I have been reading a lot of trail journals and frequently the phrase “the trail provides” has been used when a hiker realizes that they need a little push, reassurance, or encouragement to get over a physical or mental obstacle and somehow something happens or someone happens along to provide that little bit of needed inspiration. I am a skeptic by nature and believe more in coincidence than “magic.” On the other hand, karma is in the eye of the believer and sometimes you just have to believe. The trail just may have provided some long distance karma to me this weekend. I have mentioned a couple times on the site that I had a 30-year career in the Army. I retired in 2012 and I am now three years into my second career as a high school teacher. Last Friday, I mentioned to a couple teaching colleagues that I might run another marathon next year to celebrate my 60th birthday. I ran my first marathon when I turned 40 in 2000; so, since I won’t be able to get on the AT next year, I thought running another marathon would be at least a good fitness goal that will also move me along the journey towards the AT. I have run a total of four marathons, several half marathons, and countless 5k and 10k races over the years. I really haven’t run much since retiring and haven’t missed it all that much even though running had been a huge part of my life for 30 years, especially during my “marathon phase.” Running was more than just part of the job of being a soldier; running became my stress relief, my center, my zen. Having said that, it might seem strange that I just stopped after retiring from the Army. But that is a philosophical story for another day. Back to my off-hand comment to my colleagues – three women in their 20-30s – about running a marathon; I added that I also needed to get back to running to release the emotional stress that comes with teaching high school students. The ladies all said that they would like to run a 5k or 10k, but said they could never complete a marathon. I told them that if they put their mind to the task, they could train and complete even a marathon within a year – even though they are not currently runners. They all laughed a doubtful laugh. Later that night, I texted them a link from Women’s Running about beginner training for a marathon. Two texted back that they are “in” – if I coach them. I sent them a beginner’s 5k plan and told them we start today. I still wasn’t sure they were truly serious, but after a few text messages, they had a work-out planned and a potential target race in May. So, I too got out on the road today for the first work-out in the plan. And just like that, I am back to being a runner. I spent time today digging out all my old running clothes and gear. Coincidentally, I still have two pair of brand new Asics Nimbus 12s still in the box collecting dust in the closet. You read that right – 12s – Asics is now up to 21 in the Nimbus model! So far, the story may be more coincidence than karma. My wife has been after me to lose weight and occasionally suggests I get back to running. So, I texted her at work that I just completed a 30-minute run/walk work-out. She texted that she might consider joining the 5k training adventure. My wife has always supported my running and the time it takes to train, but never once expressed an interest in running herself. She has had a knee surgery and is frequently in pain after being on her feet all day at work – she is a nurse practitioner. And now, she suggests running a 5k with me. That isn’t coincidence. I had to give karma a glance and wonder if the trail is already providing for my journey.
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Quiet Man
I don't have a bucket list. At 61 years old, I have already had the adventures of a lifetime, especially after a 30-year Army career, five years of teaching high school, and a 37 year marriage still going strong. But I still have this deep desire to complete the Appalachian Trial. Archives
February 2022
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