A Morning On the Trails

A Morning On The Trails

When Fall comes it brings with some of the best running weather. Cooler temperatures, beautiful Fall colors, and the opportunity to run at all points of the day. This morning I had the opportunity to go trail running with a group as part of a plan to improve my running form. No matter where we are in running journey there is always something to work on. As frustrating as that thought can be some days, it is nice to think that we can always improve and continue to learn and grow. Maybe that also provides another thread of connection in the running community.

As part of the group this morning there were all skill levels, endurance levels, and even those coming back from injury. It meant that we all could approach the trail run to suit our own needs and goals but in the end come back together and still enjoy the company.

To be honest, I had not been trail running in years, but I vividly remember my strong ability to eat it on the trails. Even knowing that I was looking forward to the run. The first part of the run was straight up because why not start with a good uphill run? The beauty of trail running though is knowing that hiking is apart of the day. It is necessary to let go of ego and understand that the wisdom behind walking.

The run then took us down hill into trails lined with trees. We could not see what was around the next turn but that made it all the better. Running in the moment not worrying about the miles or the time just getting lost in the run itself. Until yours truly bit it scraping up my knee. Even then that didn't stop me from enjoying the joy and freedom of running out in the open with a group of wonderful people.

There was no sense of needing to make a certain time per mile so we enjoyed the opportunity to look at views, take pictures, and stop at trail heads to make sure we were all together. One of the joys of being in the running community is that we care for each other even if we don't know each other well. I will tell you a story one day about how things has showed up many times.

When the run was over it was all smiles. Everyone had a good time and I was reminded of how great trail running was for strengthening muscles something I know I need to make my running more efficient.

Runner's World published an article entitled 21 Quick Trail Running Tips if you to would like to join me out on the trails. Fair warning, you might find it addicting. Just in case you need a reason to try trail running Active can give you 5 Reasons to Try Trailing Running.

Why Triathlon?

Why Triathlon?

"I hate running!" That was my resentment as a young kid. Like many of us of there we were all required to a run the mile. Our gym teacher made it clear that if we didn't do it or we walked it that would mean a falling grade. So that was my introduction to running. I couldn't make it 100 meters before I would have to walk thus failing the simple mile run.

With an introduction to running such as this maybe my statement about running wasn't so far fetched. 

However, one sport that I did find enjoyable was swimming. I spent many years on swim teams and enjoyed the opportunity to be in the water. There was always something so freeing about being able to swim even though I was never the best swimmer on the team. Yet I would keep coming back year after year.

It has never crossed my mind to do a triathlon. In fact, I made it know I would not do a triathlon because it was too hard or maybe because it was such a crazy idea. Who would want to do three sports back to back? "I will never do a triathlon."

As the saying goes, "Famous last words."

Years lat I was walking through the expo at an Alzheimer's Association event and came across a table with an interesting sign atop it - ALZ STARS. What was this all about? I was curious and stopped. What I did not know was that decision would change my life.

The ALZ STAR program, founded in 2010 by the Alzheimer's Association, create an opportunity for runners, cyclists, swimmers, and triathletes to test their limits while pursuing progress in Alzheimer's care, support, and research locally and nationwide. In essence athletes were offered the opportunity increase awareness, raise funds to help with the fight against Alzheimer's, and inspire others. 

According to the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and the only cause of death among the top 10 in the Untied States that cannot be prevented, slowed, cured or even slowed. You can learn more about Alzheimer's by watching this short video created by the Alzheimer's Association.

In the previous months, I had just watched my grandfather die because of this horrible disease. I understood the pain that this disease could cause not only for the person who had the disease but for the family. I never wanted any other family to slowly watch as the disease took a loved one away. Here was my opportunity to become involved. The sign next to the table listed a few events that the Association had selected to be involved in the coming months. There were running events, cycling events, and of course there was a triathlon.

That was my introduction into the sport of triathlon. I decided to do triathlon to make a difference in the lives of others but of course along the way it made a difference in my own life as well. I continue to do triathlon because I want to make a difference. I can't be an expert in everything but I can do something rather then remain still. Come join me as I take you along on my next big adventure to raise awareness and funds for another organization that makes a difference in the lives of families.