I stated hitting the trail again about 4 weeks ago fairly regularly. Driving up to the San Joaquin River Trail amd running by myself, and sometimes with close friends. It's very freeing to go out there and push myself on the trail. There are no distractions, just me and the trail... and sometimes a good friend. There is plenty of time to just zone out, and time to think about life. I love going for long runs on the trail, and just being out in nature.
The conversation of life and death, God, religion, and many other complicated things of that nature have been constantly coming up lately. When I've been running with my friends, and by myself, this seems to be the main topic of conversation lately.
My view on these things have drastically changed over the past decade, especially since I started trail running back in 2010. The more I run on the trail, especailly during those runs where I am pushing really hard, the closer I feel to... whatever it is that might be out there.
Running in the mountains, on the trail, being one with the trail, seeing the amazing views that I've seen... it's breath taking. It has changed my view on life. When you are running in the middle of nowhere, sometimes you have to just stop for a second and take a look at where you are. You see a raging river, a deer, a vacant desert, an amazing mountain range... things that you can only see if you run, hike, or walk several miles further than most people couldn't even imagine traveling on foot.
While running, I've seen amazing sunsets, a night time sky filled with stars, and beautiful sun rises... it's hard not to believe in something when you constantly see things like this. There is so much beauty on the trail, at times it's overwhelming.
The other day I was on my usual Tuesday morning run with my friend Sunny. Almost all of our run was spent discussing existence, random things that happen that seem more than random, religion, and God. I like hearing my friends views and experiences with these things. I think it's important to listen and learn from the people around us, and to listen with an open-mind. It's important to really listen to people, and not just wait for your turn to talk. Truly listening is a skill that most people have lost.
Today I went for a run on the trail. I was alone on the trail for just over 3 hours. I love being out there by myself and just focusing on the trail, being 100% aware of every step and breath I take. Feeling in sync with nature... with life. Things that didn't make sense seem to feel a little clearer in my life right now. Opening my mind to things I use to be close minded about... changing the way I view things...
Do I believe in God... I've had a few very close friends ask me this question lately. It's hard to say "no" when you're standing next to a flowing river, looking up at the stars in the middle of the night, and taking in a beautiful view in the middle of nowhere on a trail.
Is there something out there? I really hope so...
until next time...
KEEP RUNNING!!!!
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