moving through water

What does water have to do with a runner’s blog?

The ocean is the world’s greatest natural resource. It's certainly our largest. I learned at an early age how enhanced my life would be through a knowledge and relationship with this powerful force. Growing up by the ocean, surfing its waves, and running its beaches, has helped define who I am today.
Wednesday morning I went for a long run on the beach. The day before had been extremely difficult (stressful) and I knew that the best place to regain my balance would be along the edge of our great continent where water meets land — Wednesday morning I owned a seven mile sliver of space where I could release my burdens and watch them wash out to sea.
Surfers will stand at this boundary, looking out at the waves and prepare for the “ritual cleansing” before any wave is ridden. The paddle-out permits you to “duck-dive” under the rolling set waves marching towards the shore. Each emersion washes another layer of dirt off the body and out of the mind. Once you are out surfing everything that was a distraction is no longer a thought.
I finished my Wednesday run on the beach feeling like a different person than an hour earlier. When I turned the outside hose on and held the flow of water over my head I closed my eyes and found myself “duck-diving” underneath waves. I said a quick prayer of thanks for gifts like the ocean and its beaches — and then I walked into my office excited about the day ahead.

Thanks for your support and friendship.