Well said littlebirdie. I grew up playing outdoors in the woods of southeast Michigan. I went to the University of Montana and hiked in the Rocky Mountains and swam in the blackfoot river etc. I have always had a deep love for nature but I too find myself slipping further away from nature. Recently I have taken up running as a hobby just so I can be outside. When I first started, I would run right up to my car or door and then be done. Now I leave at least 1/2 a mile to walk at the end so that I can meander for a bit and enjoy my surroundings. I think I need to start camping again. Enjoy that bike ride to the volcano!
This thread actually inspired me to get up at 4 am and go for a nice hour-long walk along the dry riverbed this morning. And oh! So glad I did! I saw a coyote hiding behind a cottonwood tree. He watched me ramble through the sparse bosque. I felt his eyes on my back for a long, long time. I will walk again tomorrow morning, think I will make this my new ritual. Running is great idea! I might give that a go - it would make the morning ritual a bit warmer!
That's wonderful to hear, I'm glad that our conversation last night inspired you. A coyote? That's fantastic! I'm also glad to hear that you're considering running, I have found it to be a fantastic addition to my life. I enjoy reading your comments, they certainly paint a beautiful picture. Have a great day.
I used to run and miss it. 7 years ago, I was driving to Santa Fe for a poetry reading, and a drunk driver hit me, sent me and my wee little car rolling head over tail like a spring tumbleweed. Ended up in an arroyo, upside down. So lucky to be alive, I am. Shattered two disks in my back, which ended The Run for then, but I am healed now, and I bet could start without issue. And yeah, that morning walk was so glorious. I am still thinking about it.
littlebirdie, your positive energy rules. I look forward to hearing about your foray back in to the life of a runner. Also, should you find the time, I'd love to hear that banjo-duo of yours. Cheers!
Well. I did it. Ran clear from the end of my street to the river. Half a mile. Ugh. I thought I would burst a lung! Funny how you think you are in amazing shape for your age and then BAM! The universe laughs. It was fun, it did warm me up, and I walked forty five minutes longer along the dry river praying for rain or snow, at least on the mountains so we can have a river again in the spring. Now I'm back, and all the better for it.
That's fantastic! Not to be cliché but every journey starts with a step. Today's half-mile is tomorrow's half marathon. Have a great day!