trail love.

I've been in a post-marathon slump. I'd like to blame it on a mild case of runner's knee, but the truth is, I've been uninspired to run.
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

It was glorious, but I was seriously winded by the experience. There is a good reason that I was in the best running shape of my life when I was trail running regularly. I almost regretted wearing my headphones until I was about to take a walk break and catch my breath...and Dire Strait's "Walk of Life" intervened. Something about walking during that song just doesn't seem right.

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.