Dry Run

I’ve enjoyed many runs in the warm and arid state of Arizona. Like all the others, a recent outing in Tucson didn’t disappoint. I’m fond of all land forms, mountains, coasts, plains and forests; however, I have a particular affinity towards deserts. For me, nothing compares to the rugged landscapes of the desert. Early mornings and evenings come with a cool breeze that invigorates. In desert valleys, like Tucson, the sun blazes its way across the horizon painting the encircling mountains in hues of blue, orange and gold. Truly a sight to behold.

On this run I gazed upon the sunrise, thinking of how spiritually profound the daily event is. I was so busy looking up and contemplating that I didn’t notice another runner low down on the path. I crossed paths with a coyote on the move. Fortunately, he had no interest in me and the two of us keep going in opposite directions.

I returned to the hotel, along the way enjoying birds announcing day’s first light, marketers busily setting up a swap meet, stray dogs frolicking in a dry creek bed, and a band of wayward folks cooking breakfast on a barbeque grill under a bridge. Feeling completely emotionally, physically, spiritually fulfilled from the fifty minutes of cardio exercise, I cleaned up and joined my family for the day’s cadre of tourist activities. We headed off to the Bread & Butter Café for a hearty Southwest breakfast and then on to the tourism Mecca of Tombstone.

What more could a guy want in life?

Tom

Push toward the prize

I went to Northwest Georgia and ran in the mountains of a state park. The break of dawn run started out a bit chilly. I found a trail I hadn’t been on before and made tracks. Several marked trails intersected along the way. I stayed on the main path until I came to a fork of sorts. To my dismay the main trail had a severe incline, so I opted for the easier path to the right. After I took the turn I gave my choice some thought. I recalled as a younger man I would have wanted to conquer the mountain.

A few minutes later the path of least resistance emptied into a parking lot. I had no option but to turn back to whence I had come. When I found myself back at the fork, I jogged in place and thought about surging upwards. I checked my watch, plenty of time had passed. I really didn’t have the spirit for an uphill push, not this morning. I turned to head back to the car. Then, impulsively, I spun back around and began my ascent. I moved slowly, certainly slower than I would have in years past. I did not attack the mountain. I headed up gradually and steadily.

After a mile or so, I arrived at a slight plateau, with still much mountain to climb. Breathing heavily and feeling tired, I looked back down. I longed just to take the easy way back, but I had started this stupid undertaking, so I decided to give it at least a few more minutes. Three quarters of a mile or so brought me around a bend in the trail and in the opening ahead I saw a glimpse of a water fall. I love water. I especially love to run close to water. I picked up the pace and hustled toward the beautiful cascading vision on my horizon.

I forgot about my breathing, my aching. I forgot about the time. I raced to the waterfall. The sounds, smells and sight of it inspired me. It strengthened me. It engulfed me. I called out to God as I drew closer. I praised God for the astonishing creation. I thanked God for the ability to acknowledge and appreciate this natural wonder. I thanked God that I had pressed onward and upward to receive this gift of Creation.

Closer and closer, I found the sight to be more fantastic to behold than I had imagined. The falling water formed a teal green pool of pure radiance. A walkway had been built traversing behind the spray of water, and it gave view to caves. Oh, what a sight! Oh, the moment. I blessed and praised God and ran in place for some time, enjoying and embracing moment of grace, the moment of joy.

Like a boulder crashing down from high above, I realized that had I not endured the extra effort, I would not have found this precious place. Had I pushed too hard running uphill, I might not have made it to this place of peace, this place of personal and spiritual epiphany.

I saw much. I heard much. I learned about life. I listened. I prayed.

Tom

He’s not a runner. He’s my brother.

Tragedy struck my family this week. My brother, Tim, unexpectedly passed away. He lived only 52 years. As you might imagine, his friends and family remain in shock. I note this here as once again I find my daily exercise serves many functions. I worked out ferociously when I learned Tim died. This allowed me to release a great deal of frustration and anger. I found exercising late in the evening helped to tire me out and ensured a full night’s sleep. Another great advantage of exercise is the time that might otherwise seem monotonous, proves perfect for remembering, and reflecting.

Tim wasn’t a fitness enthusiast; nonetheless he was my brother and always will be.

In loving memory of Tim Freeman.

Tom

Friends Make Good Runners

Want to go for a run? That question lacks the popularity of its counterparts like: Want to go out for dinner? Want to get a drink? Want to take in a movie? But for kindred road runners, to go for a run together is the combination of two of the best things life has to offer, running and friendship.

Nearly ten years ago 100 or so staff members came together to open a new elementary school. In short order, and how I can’t recall, the small contingent of runners found one another. Over the years various and sundry pairs or groups have enjoyed daily runs, run in races and even competed in a relay marathon. Susan, one of the original members from that first year started a running club for the students (which is wildly successful). As runners we formed ties that bind beyond that of coworkers. Even though people have moved and encountered major life changes all of the original runners from our school can all be linked easier than a group on Facebook.

I have enjoyed time with many running partners from school, but one partnership stands out from the others. Mary Jude and I began running together in 2001. Since then we have jogged on streets, in parks, tracks, sidewalks and even through a cemetery. We have shared many miles and monumental life stories. I saw Mary Jude and her husband just the other day after over a year. We didn’t part ways before she asked, “Want to go for a run?”

I answered, “Yes!”

Skip the vogue trip to the coffee shop, ask a friend to go for a run.

Tom

Running Smarter

After finishing a fantastic run in Opelika, AL I breezed into our hotel lobby. A wall-mounted television blared Fox News. Just as I entered, the host reported on a breaking benefit of jogging. As you might imagine, he hooked my attention and held it. Polished both in appearance and articulation, the reporter noted that many have long acknowledged the numerous benefits associated with jogging. To the long list of advantages previously determined, now running is purported to make you smarter. Yes, it’s true. An article posted on WebMD contains data from research indicating that running stimulates the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for memory and learning.

So, if you want a great method for weight management, to be active, to increase cardiovascular health and to be smarter than a fifth grader, then run and run regularly.

Be healthy. Be smarter. Be a runner.

Tom