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.
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.
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.
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