REI Inspired Walk Week

Greetings! Last year around Thanksgiving Shannan told me that REI closed on Black Friday. The company encouraged their employees to take the day off work and to get outside. That is a powerful move for a retail company, particularly on a day known for a high volume sales. We remembered the concept this year, and engaged in an expanded form. Beginning Friday, November 17, we made sure to get out for a walk through Thanksgiving week and the following weekend. It was a total of 10 days.

We encountered light rain once and a few chilly mornings as we trekked on trails and in parks. The experience was grand. We visited 11 different paths in four counties. We walked in the woods, up hills, across paved paths and along several water sources. Shannan and I agreed this would become a Thanksgiving custom.

REI, thanks for the inspiration.

Go Outside. Run.

Tom

Click the link below for information about the REI Go Outdoors program.

https://www.rei.com/blog/news/optoutside-will-you-go-out-with-us

One Thankful Runner

Greetings! I read a book some years ago about the Power of Gratitude. One of my take away activities from the book is that I track the things I’m thankful for every day. We are at that time of year when many folks are intentionally thankful. I am so grateful for good health, and all that running does to keep me healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.

In Atlanta, like other cities, Thanksgiving morning is a time for road races all town. I’ve mentioned how some smart watches use badges for incentives. Mine has a badge for completing a 5K on Thanksgiving Day.  I plan to be grateful as I earn that badge tomorrow.

Be Thankful. Run.

Tom

Chasing Daylight

Greetings! I never tire of watching the sun rise while running. I count it as one of the many advantages of going for a run early in the morning. Recently, as the plain of the road changed and the sun appeared to be rising in elapsed time mode. That was fun, and it gave a stunning view of the horizon.  Every time I watch the sun rise while out on the road I’m reminded the world is a beautiful place. Many think my ever present good mood is linked to endorphin release of daily exercise. There are chemical reactions, for sure.  Add to that the majesty of the natural world and you have a recipe for a great way to start the day.

Sun Rise. Sun Set. Run.

Tom

Rain for Life

Greetings! Shannan and I went to Sacramento, CA to celebrate the life of her Uncle Don. The weekend and memorial gathering were tremendous tributes to Don. His family and friends really love and respect him. My friend, Chet, used to use this phrase, “He’s a prince of a man.”

Generally, when we visit Sacramento I take great pleasure in running along the American River. I didn’t get out to my favorite river park this time. Saturday, I ran through the Village at Fair Oaks, in the rain. Though, I don’t love running in wet weather, it was sort of fun. Unquestionably, the experience went well as I didn’t focus on the weather as much as I thought about Don and reflected of how precious life is. It’s times like these when it’s easy to understand that being out in the rain isn’t that bad. In fact, it’s a great time to realize how important rain is to life.

Run in the Rain.

Tom

Canyons and Mountains Oh My!

Greetings! In the last 30 days Shannan and I have climbed three mountains and explored one canyon. What a great time it was running and hiking at Brasstown Bald (Georgia’s highest mountain), Stone Mountain (Georgia’s most visited mountain), Kennesaw Mountain (Metropolitan Atlanta’s highest point) and Providence Canyon (Georgia’s Grand Canyon). One and all, these are excellent destinations to visit, exercise and spend the day away from the daily routine. 

Most recently, we spent the weekend at Stone Mountain. We stayed in a Yurt in the park earlier this year.  It’s not our custom to return to the same place so soon. However, last February it came to our attention the Stone Mountain Park now has inert RVs for rent. We couldn’t resist.

Many folks call camping in a Yurt “glamping.” I disagree in that a Yurt doesn’t have plumbing or heat. The RV experience was glamping for sure, not only did we have a full bath, heat and air, but there were two TVs with cable. My friends, that is not camping at all. The RV turned out to be a real treat as it rained heavily Saturday night and Sunday morning brought temperatures in the low 30s with high winds.

Saturday we took part in the Fall Fest at camp ground, which included a magician, apple cider, roasted marshmallows, a hayride and pumpkin decorating. We also explored new trails in the park. Early Sunday morning we climbed the mountain in the cold. Uphill wasn’t so bad, but the decent with the wind in our face was unpleasant.

Explore High and Low Places. Run.

Tom