The excitement is building! I’m getting ready to hop on an aeroplane over the sea and across the country to the Atlantic and Blue Ridge homeland. I can’t wait to feel the crisp Fall air in the mountains and run in the Mountain Masochist. This is by far my favorite race because it sparked my passion for trail running many years ago. It has been nearly three years since I last ran an ultra race, so needless to say I am really looking forward to it! That has been part due to lack of races around and just wanting to put most of my energy into other areas. It’s been an interesting past few months of running. In the beginning of August I finally got off of the week on week off schedule that would not allow me to run for a week at a time. The first thing I did was launch into weeks of 130+ mile weeks with long paddles with hikes in between. I knew something had to give after a run where I found myself crawling under a mango tree scavenging because I was thirsty and depleted, eating half rotten mangoes. Then one morning I fell on my face changing into my running shorts. My big toe somehow snagged a small hole which then ripped my shorts and made me crash down. Feeling dejected and burned out in all areas I knew it was time to take it easy. That led me to reflect upon the past few years of feeling good and remaining injury free. Why was I now feeling like crap just because I signed up for a race? Was it all mental? I found myself in the same position I was in 3 years ago the last time I ran in a long race, always feeling tired and uninspired. I knew I needed something so it was time for some alchemy and I went to mixing: the essence of fall, ancient spirits, misty mornings, starry nights, vast valleys and hidden waterfalls all reignited my desire. I went to my favorite places on the island to plumb the wellsprings of inspiration.
(Twighlight swim in the bay)
(Running through dreams)
I quit keeping track of mileage because it really doesn’t matter to me. The only reason I run is to feel good and enjoy the moment so that’s what I started doing. Then I then decided to run mostly at night and not wake up at 5am only to grumpily suffer through runs. I needed to embrace the darkness and start running inward.The night runs were introspective journeys. I was reminded of a book “The Pilgrimage.” Along the path the character had to eventually face the giant dog which stood for his fears, insecurities, and anxieties. In a way I felt like I was facing a giant evil dog in relation to my running philosophies. I used to not really try in races because I am not a competitive person. Over the past few years I have been able accept giving it my all in something while being completely detached from the result. I was told “It is time to claim your gifts because it is your birthright.” WOW, that statement has had a huge impact on me. Running in the dark is like moving through a worm hole in the mind. Shadows playing tricks, eerie noises, pitch black nothingness. I feel like I have overcome some sort of mental barrier. Three years ago I would have said screw it, just a stupid race and stopped running which is what I usually did. A therapist I worked with used an analogy when directing me how to work with a student. “………just like you wouldn’t train for a race and a few weeks before it say screw it and stop running.” That really put things in perspective for me because that is exactly what I did. Patterns are hard to break; at least I was able to recognize it and rally.
(Midnight paddles guided by the light of the moon)
(Mana Rd. Moonrise)
All of this brought back that certain swing in my stride and calm feeling that has me feeling ready to run like a madman through the mountains. I am looking forward to returning to my roots and running on the trails that sparked my love for running on a fall day seven years ago.
Up the coast! Na Pali,Hamakua,Leeward, Windward,Wayward, all over the beautiful place is where I have been the past few weeks. Living at the root of it all.
This past Saturday I ran a half marathon in Volcano and had a blast! The morning of the run I was wide awake and feeling manic at 430am in my tent in the middle of a eucalyptus grove. I was pumped to be back in Volcano and breathing in the cool rejuvenating air. I jumped out of my tent, it was still dark enough for some moonlight dancing with the tree limb shadows that were swaying in the wind. I had just got back from Kauai where I was camping, hiking, and running with some good friends. The trip is still fresh on my mind and I have been floating on air, smiling at everything I see.
Kalalau is a majestic place! I was so wrapped up in the splendor of it all I forgot to eat or drink for almost an entire day, drunk on love and too excited to sleep. I have streaming thoughts of the misty peaks, secluded beaches, meteor showers, double rainbows, emerald eyes and angelic waterfalls.
Back in the valley were pools of cool water surrounded by blossoming white ginger. One of my favorite scents, soaking in the pools was transcending.
Back to the race, I wasn’t entirely looking forward to running on roads. I entertained thoughts of skipping out on the race and heading over to my favorite trails. The race ended up being a great time!! I felt good and enjoyed myself from start to finish. Running down the quiet streets amongst the ferns and blossoming yellow ginger that gave off scents of inspiration. I was surprised at how quick it went by and how good I felt. For me Volcano in such an inspiring place, I feel it flowing through my veins.
This painting was my prize for winning, it had a price tag on it for $1,200!
For now it's time to slow down a bit, work in the garden and spend time under the stars. Falling asleep and joining them shining up in the sky. I guess the sky is illuminated by the dreams of dreamers dreaming, so back down the path I go!
I made the move to the sunny side of the island! It's quite a contrast from cool, misty Volcano but it is nice being super close to one of the best swimming/snorkeling spots in the state. I moved into a funky old coffee shack on 6 acres overlooking Kealakekua bay.
There has been lots of sunrise long runs and sunset paddles. I don't even have to start my car to get down to the bay, I just put it in neutral and coast the two miles down, haha!! My favorite part about living here is the huge garden, I have been working a lot on the land, weeding and planting. It is so nice to pick a huge salad after a long run!
Fresh Eggs!
The bay at sunset is a pretty magical place.
It is so nice to finally be back on a normal schedule after two years of working week on/week off, I am getting back into the groove!
It's so great to get on a plane and go somewhere, even if it is only a short hop over to another island! I had to go over there for a weekend course at UH, however I managed to fit in lots of exploring the highlands and lowlands on that overpopulated island. The North Shore is a real gem, and my favorite part of the island. I spent some time milling around in Haleiwa and running down the bike path, ending at Waimea Bay. I spent most of the day and into the twilight swimming, bouldering, and enjoying the feel of the bay.
I thought of the time two years ago when I was living on Oahu and completely broke. I biked around the island with my friend Mike, we were rolling disasters. Scavenging fruit from trees in yards and sleeping under the stars, Waimea was one of the places we camped. Now I reluctantly stayed in a hostel and I actually had a rental car. Luxury accommodations compared to the usual but UH gave me a stipend so I figured why not spoil myself. It was amazing to see the sunset, a rainbow, the moon, and feel misty rain all at the same time.
I was up early before class and ran the Maunawili trail, starting at the Pali lookout. I was greeted by the mystical landscape and sweeping views.
(Morning spirits stir in Nuuanu Valley)
I lost myself running down the trail, imagining myself as a leaf gently floating down from a branch high up.
(Refreshing detour to the falls)
I forgot what it was like to sit through a whole day of class. When i got out in the evening I was overly excited/borderline manic. I went for a run up Koko Head trail, which is insanely steep. I underestimated it, running up the old rail tracks super hard due to my manic state. Half way up the second pitch a wave of dizziness swept over me and I puked.... I was too stoked for my own good. I stopped for a few minutes and then started laughing at myself before continuing up. At the top was an amazing view looking across the island. There was a narrow ridge trail that went a ways and I started running it. This was probably the only place on the whole island where there was no other people. I enjoyed the solitude as I watched the busy lights of Honolulu come on, happy I had no place to be and was wondering around on a crater ledge.
There was more fun to be had:
(Hanauma bay)
There is no doubt Oahu is a special and beautiful place. I can't help but feel sad, the beauty is overshadowed by all the development and massive amounts of people on the island. Something is just not right about it. It's like a Towns Van Zandt song, beautiful but feelings of melancholy linger after. I was happy to be leaving and go back to open pastures and empty streets.
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