Reflections

The last year has provided much to contemplate.
 The joys and the opposing sorrow.

The pleasure of re-introducing my son to the joys of backpacking. Several days in Yosemite were a wonderful flashback to the last time we journeyed the single track together and hiked the Whitney trail .

 It was rewarding to see that spark again.

 Excitement over fields of flowers and less visited lakes.

Last year also gave me the opportunity to introduce backpacking to a first-timer. A short but adventurous trip to small lakes nearby. The spark of “I can do this” on her face, precious.

Then there was the Teton Crest Trail with a special friend whom I met on the JMT years ago, truly an adventure of a lifetime. One can never get over the biodiversity, each day new. I long to run its entirety. Perhaps another time.

Finally, after three unsuccessful years of trying, a lucky lottery draw for the Canyon de Chelly Ultra Run changed my back country focus entirely. Training became more focused. Many a backcountry journey solo. Fastpacking a weekly occurrence. Mileage became obsessive. A total pack weight for three days only 10 pounds made moving fast, running, not hard. The difference between what is necessary to take and that which is merely nice to have obvious.

The race itself an amazing experience in the heart of Navajo country. Cliff dwellings and wild horses existing among the monolithic stone walls, reminders of another time. I had much to contemplate during this 55k. All the adventures that lead to the fulfillment of this opportunity. How far I had come from a narrow escape of a lifetime in a wheelchair and discovering for myself that running can heal in many different ways. The race director words, “running is healing” still in my brain.

http://www.canyondechellyultra.com/

Canyon walls still call out to me. One of my favorite moments was finding myself alone among them. The quiet. Looking up and seeing the spectacular colors, a lone eagle. 

Shaun’s words, ‘running is healing” reverberated, and I cried. 

I am ever so grateful to Shaun Martin and the Navajo Nation for allowing me the opportunity to have this be my last memory of my mother who passed suddenly shortly after this event. Grateful my parents were witness to my finish in this magical place.

Tomorrow, and every day, I will go out and run for “running is healing.