Running for me has always been more than just exercise. It’s therapy, meditation, camaraderie.
But there’s always been this other, romantic aspect to lacing up and getting outside. It’s this connection it gives you to your surroundings. To the geography and topography. There’s something unique about learning your city by sweating through it’s miles.
You develop this feeling of where things are. And not just in the Google Maps sense, but by making palpable memories that connect these places because you covered every inch between them.
You learn the subtle elevation changes, which way the wind tends to blow, and when the sun will peak through certain buildings or light up a row of trees.
You discover things that you never would in a car when your goal is simply to go from Point A to Point B. On a run you can get lost and not stress out about it. And in the process discover a brand new path or viewpoint.
So in this new year, it’s my goal to dedicate more time to this aspect of running. On getting to know my city by exploring new streets, trails, and paths. And by, perhaps, just getting lost.
Cheers,
Chris