Running Trails. . .Sort Of

Yesterday, rather than running one of my courses near my house I ran at a park close to Cindy's house. It has ball fields, tennis courts and a running/walking path all the way around the park. it's a pretty good sized park. It even has some trails through the nearby woods to run or ride. In the midst of my run I decided try give the tails a whirl. It was way cool!

I now have a new found respect for my friend Gene. He does stinkin' long trail runs - FOR FUN!! As I ran I discovered the beauty and fun of running through the woods as well as the difficulty of running trails.

When I was a kid my friends, brothers, and I would take off through the woods. Running, jumping, hopping, and soaring down the trails. Yesterday's run brought some of that back. I can't thoroughly explain the feeling, but it was definitely there and I enjoyed every minute of it - even the run back UP the trail.

But in my zeal and excitement I quickly learned that I had to be constantly focused on my footing - roots, pine needles, holes, the sand, and anything that could possibly send my flying down the trail face first. I can just picture my face plant on Funniest Home Videos. I also realized the desperate need for balance and pace. I could have the best footing in the world, but without balance I would twist an ankle or flex a knee the wrong way as I transferred weight from one foot to another on rocks, dirt, or whatever. Pace enabled me to prepare for what was coming so I could see where I needed to step.

I may be over analyzing the experience. So. . .for that matter, just know that it was a blast. I really had a great run and even enjoyed running on the open trail. I look forward to running more trails sometime soon.

Gene - my hat's off to you friend!

Mike