Running Photos

Hopefully the photos I take give you a glimpse into the beauty I see in and from running. The photos below are from my last two long runs. Last week, I ran the first 30 miles of the WSU 100k course. Yesterday, Sadie and I ran 40 miles along a new path that leads to Troy, ID.

And I saw something yesterday that I've never seen before: Sadie tired. It was something to behold. She didn't even want to have anything to do with the meat-flavored bone treat I give her after our long runs. But, of course, this morning she's up and ready for more, though. :)

Along the route in the early morning

Starting to see some green!

Fellow runners

Snake River near mile 30

From yesterday's run

Beautiful country

The trail climbed gradually for 20 miles
and the last couple miles were a
reminder that winter is still here

Keep running!

Brooks - Inspire Daily

I received some exciting news earlier this week. I have been selected to be a part of the Brooks Inspire Daily (I.D.) program. (Check out the great little video, too.) This just makes me so excited. I've been running in Brooks since day one and, along with my dad, credit the Brooks Cascadia for helping me discover running as a core part of who I am. Just one more reason to keep running.

So, here I am. Still running. Putting in the miles as I close in on my first 100k attempt. I ran another 30+ miles on Saturday and my legs are feeling good. I can hear South Africa getting closer and closer, too.

I'm in a good mood today. I think I'll go for a run.

Keep running!

Scott

To Hell and Back

My annoyance with the Pullman snow reached a tipping point and my itching for a trail run was gaining unhealthy momentum (no trail run since Sept) so Sadie and I made our first road trip of the season to get a good, snowless trail run in.

There was one small catch: the trail was in Hell and we had to sell our soles to run it.

I love running. And this run in Hells Canyon is why I run. I know I say that often but running has become a part of me over the past couple years and runs like this one are exactly why I do it. The travel, the solitude, the landscape, the mental and physical challenge. And Sadie, of course. This was Sadie's longest run ever: 31 miles. Good girl.

My mind and legs are getting into shape.

Trailhead marker -- our goal was to reach
Sheep Creek and then turn around

Entering Hells Canyon by foot

Sadie's most at home when she's on a trail

Several cliffs with no room for error




VIDEO: The strong gusts of wind made me a
little nervous on a few of the ledges

I think Sadie loves the trail for the same reasons I do

Historic ranches along the way

The trail brought us down by the river
several times for Sadie to take a dip and sip
(which was good because I ended up having
to drink the extra water I carried for her)

Sadie contemplating the meaning of her life near Suicide Point
(legend has it that two forbidden lovers
heaved themselves from this cliff)

A view of Suicide Point's 400 ft vertical drop

Ranch along the river

I wish I were a poet

Turnaround point

Heading back home through golden-yellow meadows

Views like this make me happy to be alive

Keep running!

Scott

Changing Weather

Out for an early, cold, windy,
long Saturday morning run

One of the great things about living in
a small town is that it's easy to get out of town
with your own two feet...and the pavement
lasts for only so long

Sadie is down in the creek somewhere

Frozen muddy roads through winter wheat

Sadie seeking shelter from the bitterly strong win

Following a railroad track further out of town.
Strong winds are blowing in snow clouds fast.

Found a road that lead me exactly
where I wanted to go: someplace new

Ended up on an Idaho highway.
"Good girl, Sadie. Let's turn
around and go home."

Sometimes the road cuts sharply down over the horizon and you
can't see where it leads. But you can smell the beauty of the world
and you've been down many roads before and trust that this one will
take you somewhere, too.

Awareness of Sensations

Running gives me a chance to think. I've often been tempted to get an iPod to feed my musical desires but for some reason I believe it would ruin each run. I need to feel the ground under my feet and rain on my head and wind pushing my face, and I need minimal distractions so I can pay attention to all these amazing sensations. I run to feel. Breathing has become my music.

Sadie and I went out for 20 miles on Saturday and it was exhausting. One of the most mentally tough runs I've been on. But, as always, when I got home knowing that I pushed myself past the point when I wanted to quit I was filled with great satisfaction.

I've had a lot on my mind lately and running has become, now more than ever, a respite from the world. No, that's not it. No, no no - it's not a respite at all. Running has become the purpose. I crave personal awareness. I need to feel attached. I need to be reminded that there is something more beautiful than my desk and computer and phone and tie and button-up shirt. When my laces are tied and I'm out the front door I listen to my feet against the trail and I feel the muscles of my body tensing with each step and I smell the snow and rain and grass and concrete and I hear Sadie running and birds calling and cars in the distance and I'm remembering what it is about life that I love so much.

Yes, running isn't a distraction from the stresses of life -- it's a reason for being alive and aware. The sensations I receive from the simply act of running is an acute reminder that I'm alive. And I like it.

And I'm going to keep running.

-Scott