Day 280

Hiking isn't the only activity our trail is used for at the farm. While I don’t head out nearly as much as I want or should, going out for a run has been something I have always enjoyed. Before moving, I would often head out before the sun came up or well after it went down, running through the streets of Menomonee Falls in a number of unique but familiar routes. Sometimes, I ran with others. Sometimes, I ran alone. I have vivid memories of my running playlist filled with some of my favorite tunes from Alter Bridge, Three Days Grace, and Shinedown that boomed through my Ipod, urging me to rock out while running. Not being a competitive runner, I enjoyed running for leisure and improving my own body and mind. It is amazing how running could have two very different mindsets. Sometimes, I defeated myself and shortened my run to return to the growing list of responsibilities that distracted my goal of self-preservation and exercise. Inversely, sometimes running freed me from those chains and often led to new creative ideas that guided me in a whole new direction.

Since moving, I haven't got out as much as I should. Home and school responsibilities are my excuse and everyone knows about excuses. We all have them and they all stink. I need to carve out the time to get out there to improve my physical and mental health. Plus, considering we have a nice trail right in our own backyard, I can do loops around our property whenever I feel like it. And if we are able to extend the trail into our neighboring preserve,  we will have an impressive trail to use for running and other forms of exploration. Of course, when the wet season comes, I will have to leave the trail and move back to the streets, but I love running around neighborhoods. Though it isn't as close as it used to be, our new house is still pretty close to a beautiful recreational trail that meanders through a number of communities.

Whatever the case, the next time you see me, make sure to remind me to get back to running.