Thursday, July 14, 2011

Back to the Basics

There’s something incredible seductive about a perfectly cloudless, blue sky set behind a crystal clear, sun bathed mountain range. It’s hard to believe there are people in the world that, unlike us, are not called to wander and explore a beautiful landscape on a beautiful day. Our species did not originate in an air-conditioned, closed space. Our legs did not evolve to push the gas pedal of a car, or stand in an elevator. Our hands did not form for the purpose of moving the stick on a video game controller, or hit the answer button on a phone. Our legs were made to run and walk. Our hands were made to climb and make tools. Our bodies are endurance super-machines, and yet most people shudder at the thought of running more than a mile or two.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Runner's High

I know it’s been a long time since I paid any attention to Climb Run Wander. Needless to say, my life has taken more and more turns and it seems like the last three years have been spent searching, frantically for my passions and for my callings. But, alas, I have returned and I hope to stay this time.

Yesterday, I went for a run and so when I decided to start this come-back, it seemed appropriate to do so with a few words on part of the title of this humble blog. Running is a sport that, although it has a huge following, with races that more than 20,000 sign up for, is vastly under-appreciated in this day and age. So I’d like to begin with that.

I wake up yesterday, at 4:15am. The sun is barely starting to approach the horizon and the light glow of dawn lights my room as I put on my racelab triathlon shorts and triathlon top. After fiddling with my contact lenses, eating a quick bowl of cereal, and preparing my water, I drive to the Reach 11 trail area in North Phoenix with the radio off, just enjoying the quiet, Sunday morning.