Running to the greenery

Running is so much fun.  

This was a couple years back, but the feeling is there!

I've just been loving it.

I think I am enjoying simply being outside, moving my body and seeing green around me instead of four walls.

At least I study plants!

It's my final semester of my Masters of Science, and planning for a 2 month ultra journey while I write my thesis, means many hours at the computer sitting on my butt. 

Fortunately, Reba is a great study buddy!

 Outside, the sun still rises and sets, the tides rise and fall, the tourists in Waikiki where I live lay out in the crowded beaches like sardines in a tin, and I’m mostly inside thinking, reading, typing and playing with data.  

Coffee helps!

The length of my runs has been perhaps suffering, but the quality is so blissful: my legs are feeling stronger after cross training with ballet and spinning.

Feels good!

I'm deep in AT planning, and have a new tab on the blog- an equipment list for in-kind donations.  Anything helps and proceeds from the 2 month journey will benefit The Nature Conservancy.

Running in Service

I've been enjoying playing on the trails a lot lately.

Any hour, any day, I'm just enjoying the simplicity of placing one foot in front of the other.

I think part of my pure joy right now is that I am running in preparation for the Appalachian Trail in service of the earth and in service of community.

I am more present on the trail, more focused on the act of running than on my ego or internal dialogue.

A few weekends ago, I had the pleasure of pacing for a runner in the HURT 100 footrace right here in my Oahu backyard.  When the journey on the tough technical trail ended, I realized I had paced for over 20 hours, but felt fresh and fulfilled at the end of it all.
Happy to help a fellow trail stepper!

 Pacing for other runners, or running with buddies just for the fun of it has lightened my mood and brightened my heart.

I've been taking every opportunity to get out on the trails; whether runner or hiking and even bringing my older dog along (which means sometimes slower going).

Overall I feel slowed down and reflective, and I am deeply appreciative of this state of mind.

I think with my final semester in my Masters program upon me, and a LONG and challenging run coming up ahead, I am enjoying my steady slow pace and easy going attitude.

Don't get me wrong: I am working hard in my program collecting my data, applying for grants, and preparing logistics of both research and the AT run.

But, I am beginning to enjoy the work more, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life:
a softly pink beach at sunset, a home cooked meal, a wag of my dogs tail, or just a stretch of my shoulders or neck.

Doing the work I do, both in botany and running, is a large part of this attitude.

At this time, on this earth, in this climate, I think we must think outside of ourselves more than ever before.  Our planet and our communities need our attention.