I've always run trails, but haven't done a lot of trail racing. I'm new to all that, but looking forward to it. It seems there aren't a lot of trail races in AZ, however, the high country will be holding a few things coming up this fall. As we head to triple digits here in Phoenix, the race season stops from June to September. Come fall Flagstaff has a series of nice trail runs. I'm excited about that as I have mountain biked all of the trails and they are the real deal - dense pine trees, mud, deep ravines, vistas, packed soft dirt, etc... So, yeah, I am pumped to put my KSOs to work next fall.
For now I hit the sandy trails on South Mountain and Squaw Peak area. I love the looks I get in my sprints and often start up a conversation on the benefits of running barefoot. It's been fun. I feel like I discovered something everyone should at least try.
Yesterday I ran five easy miles and did hill repeats. From there I meditated lakeside (yup, we have lakes albeit man-made) as the sun came up. It is so charging to take that time and prepare mentally for my day. I've stumbled on a rockin' website: http://www.zenhabits.net/. Check it out. As my life simplifies I have found this to provide daily inspiration. One of my favorites that I cemented to memory yesterday on the run was this:
BREAK FREE FROM THE CLOCK
This is an amazing article on ditching the clock. I have been working on this for some time and have found I now do not need an alarm clock, nor to care to hear that fingers-on-the-chalk-board sound to start my day. Seriously, what could be worse? I have found no issue with time-management. I have huge demands on my day, but my internal clock seems to keep track of things. Of course I wear a watch (haven't gone that far), but my focus now is more on interpersonal connection and listening and less on watching the clock. This has been a freeing process.
I've also begun working on my 100 Things list, trying to capture what 100 things I care to keep in my possession. I am working to be a minimalist in general, however, the concept of documenting this has been intriguing and let me tell you...it is an exercise. It is hard to eliminate and consider what is of most value or purpose in my life as far as material items go. I'm working on it, wrestling with it and have set a goal to have it finished by July 4th. July 4th will be my personal Independence Day from THINGS! Fireworks planned in all cities around the country! Anyway, check it out - it would be great to have others join in on the fun. 100 Things.
Dinner was amazing. Have to share!
Spinich Chicken Salad
Chicken cooked and shredded
Spinich, organic, washed and cleaned (love my Farmer's market for this)
Pine nuts lightly toasted in a pan on the cooktop
Goat Cheese or Feta
Strawberries, washed and sliced
Balsamic Vinegar
Pile on the spinich, throw chicken on, toss on strawberries, pine nuts, and cheese (crumbled) and then drizzle with the vinegar. AMAZING! For now, I love this salad. Add more, or swap out the chicken for something else? Any ideas?
Gotta get some rest - Sunrise run in a few hours. Nothing like cresting the mountain as the sun is coming up and watching it bring the Valley to life.
2 comments:
awesome post! i've noticed that ever since I moved into my house I have collected quite a few "things" even though my living room is spartan, the garage is another issue...
I hope you get your KSO's soon!
I am not going to give up meat except maybe the ground beef variety or the lower quality meats. I think there is more readily assimilable protein in meat as well as creatine and glucosamine, which rebuild muscle and cartilage and are not found in anything else (aside from supplements). Just choose the source of the meat wisely, as if you had to hunt it yourself.
happy trails, dude!
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