We all have experienced some pivotal moments in our life which birth memories that stay with us through years. There was one such moment in my life several years ago on a hot summer's day and a 1/2 marathon trail race that I can recall with a bit of a wince but a whole lot of joy from the lessons learned running mile after mile on that dirt trail.
Going back in time in my mind's eye, I see it all now.........
"Yesterday, I completed a 13.1 mile (well, actually 15 because of some wrong turns) trail run with, almost at every mile, hills so steep you had to crawl up them! The back half of the race was all up and down - vertical ascents and slippery descents. You definitely had to be on your toes (pun not intended) with every step. In this race the terrain changed so quickly, one would have to be in the moment and adjust accordingly. There were moments of exhilaration when running through the high grassy fields beholding the large hills curving over the horizon and stretches of blue sky gazing down at you in friendly companionship. But these moments were short-lived as just around the corner a daunting hill emerged requiring complete grit and determination with unwavering endurance. The sun beat down mercilessly and with each step, a droplet of water from my body would fall and evaporate before hitting the ground. The voice in my head kept repeating....Don't stop! Just go! Whether my pace was fast or had to slow to a crawling walk up the rocky ascents, my strength was built each moment by putting my head down and taking one step at a time. If the immense hills were not enough to test the spirit, the path also got quite narrow and was filled with obstacles to cause you to trip and fall. I didn't look to the right or left, but eyes fixated straight ahead and I came out unscathed. No rest for the weary in this race! The trail markings were not very good and being that all the paths appeared the same if you didn't look sharp, going off on a detour or wrong path that led you away from the finish line or water sources was a constant point of concern. Occasionally, you would hit a stretch of dirt that was "neutral." It would be a bit deceiving because just as you began to "zone" out a bit, that momentary ease was met with another battle to face and overcome. And on and on this went until at last, two dirt trodden shoes stepped over the finish line. The smile that accompanied those weary feet was one of supreme happiness as I reflected on the difficulty of the course and the deep joy one feels from not giving up in the presence of struggle."
Trail running, to me, is a lot like life. And the metaphorical lessons I learned that day come back to inspire me these years later.
Never give up!
~Monica
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