The call of the trail
Can something be both glorious and awful all at the same time? If you’re a runner, you know the answer to that question is a resounding yes!
Before today, I hadn’t gone on a single run in more than a year, and I haven’t run regularly since pre-COVID. But for some reason the trail has been calling to me recently. Every time I pass a runner on the road, see one on television, or read about someone running in a book, I think, “I should do that.”
Today, I answered the call. I laced up my running shoes and headed out the door. The first mile and a half was simply glorious…a gentle downhill at an easy pace on a beautiful trail. I was lured into thinking, “I got this” and into forgetting that I would have to go back up that hill to get home.
I know it isn’t scientifically possible, but I swear that incline grew steeper behind me as I blissfully ran down. As I turned to head home, that’s where the awful blended with the glorious. It was still a beautiful day. I still felt that runner’s high, but my heart was pounding, my lungs were burning, and my legs had turned to jelly. Awful gloriousness!
I confess I alternated walking and running on my way home, but I made it. And I felt like a conquering hero. I need to hang onto this memory, so I don’t let another year go by before I hit the trail again.
Final note
If you are not a runner and you made it this far into this post, I thank you for your perseverance. And I hope you see that this lesson can be applied to many aspects of life: families, careers, blogging…just to name a few.
Your turn
- What have you done that is awful and glorious at the same time?
- What is your take on running: love it or hate it or never tried it?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all I just love to hear from you.
I have had several hiking trail that were awful glorious!
good for you getting out.
Yes, Stacie, hiking definitely falls in that category!
I’m not a runner but I’m a walker who’s building her muscles back up again (very slowly) and I know how tough that final home stretch is when you’ve gone just that little bit too far in your optimism. Good on you for conquering your Mt Everest and reaching home base. x
Yes, Leanne, I have also stretched a walk a little too far on occasion. Approaching your home base is particularly wonderful on those occasions. Thanks for the encouragement. Continued healing to you!
Hi, Christie – ‘Awful gloriousness’ does apply to so many things. Like Stacie, I have experienced many hiking trails that fit this descriptions – Caminos included! 😀
Hiking can definitely feel that way, Donna. I haven’t yet made specific plans for a Camino, but it’s still on my bucket list.
It’s the same for me in some of the more strenuous gym classes I keep signing up for. There comes a point where I think I just can’t do this any longer and then either the Instructor starts a countdown or I glance at the clock for myself and somehow I get there and feel great for it! Endorphins and obstinacy have a lot to be proud of!
Oh yes, Caree, I have felt that way in many an Orangetheory class. The coach definitely encourages me to push myself further than I would go working out on my own, and the pride and endorphins afterwards are worth it!
Congratulations of your achievement. I am in awe of anyone who can run. You must be filled with endorphins after conquering this trail, that looks pretty and inviting. Good job, Christie
Thank you Ally. Calling what I do running may be a stretch, but I’m going with it!