Running and hiking; other than the fact they both use the legs, what do they have in common? Well, for me, It was the combination of the destination and the journey.
In both, there's a goal you're working towards. On a hike, you're going to the next campsite, or a historical site, or a notable landmark, or just a spot to cook lunch. In running, there's always the finish line. It could be a formal race, with a timekeeper, and an official placement. Or. you might be on your evening run, finishing up with a relaxing moment, and a cold drink.
A few of you might think I've lost my mind, but I really enjoyed the journey, as well. On a hike, there was always something to look at; a tree I'd never seen, a rock formation, a lookout with a spectacular view. I enjoyed distance running for much the same reason.I was competing only partially against the other runners, more against myself, my last run, my inner demons. There were smells, sights, sounds you could never get from inside a car.
In both running and hiking, I could feel a closeness to the natural world I couldn't get any other way. Breezes, dead leaves, freshly mown grass, newly poured asphalt, old firepits, The burst of autumn color, the peace of winter white; these are all things that made travel by foot my chosen method for the longest time.
Some things are just too far away to walk to. My last installment addresses that. I loved to drive.
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