Trail Running isn’t “Running”

by ~jenniferlynn on November 6, 2013

in Running

I know I am supposed to be resuming my regularly scheduled Crossfit life and retire from running, but when an opportunity to do some trail running at a local state park with my Crossfit Endurance family came up, I thought I would give it a chance.

I woke up Saturday morning to a brisk morning, temperatures in the mid 40s and a fair amount of rain. I looked outside the window, consulted Facebook to make sure the run was still scheduled as planned, pondered for a good half hour on how to dress for said conditions, debating crawling right back into bed under the warm covers, remembered I have awesome trail shoes that I only wore once that were being neglected, made my way to my car and reluctantly drove to the park.

Sitting in the parking lot in my toasty car with the heated seats in full force, watching the raindrops stream down my window, I was a bit less than excited to get out of the car. But as the others were showing up, I knew I had to suck it up and just do it. There were six of us that showed up for the run, plus a pup. My coach mapped the route for us, but the plan was just to stick together as a group. The only other time I attempted a trail run, me and two other slower athletes got left behind and had quite an adventure finding our way back. I was going to try my best to keep up!

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I was about to pop in my headphones, but I quickly put them away and just ran.. and we ran together.. and everything was just beautiful. And amazing.

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This did not feel like running.

Running is uncomfortable, and boring, and stressful.

But this was not any of those things.

Throughout my struggles with running, so many have told me about this “zen” feeling they get, completely able to let go and just be in the moment. I think I discovered it this weekend.

The run This was peaceful and enjoyable and by the time we were done with our four mile trek, shoes and socks and clothes soaked from the pouring rain, trying to warm up from being overheated and sweaty against the the crisp temperatures, the only thing I was thinking about was when I can do it again.

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Lisa
Twitter: fantabulouslisa
November 6, 2013 at 2:22 pm

Beautiful post!!! I feel like i came running WITH you!
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Nicole
Twitter: mast2mar
November 6, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Yes running in beautiful areas makes running less ‘boring’ for sure! I’m lucky to be by the ocean and sloughs, so the views help the runs go by faster for sure!
Love those leaves!!! So pretty and multicolored!
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Cori November 6, 2013 at 2:54 pm

It is funny how finding the right place to run with the right group can be pretty awesome. Although I must say…I will never become a runner.

Glad you enjoyed the trail run! (P.S. I feel like rain always makes things sort of fun…and like you are in your own little world!)
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bethany lee
Twitter: bethanyjolee
November 6, 2013 at 3:01 pm

Trail running is the bomb. I get a feeling you might be following in Martha’s footsteps from being a person who hates running to being a person who adores trail running. Now you should know you are gonna love tough mudder training and tough mudder. Loved the pictures!

Bekah November 6, 2013 at 3:20 pm

Kudos to you. I certainly would have stayed under the covers. Glad it was worth it!
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Martha
Twitter: Mychickenbutt
November 6, 2013 at 3:23 pm

I have been telling you all along how fun trail running is. Now I’m glad you get to experience the zen firsthand.
And you’re right – sometimes it’s not running at all! Sometimes it’s trying not to fall down a mountain or walking up a hill that goes on for miles. It’s more of an “experience” than a workout. Good for you!!
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Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More November 6, 2013 at 3:36 pm

And this is why I trail run. The woods are my happy place.
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Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life November 6, 2013 at 3:49 pm

This looks absolutely stunning. My favorite runs are always either in nature or places I’ve never been before. Keeps it interesting.
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Jacki
Twitter: JackiRHayes
November 6, 2013 at 4:13 pm

You’re right, trail running isn’t running. You get so absorbed by the scenery around you that you can completely forget about everything else.
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Courtney @ Journey of a Dreamer
Twitter: courtnorm
November 6, 2013 at 4:26 pm

look at you…. you used the words “enjoy” and “running” together! You little runner, you!
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Alicia
Twitter: acurls
November 6, 2013 at 4:58 pm

LOVE IT.

I haven’t tried trail running yet because I’m nervous about tripping, etc… but its my goal to try it next year and do a trail race. I’m glad to hear such positive things about it 🙂
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Jenn November 6, 2013 at 5:31 pm

Very cool. I think the rain would have really dragged me down, but the scenery might have made up for it. Gorgeous.
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Danielle @ Its A Harleyyy Life
Twitter: itsaharleyylife
November 7, 2013 at 8:59 am

I love scenic runs.. it make everything so much better!

Rae November 8, 2013 at 2:54 am

Wow, what a beautiful place to run (and you know I hate running!). You actually made it sound appealing!! Currently the only running I do is the 400 meters around the block near our crossfit box. We’ve got some great trails around here, maybe I should look into one. Thanks for the inspiration!
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befitandcurvy November 18, 2013 at 12:11 pm

I really need to try some trail running, it must feel so good. 🙂
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