Expedition Sunday Run 10-7-12

"No matter our age or condition, there are still untapped possibilities within us and new beauty waiting to be born."  -Dale Turner

With the crazy weather patterns these days,  it took some thought to figure out how to create a Sunday long run that matched my needs;  not too long or short,  with enough interest to keep me motivated over the miles....deciding finally on making a 'base' at a Publix lot and get back up on the Dania Beach loop.  I had a decent Saturday Griffin loop, and was eager to work on getting my endurance back.  Basing at the store saved me money from the State Park (plan B) and removes me from the triathletes crowding out the parks.  Plus I have everything I need at the end, including a chance to pick up a few groceries! 

When I was little and took off on my many expeditions through the old orchard paths,  I never knew exactly where I was heading until I 'got there'.   This love of exploring serves me well in running- and life- as my curiosity usually outweighs my fears of the unknown....and keeps my enthusiasm revved.
I started out up the road finding my gait, loosening those tired muscles and enjoying the quiet.  The skies remained overcast with occasional spots of sunshine or washes of drizzle....the ideal long distance conditions (well a little cooler would be nice).  The first surprise was the pair of monkeys (not chimps) I found foraging through the underbrush by the canal....!They looked peaceful and purposeful,  so I kept to my pace and they kept to their business.  They were so beautifully out of place!  As I speculated on where they came from etc I rounded out onto Dania Beach Blvd and the long, straight stretch to the overpass before the beach...feeling comfortable, relaxed and soaking up the morning, shared on occasion with the cyclists and bikers on their Sunday rides. 

It was good to see all the landmarks, and finally the ocean unfolding as I made it up on Surf Road (above)...heading on down to North Park and more confident than I felt in a long time in the power of my own two feet to maintain the distance, and allow my mind to wander the immense beauty that is Nature.

North Park swung this vista into view.   The Grand presentation of light, water and palms waiting for me, giving me that shout out as I stopped and snapped photos....ahhh....the cooler breezes were washing off the waters....as I headed west and took the intercoastal overpass I could feel the brush of that cool air lifting me like air under wings.  I felt buoyant and free bounding down the other side, giddy as the kid I once was breaking my own path through a dense woods many years ago.   As I came up to the car I felt like I'd been away a long time, some where far away....and refreshed as I grounded once more to my chores, my day,  my work week to come.

The spirit of the expedition is deep in me from those old days long ago, and my determination to get out, get away, get close to those elements that have always called to me:  the silencing of human activity to hear the songs of Nature,  the deep resonance with pattern, color, light and movement that creates the corresponding deep peace in me.   In these days of seeming chaos and deflection from what truly matters in Life,  an expedition into Mother Nature is a sure way to reconnect with your true Self.  Gaia will show you in Her magic mirror what beauty lies within,  not just in Her own amazing World, but in the world within YOU.   Take the risk.  Make a plan.  And get into a natural place with yourself soon. 

Dale Turner