Running on the Noland Trail

Audrey Jolly

 

Starting this past summer, I developed a love of running.  Admitted, I'm not that great at it yet, but I still enjoy it very much.  It gives me an opportunity to let everything I've been dealing with go, and just focus on my body and my breathing and my mind.  I'm trying to get in better shape, and why not strengthen my mind and body at the same time?  Running in the outdoors also gives me an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of Nature around me.

 

 

Recently, I ran 3 miles on the Noland Trail.  It was truly exhilarating, and I felt a true connection between my mind and body as I ran through the woods.  Every now and then I would stop to catch my breath and take a drink of water, and appreciate the trees and the leaves and the wind and the water and the birdsong.  The breeze was rather strong that day, and with it carried the sweet scent of the approaching autumn season.  It was invigorating and relaxing, and as I jumped up to start running again, I no longer focused  on the pain in my lungs, or the ache in my feet and legs, but I let my mind wander.  My breath became rhythmical, and slowly my mind and body melded into one.  If I had not been able to focus on the Nature around me and allow myself to be taken captive by its relaxing aura, the run would have been more difficult for me.  Nature allowed me to focus on its beauty rather than the physical hardship of the run.  When I finished the 3 miles, I was awakened, rejuvenated, and ready to take on whatever life threw my way.