The Wild is Home

- Joshua Hough

I run in the wild because out on the trails it's not about pace but about a connection to the places we run in, and with ourself. On the trails, in forests and en route to peaks I find solitude and peace and there is a raw rugged beauty in running in wild places. When I run on trails versus road, I slow down, I notice what's around me and I can hear myself think. I appreciate the stunning places I have been fortunate enough to run in. I hope that one day my young nieces will learn to love these wild places as much as I do. 

-Kristine Chew

 

I run in the wild because it allows me space to think and process. I also get to see things I wouldn’t normally see in a day to day. You get to experience at a whole different level! 

What I have learned and what I need to remind myself of on the days I am feeling lazy or down, is that I am a better human being on the days I have been on the trail.  My personality skews negative.  Trail running makes me happier, more patient with myself and others, and a better wife, mom and friend. 

Serenity. Peace. Happiness.

Running in the wild brings a feeling of bliss.

From the moment I start to plan a run on the trail,

Something in my mind changes every time without fail.

 

A sweeping feeling of calm floods through my mind,

Knowing I’ll be one with nature in just a matter of time.

Something to hold on to and get me through the day to day,

Soon my body and soul in the wild will play.

 

Like a siren singing to a sailor in rough seas,

Nature is calling over rolling hills and through tall trees.

Waiting patiently to answer the call,

Navigating life and balancing it all.

 

One more page, one more call, one more meeting.

Closer and closer to the wild, life’s troubles are fleeting.

Almost there, reached the point of preparation.

Stretch, roll, fuel, don’t forget the hydration.

 

Performing these chores with a smile on my face,

Not a care about whether it’s for a stroll or a race.

My body knows we are getting back out there,

It is time for a primitive return to nature.

 

Territory hat on, laces are tied.

A cloud of dust billows from that very first stride.

A deep breath in of fresh air as I take a look around,

Blinded by the beauty of the wild that so vastly abounds.

 

The sun shines down and I feel the warmth as I exhale,

Stress starts to fade as my feet carry me down the trail.

I hear a rustling and can see waves of green grass flow in the breeze,

I feel the cool air against my salty skin and my mind begins to ease.

 

Mind, body, and soul are relieved. I’ve returned to the wild.

Escaped the concrete jungle so grey and defiled.

My psyche is free, my muscles are strong.

Deep down inside I can feel this is where I belong.

 

Cruising along. Feet on the dirt. Head in the clouds. How sublime.

Then I see that first incline. Uh oh. Time to climb.

So daunting. Is that a hill or a mountain?

Do I even have it within me to make this happen?

 

The doubt creeps in but I continue to push forward.

Driven by reaching the summit as a sweet reward.

Up, up, up. Finally getting to the top. 

Enjoying the victory and the view as I finally come to a stop.

 

Sweat dripping, gasping for air.

Feeling accomplished like I can run anywhere.

Legs burning, heart pumping in overdrive.

In this state of painful euphoria, I truly feel alive.

 

Onward, there’s many miles more to go.

It matters not if the pace is fast or slow.

For I am in nature, my shoes on the dirt not the cement.

I’m free to vastly glide and dance wildly down each descent.

 

All over this land like a nomad I’m free to roam,

Outside my house, the open air sure does feel like home.

Mountains, deserts, valleys, beaches, and lakes.

These are the places that are worth all the pains and aches.

 

As I return to reality with a sore body and clear head,

I know I can endure now that my soul has been fed.

This is freedom, stress and anxiety exiled.

Let us run in nature, and always stay wild.

-Travis Anderten