
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

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? O

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.
...
Many happy returns to SB!!
ReplyDeleteI understand exactly what you mean about meditation -- swimming is mine.
I did a trail run yesterday, and I can relate completely to the feelings you described! It is so peaceful and invigorating.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI love finding that happy place when training. Glad you enjoyed the morning...yes, Albuquerque is a pretty cool place to live :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could sit still either to meditate.... haven't really tried though.
ReplyDeletethe 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
I think this is referred to as worshiping at the alter of the trail run. What could be better?
ReplyDeleteWow, we had such polar opposite runs today, but we both got to run in some BEAUTIFUL landscapes.
ReplyDeleteGreat 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.
It sounds great! I have a hard time meditating too. And I agree, exercise is meditation.
ReplyDeleteHow cool- what a way to start the day!
ReplyDeleteSounds 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.
ReplyDeleteYeah for pretty morning runs!!!
ReplyDeleteHey- 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
Active meditation is just as good for you...you get yours trail running! Me too!
ReplyDeleteRhythmic 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!)
Love the song Keep Breathing by Ingrid Michaelson :)
ReplyDeleteIt was the song in my head for my last tri ... I need to get out for more morning runs like this
"I was struck with how lucky I was to be moving on my two legs across this wonderful space"
ReplyDeleteYes, indeed. :-)