I’m so glad to have a nice trail here in town.  I like seeing everyone enjoying it in various ways.  It is my preferred venue for running because I don’t have to deal with motorized traffic, stoplights, or exhaust.  Also there are no cracks in the sidewalk—I have a grudge against them after tripping and falling while running and subsequently breaking my arm in 2020.

People assume I must be really serious about running.  But it has only been recently that I’ve been dedicated to running several times a week.  I decided I needed to devote more time to it when I was looking at the running books at the library and realized that I’ve read a good portion of them.  When you’re reading about running more than actually doing it, there’s a problem.

To call myself a runner is probably an insult to people who train, compete, or have an actual plan.  I haven’t done any hardcore sports either; the closest I’ve gotten is X-treme Chinese Buffet:  General Tso’s Takedown.  But I figure if people can run ultra marathons in Death Valley, then I should be able to handle three miles during an Indiana summer.

Let’s be clear about one thing:  I don’t run like a girl.  That’s because I run like a middle-aged woman.  Additionally, I’m often battling my sunglasses sliding down my nose, making it even harder to breathe.  On the up side, that also means there isn’t any room for bugs to fly up there, which is a side effect of being in nature.

I’ve read that the best way to make sure you have good running technique is to have someone take a video of you while you are running.  That way you can check to make sure your posture is good, your arms aren’t flailing around, and you’re not jabbing your heels into the ground.  But why would I want someone recording evidence of me all sweaty, gasping for breath?  And who wants that job of watching me run?

There’s some trail etiquette you need to know.  If you’re a cyclist passing a walker or runner, it’s helpful to yell ahead “Passing on your left.”  That way you don’t run the risk of them accidentally drifting into your path if they don’t know you’re there.  It also helps keep them from getting too startled when you do pass them.

A lot of dogs populate the trail, which is yet another great reason to go there frequently.  I love to meet new pups, but I always ask their humans first if it’s ok.  If they hesitate at all then I just thank them and move on.  Dogs are like people, and not all of them want to stop and talk to strangers.

It makes me happy to see different types of people on the trail—all ages, sizes, and physical abilities.  The trail is for everybody!  It’s inspiring to see so many people investing in healthy habits.  It encourages me to do more.  After all, I have to admit that if I ran my legs as much as I run my mouth, I’d be in great shape.

That reminds me of a time recently when I was admiring a classic car.  I asked the owner about the year, and it was two years older than my age.  I chuckled that it was in better condition than I am.  A bystander quipped, “That’s because the parts are cheaper.”  So take care of yourself, and focus on preventative maintenance.  It’s a whole lot more affordable than replacing things.