So today I finally got some new running shoes...Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8's...aren't they beautiful? Decided I had to put them to the test so I went for a 7 mile run on the W&OD trail...well, actually on the bridle path beside the trail. The shoes were comfortable, the run felt good and the little bit of rain there was actually helped to cool me down. I noticed something on this run that I thought was a little strange. I saw a lot of animals...numerous rabbits, two groundhogs, a Siamese cat, and a whole leash of deer. All of these animals just stood and watched me run by (except the cat, the only domesticated animal, who ran away)...and I was passing within 5 feet or less of them. It just made me wonder why they didn't run or at least back away from me. Could it be that they are so used to seeing people on the trail that they have become blasé? Or maybe there is something about running that puts me into a state of mind where I am more open and in tune with the natural world and they could sense this? I'm thinking the ladder...no the farmer...umm...actually I think it is probably a combination of the two. I know that when I run, I can get to a place where all cares and thoughts of the future are gone...like my mind turns off and I just feel light and open and free. I wonder if everyone has something in their life that produces this feeling? In any case, the wildlife (except that darn cat...we are Siamese indeed!) added to the enjoyment of the run and I rewarded myself with some excellent BBQ afterwards :-)
