Sunday, September 07, 2008

Beauty morning.

This morning we went running in the foothills of the Sandias - a whole bunch of us doing the Colorado Relay this Friday, including the BIRTHDAY BOY himself, on his first run since Leanhorse 2 weeks ago.

At dawn we headed out. Since I'm nursing my leg, I took it easy, heading out at the breakneck hiking pace of about 17 min/mi. I did the first 2 miles that way, then turned around the did a slow, loping jog back at about a 13 min/mile pace. On my iPod, I was listening to Winter, by Josh Radin, Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson, and a host of other really nice, peaceful songs.

I wish I had pictures for you, but all I had with me was my crappy phone. So here's all I have.

You know, I've tried meditating before. Oh, I've heard all about how fabulous it is...the peace it instills, how it clears your head. Problem is, I have a problem with attention. Kinda hyper. So sitting still and just being is, well, not in my repertoire. Sweet Baboo says I remind him of a butterfly, flitting from one thing, or idea, to another. Meditating, for me, is hard. And, I've tried, believe me, and half the time I find myself checking my watch, and the half of the time I fall asleep. It's not for me.

But a run at dawn in the foothills? Or on the bosque? Baby, that is my meditation! When I'm done there's nothing, or nobody, that can piss me off.

I jogged past a man who was huffing and puffing, and called out, Beauty morning, ay? and he looked at me like I was insane. It just seemed like, in that moment, in this place, that Good morning was an inept salutation.

I was struck with how lucky I was to be moving on my two legs across this wonderful space, and how, if it weren't for Sweet Baboo, I might not have ever wound up here.

And then the sun came up and blinded me and I tripped over nearly every damned rock in my path. But it was still a great morning.

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14 comments:

  1. Many happy returns to SB!!

    I understand exactly what you mean about meditation -- swimming is mine.

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  2. Anonymous5:41 PM

    I did a trail run yesterday, and I can relate completely to the feelings you described! It is so peaceful and invigorating.

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  3. I was just thinking about this the other day! I've tried several times to get into a regular meditation practice but I just cannot sit still AND quiet my mind at the same time. On a long run, though, or sometimes on a long swim? Totally.

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  4. Anonymous7:00 PM

    I love finding that happy place when training. Glad you enjoyed the morning...yes, Albuquerque is a pretty cool place to live :)

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  5. I don't think I could sit still either to meditate.... haven't really tried though.

    the picture you took does look beautiful, what a great area to run in. On my long jaunt this weekend (21 miles!) I was having a bit of a mental battle with myself on finishing, when I finally had to say outloud to myself, "You are out on a beautiful trail and you are able to run, enjoy it!" I started looking at all the beauty around me, and my attitude quickly changed!

    Although three gals from my tri team were running on the same trail I was, and saw a cougar not too long before I ran the same stretch! that will keep your senses alive and kicking... there were also newly posted signs (since last week) of bear sightings.

    I "thought" I saw a million things in the bushes, but I didn't really see anything!

    Can't complain when I am able to run in such a wonderful and beautiful area with wildlife!
    Em

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  6. I think this is referred to as worshiping at the alter of the trail run. What could be better?

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  7. Wow, we had such polar opposite runs today, but we both got to run in some BEAUTIFUL landscapes.

    Great pictures! It looks really pretty there. I have never been to New Mexico. I will look forward to more shots of your trails. I am quite addicted to trail running these days.

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  8. It sounds great! I have a hard time meditating too. And I agree, exercise is meditation.

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  9. How cool- what a way to start the day!

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  10. Sounds wonderful. I, too, have a hard time being still for long periods of time. (kids can do that to you, haha). Glad you had a peaceful morning.

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  11. Yeah for pretty morning runs!!!

    Hey- I fully switched my blog over from my sponsorhouse to blogspot.

    Here's the link to um.. well, re-link. :) http://triathletebride.blogspot.com/

    Cheers!!
    Courtney

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  12. Active meditation is just as good for you...you get yours trail running! Me too!
    Rhythmic breathing-deep breathing and beauty! It's all there-plus you get the added extra of actually WORKING OUT!
    Stick to what you love.
    And I LOVE the video of Steve...what a crazy, fun guy!
    (Unable to comment on the exact post for some reason!)

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  13. Love the song Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson :)
    It was the song in my head for my last tri ... I need to get out for more morning runs like this

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  14. "I was struck with how lucky I was to be moving on my two legs across this wonderful space"

    Yes, indeed. :-)

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