Running the trail for the 3rd consecutive morning, I’ve started to notice how damn happy the people are who are out there with me. There really aren’t many of us, but everyone has a pretty frisky grin on their grill. There are old ladies looking for birds, a few couples, and a few other joggers and cyclists. I needed to stop to let 3 deer cross my path, a couple of does and a fawn. Deer are all over the place in Ohio, but it’s still kind of mystical to run right up on one. In fact, I needed to think about what I would do if I were charged. Screaming and flailing my arms around would be my best defense I decided. We stared each other down for about 30 seconds and then went on with our morning.
There’s a bridge over the river at the start of mile 3. On mornings where time allows, I chill there for about 15 minutes. It’s really an outstanding place to quiet the mind, listen to all the different birds, crispy leaves falling, and the river trickling by. Any man-made noises are out of earshot. These are the times when I remember that Ohio could be one of the most beautiful places on earth. Who told you that the cost of living around such places has to be exorbitant? It’s really a hidden treasure back in those woods, on that bridge, over that water, with the mist hovering over the surface as red and yellow leaves cascade down. Not a bad start to the day. On my way back I came down a trestle that stretches over a gorgeous landscaped gold course with sunlight, fog, and all those multi-colored trees. It brought tears to my eyes. I just took it really slow and soaked it in. This is the world we pass by on our way to anywhere, and witnessing it in its own majestic being-ness is awe-inspiring. Call me crazy, it’s just a golf course, right? I say let it glow. I say thank you for letting me notice its glow. I say the day won’t get to me if I hold onto this moment: the deer, the glowing beauty, the oxygen, and the smiling faces.
My legs don’t really wake up until a few miles in, and the run back to the car is actually pretty comfortable. When I bought my car a few weeks back, I took a final test drive with a different salesman than our family salesman, who has sold us around 6 cars by now. Anyway this other guy and I were talking about bicycling and playing da’ bass, and he laid a really good (obvious) tip on me. I was getting ready to run the 1/2 marathon and I was nervously wondering if I could actually survive it. He reminded me to breathe deeply through my nose and into my diaphragm, which does a significantly better job of oxygenating the bloodstream. I know this through practicing yoga on occasion, but honestly I don’t think too much about breathing when I run, unless I develop a cramp. It’s always wise to breathe into the pain in that case.
Breathing is probably the most basic need that we still manage to deprive ourselves of. How often do you consciously breathe? 10-12 deep breaths, through the nose, and into the diaphragm so it expands. Do you know how much this simple, (free) exercise could improve your clarity, well-being, and positive outlook? Breathing is the the gateway to meditation, and connecting to your higher self. Yet we run around on autopilot, completely ignoring that we can control the quality of the breaths we take in. We huff and puff through stressful days, eeking out shallow breaths from our chest. However, conscious breathing forces everything to chill the hell out, while also providing much better fuel for your mind, body, and spirit.
Realistically, most of us are chained to our computers all day long. To conserve your vision, carpal flexibility, and your sanity, try pulling back once per hour for 3-4 minutes. Stand up, look out a window, and breathe baby breathe. You just might see your friend Krissy Carter scampering through the bushes with fucking gnomes and unicorns!!!! 
