Running in the rain forest...

“If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere.”

- Frank A. Clark

I really like that...because there can be lots of "obstacles" in life. And some may seem pretty formidable. This trail was full of such things, in the form of fallen logs, mud holes, creeks that formed overnight, rocks, roots, and the lush underbrush that soaked our feet within minutes. None, of course, were "formidable" but all could have been considered "uncomfortable".

Trails without obstacles are OK, but sometimes it's what you have to crawl under or climb over or lift out of your way that contributes to the "adventure". But there's more.

The obstacles can also strengthen us. It's really as simple as choosing the stairs instead of an escalator. Or parking at the far side of the parking lot instead of as close to the store as possible. The extra effort required of us makes us stronger. Running on a trail, with all the lumps and bumps, means that the foot lands just a little differently every single time. More muscles are used than when running on a flat, predictable surface, and it's a better workout. Whether it's running the trails or just taking the stairs a little more often, we increase our strength and flexibility and become far less prone to those nagging "overuse" injuries in our middle and older years 

The same is true for paddling, or anything else in life for that matter. It's the varied conditions that we experience that build confidence and skill and makes for a great adventure. Too much sameness or "routine" in anything, makes us stiff and inflexible. Our bodies welcome variety of movement, in fact, they require it to be at their best. Sure, every so often, hard lessons are learned that can be painful (or humbling!) but the end result is that the path took us somewhere - somewhere important.

It's a way of seeing "obstacles" as our friends - and I think there's something rather positive about that.

Duncan.

A trail run...in the depth of winter. Honest!

"In the depth of winter,

I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer."

- Albert Camus

Our very favourite trail run begins just a few minutes from home, on Mt Tzouhalem. The first half is uphill, the second half, downhill but there's lots of variety both ways as the trails wind, dip, and rise through the forest. We've been to the top 466 times over the past seven years. Yet, every time is as thrilling as the very first time that we hiked up with a friend. We didn't run all the way in the beginning but the legs are used to it now - it actually seems easier than hiking. The rocks and roots require that you focus on each step with the result that your mind clears of every earthly worry...that brings a deep sense of relaxation.

The view from the top takes your breath away - again, every single time. We look out at the funky seaside community of Cowichan Bay and way across the channel to Victoria International Airport. Ferries travel from island to island and across the "Salish Sea" to Vancouver where the 2010 Winter Olympic Games will open with great fanfare in just a couple of weeks. (Some more snow in the Coast Mountains would certainly relieve some anxiety amongst athletes and organizers.) When the skies are clear, the snow-capped Olympic Range, just over the border in Washington State, serves as a inspiring horizon.

It's the end of January. We always wear shorts. The forest is green with fir and arbutus trees. The delicate little "snowdrops" are flowering and the daffodils will soon be up. The weather is great for paddling. Yep, it's winter on the west coast. Folks in the rest of Canada, please don't be too annoyed with us - spring is on the way. Honest it is. :-)

Duncan.