At this point, I suppose we can only surmise what heaven may look like, but if it looks something like the area in which we ran our mid-June half-marathon, I wouldn't be at all surprised. (Actually, I might be surprised to even be able to find out at some point in the future, but in the meantime, I'll continue to imagine.)I suspect many of you who might read this have been to Estes Park, Colorado, but having been there probably at least a half dozen times, I would be ready to go back again next week. What a beautiful setting! The Colorado Rockies nearly surround the city, with Long's Peak majestically standing watch to the South, forested hillsides, lakes, endless blue skies, and, of course, enough streets and roads to let people run (in our case) 13.1 miles. (And the marathoners - those lucky devils - got to enjoy the scenery twice 
as far!) This race (which we ran on the 15th of June), is billed as the highest paved marathon in the world - so many people find the elevation (between 7500 and 8000') a bit daunting for a long run, but hey - it gets you closer to heaven....especially when people feel like they can't breathe anymore!
as far!) This race (which we ran on the 15th of June), is billed as the highest paved marathon in the world - so many people find the elevation (between 7500 and 8000') a bit daunting for a long run, but hey - it gets you closer to heaven....especially when people feel like they can't breathe anymore!This was not a race for any personal best times; in fact, Karen and I ran this race together the entire way - which is something we have never done before, as Karen has never been willing to slow down enough to run with me! It was, literally, a nice change of pace - and a great race.
As for the deep thoughts - which must, of necessity, be part of any such endeavor - I can only remind everyone to soak it all in. More often than we realize, we are encompassed by in
describable and unimaginable beauty - because we pass through it too quickly, too distracted, too focused on other things, or just plain too indifferent or without paying attention. In this case, I had over two hours - and just tried to soak it all in - and I believe, at least to some extent, that I succeeded. Sometimes, there is good counsel in just a few words: Slow down, smell the roses, look for the good and the beautiful; no doubt, it will be there.
describable and unimaginable beauty - because we pass through it too quickly, too distracted, too focused on other things, or just plain too indifferent or without paying attention. In this case, I had over two hours - and just tried to soak it all in - and I believe, at least to some extent, that I succeeded. Sometimes, there is good counsel in just a few words: Slow down, smell the roses, look for the good and the beautiful; no doubt, it will be there.
4 comments:
i'm glad that it was such a beautiful place to run!! I'm sure it helps a lot to run in beautiful scenery. i'm glad you guys had fun, and that you were able to just soak it all in.
i dunno if I've ever been to Estes Park though...have I with you? If not, it sounds like I need to go!
Maybe if I get hooked on Triathlons, I could do one there!
Arrrggghhh! This was a hard one for me!! Thanks for running my (sloooowwwwww) pace and not breaking a sweat while I practically went into apoplectic shock. At least it was pretty. I was SO GLAD when this one was over and we could play. Have I mentioned that the best part of these races is when they're done? However, the feeling of accomplishment can't be beat. I love you! Karen
I can't believe you didn't visit WaterWorld for me!!!! I so miss that place... I think we should do a family reunion in Estes park and visit Water World and the zoo. I love the Denver area! And why didn't you do this race when you could visit us in the Springs! how rude...
That sounds like an awesome race and it was a great thought to accompany it. We do, indeed, need to enjoy our surroundings and not run too quickly through - so is that why you ran so slow? To soak up all the beauty? tee hee hee.
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