Trail Magic

Last week, one of my best friends came into town for a visit and we hit the trails together right away.  She's training for her first ultramarathon, a 50k in her home state of Virginia. 

When planning for the visit, we talked about her training, and decided to do a couple long runs together.  My enthusiasm mounted as her visit approached; a perfect opportunity to hit the gorgeous trails of Hawaii!

So, on a clear and bright perfect Big Island day, Erin and I set out for one of my favorite spots here, the Waipio Valley.  

This is a magical spot on the island; at the north shore.  The Waipio Valley is nestled between steep mountains, awe-inspiring waterfalls and an expansive black sand beach.

Leaving at 5 a.m. from my place in Kona, we started out on our run/ hike at about 6:30 a.m.  The morning light was perfect; the sky was bright and the temperatures mild.  Ah, Hawaii!!  After descending into the valley, crossing a river, and traversing the beach, we hoofed it up the "z trail" with views galore.

The real treat for me, came after the crest of the z trail.  The trail leads you to a shaded forest with soft pine needles and tall trees.  The change of scenery into lush forest, allows my body and brain to shift into a different state of mind.

I call this trail magic.  It's as if I've shifted in a lower gear; or perhaps a "neutral" gear.  I am no longer striving or holding back, I am myself; free from bonds.  This is partly a mental state; my mind relaxes, flows easily from thought to thought and is receptive to my surrounds.  Trail magic changes me physically and spiritually as well.  Physically, my body flows easily through it's motions; ascending with short, quick strides, letting my legs, shoulders, back and neck relax as I descend to the next gully.

Spiritually, trail magic leads to unexpected realizations, connections, and deepening friendships.  Our minds, bodies and souls are open, allowing for magical encounters.  Some of my fondest memories with friends and acquaintances come from shared experiences on trails.

I feel immensely grateful that I've had the opportunity to get out on trails, that I've strengthened my body to get me out there and feel the trail magic.  I'm getting planned and ready for a 400 mile run on the Appalachian Trail this July, and can hardly wait to be immersed in this kind of beauty.  

Power and Progress

Lately, my thoughts have been a bit of a jumble, with plans for graduate school, a move, massage apprenticeship, a half Ironman in June, and an upcoming epic running adventure on the Appalachian Trail this summer.  Wow, no wonder my mind can't focus; it's full!

Running helps

Although to the outside observer this may seem like an awful lot to have on one's plate, however, I appreciate the fullness of my life and plans.  Otherwise would I really be living?  I suppose I prefer a life brimming over with ideas, connections, and love; rather than one that felt empty.

The fullness of my plate; salad with lentils, sweet potatoes, cucumber and tomato with a garnish of grapefruit for extra iron absortion.  All good stuff!

I believe this is in part what defines many endurance athletes; we grab life by the tail and go for it!  We do not wait for dreams and plans to happen to other people; letting time slip past as we save something for "later".  Who knows when later might come?

Last weekend, I participated in a fun Olympic Distance Triathlon, Lavaman, here on the Big Island.  This was just three weeks after my first Ultramarathon in Mexico.  Rather than feeling like this was too much, I saw it as an opportunity to recover with new sports, have fun and launch into training for the half Ironman I'll be doing this June.  

And it was super fun.  Fantastically fun.  I had a huge smile on my face throughout (besides the swim, where I was somewhat fighting for my life, but still...).  I was so happy to be outside, with other active folks, moving forward and using my body in a healthy way.

This past weekend, I camped and ran 34 miles over three days in Volcano National Park.  Yes, I'm going for it!  

My intake helps.  I believe that if it weren't for the food I prepare for myself, and the care I give to my body, I would not be able to accomplish these things with short amounts of recovery time.  

I'm dedicated to spreading these ideas about health, plant based diets and active life-styles to others.  Here is my classmate in massage school, who I am giving nutrition and running coaching to.  She's been psyched to eat more greens, healthy grains and is already starting to feel much more energetic.  

Running on plants makes me feel powerful.  I want to embrace this and do more.  I have a dream of running a farm based health and outdoor school; and started the formal non-profit, Wildstar Farm and Folk School last year.  This summer while running 400 miles of the Appalachian Trail, I will raise donations for the non-profit.

I'm looking forward to sharing my full plate with others!