek advice.  Being new to the list, and new to ultramarathons, I like to just listen and learn.  (Though this is really hard sometimes, because as you know, I do have a lot of opinions.)  This morning I opened an email titled "why I run".  The author shared the story of a recent run in a wilderness area and his encounter with some elk, and very close encounter with a mountain lion who happened to be stalking the elk.  His final words explained that at least now when someone asks why he runs, he will have a story to tell.  Because 'things like this just don't happen on my couch.' 

I loved his final point.  We don't live life sitting on the couch.  Life passes us by when we are idle.  Television is a mindless activity.  And yes, it can be entertaining, even educational at times.  But I don't want to live vicariously through the actors on television.  I want to create my own drama.  When we are out in the world, exploring, investigating, following our passions- that's when we are living.  That inspired me to share my favorite past time- trail running.  I really fell in love with trail running a year ago when I signed up for the Aravaipa Running DRT (desert runner trail) Series.  Having only ever run on one trail (I get lost very easily!) I used this series as a way to safely explore some other trails around the valley.  The series took us to 5 different parks, once a month over the fall and winter, to tackle 16-20 miles on some serious trails.  My average time for the series is longer than my marathon time.  But I loved every second of it (and I only got lost twice)!

In the past 4 weeks I have run 143 miles.  77 of those miles have been on trails.  That's pretty freakin' awesome.  I love running, and even more, I love running trails.  My weekends are scheduled around my 4:30 wake up call, 5 am departure, so I can be on the trails by 6 am.  What I enjoy most about trail running is the solitude.  There are no cars.  The only sounds I hear are my foot falls, my breathing and the occasional scuttle of an animal in the brush.  It's peaceful.  I can push myself as hard as I want, or I can just relax and run easy and enjoy the day.  And everyone on trails is in a good mood.  Whenever I pass a mountain biker, hiker or another runner there is ALWAYS a greeting from both parties.  Unlike when I run roads... and I get the "glare" after I offer up a cheerful "good morning".  Yet, for some reason, I cannot not greet everyone I pass!  You would think I could break this habit, but what can I say.  I am a Midwest girl at heart. 

The other great thing about running trails is the leg strength you develop.  On the road, I can shuffle along and not pay any attention to where my feet are.  Only on the rare occasion do I trip over an uneven bit of sidewalk.  On the trails, I have to pay constant attention to where my feet are.  I trip over everything if I slack off for even a moment.  I am hurdling logs, side stepping stones and avoiding cactus (cacti?) all while keeping my eye on the trail for my biggest fear- snakes. 

I've run trails in 3 different parks over the last month.  Of the 3 parks, each set of trails is different and provides unique ways to challenge your body.  The most recent run, Pass Mountain, I've run several times and always seem to block out how difficult it actually is.  For the first 2 1/2-3 miles of the loop, you are running over very rocky terrain, huge boulders at times, and mostly uphill.  Then you encounter a steep climb up the mountain on a rock face.  The climb is very short, but slows me to a hike every time.  Once you reach the peak, and have a chance to enjoy the view, you start the descent.  I am terrified of heights, and this descent gets me every time.  For a good 1- 1 1/2 miles, you are on a narrow sandy trail on the extreme edge of the mountain.  Eventually you drop inward and have some fantastic downhill running, while still testing your ability to dodge rocks.  With a 7.5 mile total, the loop is long enough to challenge, but not so long that it wipes you out.  I might even attempt a second loop next time!

As our weather turns to fall and the mornings are more bearable, I look forward to more time on my favorite trails.  Whatever your passion is, I encourage you to pursue it this season with your whole heart.  Life doesn't happen on the couch.  Get out there and live!