With Nature

I started my training for the marathon with a bang and after getting hit with a bug have lost my focus. Aside from being one of the leaders of the marathon training group Race 4 Veronika's Place, I have been sitting on the side, waiting for my energy to return. Today I went on a nature hike with my friend Bonnie. It was a beautiful day and a great way to not only be with nature, but to also challenge myself to get out and walk. We went to Malibu Creek State Park. The drive up PCH was beautiful, surfers were out in full force. 

Me and my friend, Bonnie near the entrance of Malibu Creek State Park.

If you're from LA you will often hear that we have no seasons. Not true, autumn is beautiful in nature. You will see trees start to lose it's leaves, and the colors have subtly changed. It looks like a watercolor painting, the sky was blue with puffy clouds, there were some blooms, but you have to pay attention. It's a nice reminder to quiet down and listen, and watch. Nature is changing all around you, but so often we are not present to see. When you are training for any race, it is really important to pay attention, but I would also say it is equally important to just do it and push yourself. Find something that will motivate you, maybe it will be the beach or a trail. Or maybe it is just getting out to your neighborhood. Where ever you are, get out. Start slow, build your confidence back then soon you will be full throttle and full marathon mode.

Can you see the humming bird? Look for the small movement. -Advice from my friend

There was a lot of activity at the park, runners on the trail, cyclist, hikers, families and even rock climbers. Some of the biggest blessings in living in LA are the weather, the landscape, and the people. If you have lost your energy to exercise to train, get out in LA. You will find everyone doing anything. On our drive up we passed by the 4th Street stair climbers, bicyclist riding up PCH, surfers, paddle boarders. Everywhere you look someone is more active than you. I especially like seeing the people on the trail with their walking sticks, you know they were in some serious hiking mode. Seeing others at play really does feed your need for movement. It was so invigorating to be in the middle of nowhere, yet still see others enjoying their friends and this place God has given them. I am truly thankful to have a wide variety of friends with different interest and passions, because this is exactly what I needed this morning.

How is your training going? Where are you stuck, and who will be there to help you get unstuck?

Happy trails my friends!

Climbing the big rock.

A tree points the way of the path.

Rolling hills of Malibu.