So yesterday, after some meetings at UNC, I headed out to my old stomping grounds in Carrboro to run the trails of Carolina North. Pulling into the parking lot of Wilson Park, I immediately felt nostalgic for my favorite trail running group and realized that I miss their colorful company as much as I miss these trails.
It's been at least a year since I've been back there, but apart from some erosion that is being carefully restored, the trails were just as I remembered. And they did not disappoint: they provided the full-on trail-running experience.
In the span of about 50 minutes, the following occurred:
- I ran through 3 spider webs
- I ate one bug and picked one out of my eyeball
- I got lost and subsequently ran around in a circle (maybe twice)
- I freaked out at the unidentified creatures scurrying and squirming around underfoot
- I sweated at least twice as much as I normally would due to the rainforest-esque conditions
- I tripped (at least 5 times) over roots and rocks just as I was settling into a rhythm and was jarred back to the realization that no matter how serene these woods may appear, Madame Nature is in charge and commands our respect
So, feeling a bit bored by the concrete jungle? Go find a trail, people! I promise it will provide a welcome departure from the mundane and predictability of pavement and you might even find some inspiration along the way.
Posts
