January 31, 2014
Hiking in the islands is a wonderful experience. Whether to reach a specific destination or simply exploring the various ecosystems, hiking goes hand in hand with sailing in the Pacific Northwest. Birds and vistas. Plants, trees, and rocks. There is lots to see. I enjoy hiking the abundant trails.
But I love running the trails! Aside from the obvious cardio benefit, trail running is something that I enjoy for the challenge that it presents and the perspective that it offers. Typically, the trails are narrow, irregular, and sometimes steep. Running requires constant attention, especially in winter when the ground is wet and soft. The rocks and the exposed tree roots can be quite slippery. Very brief glances at the surroundings are all that the necessary attention to the hazards will allow. At times, the experience leans more towards skiing than walking. Quick turns and balance are key elements. The entire focus becomes the next several steps.Trail running is a bit like running with scissors, and someday if I come limping back to the boat scraped up with a hurt wrist, I may conclude that it is a very bad idea. In the mean time, however, I really enjoy it along with the healthy benefits.
