Running Adventures

God Rays on Today's Run

If I've said it once, I've said it a million times, what I love most about running is the adventure of experiencing the immediate world around me.  Today was one such day. 

Not even a tenth of a mile into my run, and I spot a glorious God Ray Beam from the clouds in the sky.  I find it so beautifully glorious I am distracted by it for the next two miles, and eventually I run upon the view captioned above. 

Then I decided that I knew exactly where I can view this God Ray Beam close-up, and so off I go to run toward an adjacent field.

God Ray Beam Close-up

 Not five minutes later my hunch proves correct, and straight above is the small open portion of sky close-up. 
Although it looked stunning close-up, I decided that it looked it's most majestic from afar. 

Now, to cut through to the field above which the God Ray Beam shined, I had to run through some forested trails. I took a moment to take in the view of the river along these trails. 

Willamette River

I've been running in this area for over a year now, and I'm very familiar with it's ins and outs, but today I noticed a new trail, and so I decided to explore a bit.  I followed the trail, took in the greenery, and noticed a couple of other smaller trails which shot-off from the main trail.

New to Me Trail

And that's when I heard a pitter patter upon the tree leaves above me, and realized it had started to drizzle, and so I decided I would explore those trails another day, but before I departed, I stopped to smell the daisy's.

Daisy's

 
Off I went to continue on my way to visit my favorite oak tree as I haven't been able to take in it's loveliness for a few weeks. That's when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw a quick lightning bolt flash, and then soon afterward a fairly loud rumble.

My Most Favorite Oak Tree

 

And just like that I had a second wind, and found a renewed energy with which to run the 2.5 miles back home. 

And the thunder and lighting continued the entire way home.  And then, the large drops came down. And I mean they really came down. But it felt great to be rain soaked.  Lately my running has been blah in that physically I've been pooped out, but today's running adventure infused a new bout of energy, and I look forward to my next run and the adventure that will inevitably ensue. 

The Holiday Tree, A Bunny & a Nest

Yesterday was one of those runs which offered much to take joy

Bunny Foo Foo along the trail this morning.

in.  I'm not referring to a personal record; today was not my best running day--it felt like hell for most of the grueling 6.5 miles.  I'm referring to something much more special.  Yesterday I not only spotted a furry Bunny Foo Foo, but also spied an Osprey Nest, and my beloved Holiday Tree was all decorated for Memorial Day/4th of July.  

Osprey nest with Mom perched atop

What I love most about running is that you just never know who or what will cross your path, and you theirs.  Yesterday was one of those runs where every few miles I got to experience a moment of joy and awareness about the natural area in which I was running (and of course take a break from running to snap a pic).  Running is how I meet the world around me. 

Holiday Tree all ready for the Day of Red White & Blue

A Runner's Ode to a Tree

One cannot always explain what makes something their favorite.  It just is. While I have more than one favorite aspect of my various running routes, one which strikes me the most is my favorite tree along my usual weekend running route. 

Taken one frosty January 2014 morning

There is just something about this tree that strikes me. I never tire of seeing it, and in fact enjoy seeing it in it's various phases throughout the year.  And so I imagine that if this lovely tree could talk, it would offer the following to all who pass by:

Dear Friend,
Stand Tall and Proud
Sink your roots deeply into the Earth
Reflect the light of a greater source
Think long term
Go out on a limb
Remember your place among all living beings
Embrace with joy the changing seasons
For each yields its own abundance
The Energy and Birth of Spring

Photo taken March 19, 2014

The Growth and Contentment of Summer
The Wisdom to let go of leaves in the Fall
The Rest and Quiet Renewal of Winter
Feel the wind and the sun
And delight in their presence
Look up at the moon that shines down upon you
And the mystery of the stars at night.
Seek nourishment from the good things in life
Simple pleasures
Earth, fresh air, light
Be content with your natural beauty
Drink plenty of water
Let your limbs sway and dance in the breezes
Be flexible
Remember your roots
Enjoy the view!
~Poem by By Ilan Shamir ("Advice from a Tree")

And so I shall take this advice and reflect up on it each time I run by this wise looking tree, which for a reason I cannot quite explain strikes me with wonder and awe each time I pass by. 

Photo taken March 29, 2014