I Went for a Walk in the Woods

One of the rivers that provided the music to my adventure

Well maybe I should clarify the story a little. I went for a run in the woods. A 26.2 mile run to be exact. See in mid 2020 I found trail running. Doesn't sound all that interesting, especially since I am not a runner. I never even had an interest. What I did have was an interest in was staying healthy in pandemic times. Not just physically, but mentally also. Nature helps heal me mentally, the running handled the physical part. Trail running took care of both at the same time. I set a goal last year to complete a marathon. Did I mention I am not a runner?

Not a runner, but I do have an appreciation for nature and the power it possesses. The perfection  in imperfection, the balance of new life found in death, the welcoming of change, the mastery of adaptation. I learned a few things about this over the last year, and found inspiration for my own life in the woods at times.

This past weekend was the hosting of the NJ Ultrafest. An annual trail running event put on in the scenic mountainous woods of Northern New Jersey. An event designed to bring people closer to nature, while also running anywhere from 13.1 to 100 miles in a single instance. Seems reasonable right?

At 9am the races kick off and everyone from seasoned pros to first timers hit the trails in hopes of simply showing up the best they can, having fun, and enjoying the scenery all the while. Within a few hours the pack has divided and spread out, yet there is still a common bond. Nature is with everyone. The participants are extremely supportive and encouraging making sure that everyone has what they need. Sometimes you just come across a runner who doesn't need help but is finding a higher meaning to their day at the side of a mountain stream.

During my own journey I learned a few things. Nature doesn't care if you are new or a seasoned professional. It welcomes you all the same. Nature doesn't care if you like it or not, it goes about it's business. Nature will let you pass through or let you stay, either way it is fine with the decision. Nature will give you space if you want it, but it will also let you experience more of it if you want to. You can view nature in many different ways, and always take away a unique and personalized experience each time.

This realization is nothing drastically new. We live within nature everyday. At Sierra create small experiences of nature everyday. Nature is around all of us. It is up to us to decide whether or not to let it in. Wherever you are and whenever you decide, nature will be there to accept you. All you need to do is be ready to listen. Nature will show you rest.

Related: Why Natural Landscaping?