Zen Running - The Line where Two Worlds Meet
Thursday, May 27, 2010 at 4:00AM 
I often wish I lived somewhere else, but the rural Texas scene does have its upsides.
I was out on a two hour run in the evening heat and had to stop and take the above picture; Endless quiet blacktop laid out in front of me and cows and horses grazing all around.
There was a profoundness of the moment that struck me. I used to despise running. Actually, most swimmers do. But with a different viewpoint and some experience, I was not only enjoying myself, but I could understand a little bit of the Dean Karnazes mindset.
Being able to run long distances and having the venue to do so represents freedom, and every step you take is immediate biofeedback confirming it. In front of you is the Unknown in the shape of pain, heat, dangerous animals, and traffic. Behind you is experience, knowledge, wisdom, training, momentum, and Karma. Where they meet, well that's the firebranding of the Truth.
Truth is when you test your mettle and see what it's actually made of. You have every opportunity to quit, to turn back, and to give into fear, so every step forward is reaffirming that you are indeed what you thought you were.
Long runs become a dance between what you think and what is. Where you are right, that's how far you go. It doesn't matter if it's Texas, Australia, or Antartica; the discovering of where is that line is exactly the same.
Enjoy your run.
Reader Comments (4)
Tex, it's all relative. Enjoy the moment.
I totally agree with this! Yesterday was my long run and i was having the same thoughts. I ran to work which is just over 12 miles and the people at work thought it was just insane! I want to be able to work up to running to work and home when i have the time.
Talk about freedom, imagine that i do not HAVE to use my car or even my bike if i do not want to.
Great post. Sometimes I feel the same way but the roads are not as nice and plentiful over here in St. Augustine, FL. We have a couple though and it sure feels free to be out there on them.
Inspirational view! ... It's funny how sometimes we take for granted what's in our very own backyards! .. Someone in NYC would die for that run, meanwhile, you would probably love to have a nice jaunt through Central Park. Its all about perspective and mindset.
Great Share -- thanks for that.!