Footfalls like Snowflakes
I went for a beautiful run from Pipeline Trail out to Elden Spring and back. Although the trails were mostly dry, remnants of the previous snow were draped upon the east side of the mountains. It’s hard to tell whether winter is here to stay. The weather has roller-coastered in temperatures, not showing any commitment to fall or winter.
This is my favorite trail run, a mixture of ups and downs, curvy single track through forests, roadlike straights conducive to active meditation, furnishing dramatic changes of scenery–from boxed-in mini-canyons to spacious, grassy meadows.
I’m running in Saucony’s Kinvara shoe, new footwear for me. Vince at Flagstaff’s running store recommended them. It’s very light (7.7 ounces), made for racing, but works excellently as a minimalist trail shoe. The soft sole allows for sensitive pick-up of the trail’s changing shape and texture. Because the sole is not as protective as a typical trail running shoe, I have to be more careful where I place my foot. If stepped on wrong, a sharp rock can easily leave a bruise. But I’ve gotten so used to minimalist footwear, I don’t think I can go back to the heavily cushioned, raised heel shoes of my past.
One foot in front of the other, covering about 14 miles, each step similar to every other step, but, when I think about it, not really. I start focusing my concentration on the different feelings each footfall produces and think of snowflakes. In the midst of a snowstorm all of the snowflakes look similar, but up close every snowflake is different. Just the same with steps, I notice no two footfalls feel exactly the same.
As the terrain shifts underfoot, the pressure of my foot hitting the ground varies. Angles change, pebbles cause minute adjustments, soil density and softness and hardness vary. Energy waxes and wanes, affecting the way my foot hits the ground. A little soreness in my left knee sometimes causes me to protect it by letting my right foot hit the ground harder than my left. My footfalls create a varying landscape of sensation, not unlike a swirling snowstorm dropping a million different snowflakes to the ground.
The effort of mindfulness is repaid with a realization of the world as a dazzling cacophony of change. The ground of reality is constantly shifting, as is the ground below my feet. Intrusions and inspirations pace outside the door like restless phantoms. They await my attentive company. It will be snowing soon.
Read MoreRunning with American Gods
I like running on trails and reading books, and sometimes combine the two. I load my iPod with audio books and take off into the forest. It’s not running meditation, but strangely satisfying. Audio reading requires concentration, so I find that I can’t run as fast, but that’s okay. I’m a slow reader, too.
The latest book I’ve “read” on the trails is Neil Gaiman’s American Gods. An awesome work of fiction. The novel follows a character named Shadow as he travels through the American landscape, working for a strange individual named Mr. Wednesday. Gods appear left and right in the story, reflecting past and present cultures. New gods battle old gods while Shadow tries to make sense of his life and the whirlwind of fantasy around him.
Blueberry, our tireless blue heeler mix, is my loyal running companion. She and I love the trails around Mt. Elden and on Campbell Mesa. She keeps a watchful eye out for things to herd, including flying ravens and falling leaves, and when there’s no real herding work to do, she finds the largest log around and carries it on the trail behind me.
If you’re in the mood to try a new trail running shoe, Brooks’ PureGrit shoes are worth a look. Light, minimal heel-to-toe drop, and cushiony for a minimalist shoe, they are comfortable and have a long life. I’m still rotating the same four pairs I bought last year, running between 80 and 100 miles per week with stability and comfort.It’s been a beautiful summer. Thank the American Gods there hasn’t been another Schultz fire this year. The monsoon rains are happening, freshening the air, greening our outdoor sanctuaries–these are sweet days in northern Arizona.Thanks for checking in.
Nikolai
Sakyong Mipham on Running Meditation
Here is a great video on running meditation by the Buddhist master, Sakyong Mipham:
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Running Meditation T-Shirts for sale!
