Training for Boston has been intense. My training plan is demanding and I am fully committed to every workout. It’s so consuming that it has taken it’s toll on my mind. I was beginning to loose my love for running and started asking myself, “why am I doing this?” I have been running long enough to know what to do when this happens. First, I needed to replace the second cross training day with an easy trail run to restore my love of the run again. This is exactly what I did last week and in an instant my passion emerged, all of my questions were answered and I feel mentally unbreakable once again. Trails are my magical cure all, they never disapoint, they never let me down, when I am out there in the open space, I tap into my soul and the light within me emerges. It’s the light that connects all of us, it’s in you and me, but it is dimmed by the noise of modern life.
While I was out there I ran into another soul. I happened to get a little off course and I ran into an older man. He told me he was a retired Marine, Vietnam Vet and served on LAPD for 22 years. He was 79 years old, but seemed young to me. I told him I was lost and he ran three miles out of his way to escort me to the trail head I needed to be on. He told me how he served 2 tours in Nam he was stationed 8 miles north of the DMZ, so he didn’t need to tell me anything further, I knew that this man saw the ugliest part of the war. Naturally, when he returned home from the war, one of the only jobs that would have any normalcy would be being a cop in LA. He did that for 22 years and retired. He said he had been married 45 years and that that was tougher than war and the streets of LA. I told him, the only people I knew that had been married that long were couples on Dateline murder mysteries, we laughed as if we had been buddies for years and yet I had only been with him for a few minutes. He possesed a level of confidence that only someone who had seen the things he had could embody. Before he jogged with me back to my trail head, I thought for moment that maybe it was too much for him to run 3 miles out of his way, but then again, this guy was a gentleman, a hero, a forgotten warrior, I knew it was his instinct to save, to protect, to serve and that I must not take this small gesture away from him just because his body had aged. When we reached my trail head, I thanked him. I reached down and shook his old, strong leathery hand and I wondered what those hands had done over the last 79 years. Had they carried a fallen brother to safety, had they killed another to save himself or a fellow Marine. Those hands were that of a guardian that had long since been forgotten. I felt his light, the energy that’s left when the body begins to decline, but that light remains or even burns brighter, despite his physical body that was clearly aging. I began to think why do we treat the elderly the way we do? Why are they invisible to us? Are we so busy that we can’t acknowledge these oftentimes amazing souls?
It brought this song to mind.. listen to all of the lyrics, so true…
As I returned home, I was reminded why I need to be in nature and why it is essential for me to run the trails, nature inspires me, inspires me to slow down, tap into my true self, the one that links us all together, it reminds me to believe in miracles, that they are all around us if we just take the time to look and keep an open mind.
Nature has every answer to every problem if you are willing to listen. Happiness is a choice that we make everyday, one that takes a certain level of maturity. Nature reminds me to show compassion toward all living things and it went out of it’s way to tell me to acknowledge the elderly. I ask you to do the same, the next time you see an elderly person, say “Hello In There”, you will be amazed at what you might discover and you will blow their mind that someone would acknowledge them. Try it! Perhaps even share your experience via a post or in the comments below.
How does nature inspire you?
Have you talked to an elderly person recently?
About Lisa
Trail runs really do bring back the love of running. I haven’t done enough here yet because I am more nervous about running trails by myself than local bike paths. Isn’t it great to meet someone like that out there? I want to be out running the trails when I am 79!
My mom is a mom of twins!!! Your run sounds like quite the adventure. My bro-in-law is a Vietnam vet and has some wild stories. But it’s hard to get him to talk of that time.
Wow…What an amazing experience. I can only imagine what he must have been like to talk to, to listen to. You probably made his day too just by taking the extra energy to engage him and talk to him during your extra 3 miles.
Those are the experiences that make all the hard work and effort worth it! You’re doing great…keep it up!
Wow…. great post Lisa, no strike that, amazing post! Really touched me. loved the song too, listened to the entire thing. We all need to take a few minutes every week and find a parent, grandparent or an elderly person or family member or friend and say, “hello in there, hello”! I speak from experience, do it sooner rather than later, you never know how long we have together.
As someone who works with older people daily, I see this a lot. They have awesome stories to tell and for us to listen to. Great reminder and great experience for you!
That is an amazing story! I”m glad you had this run in! I remember I once ran into a blind elderly runner while training for my first marathon. He was so inspirational, a moment I never forget.
what an amazing reminder that there are still such good people in this world!
I love this post.
My grandparents are 90 and 91. It seems like they’re completely different people from the grandparents I knew as a child. I’m so glad I get to spend time with them as an adult. They’re so wise and funny. I never appreciated that in my younger years.
What an incredible experience! I volunteered with Hospice for a few years in college and would just sit and talk to the individuals that could. The stories I heard were amazing!
Beautiful and inspirational story. You are a very giving, caring person too so I see this as more of a kindred soul experience. How wonderful that you met this man on the trail that particular day…actually, it was probably fate!
I got a little teary there when you talked about your new friend! What a great character to meet on a trail run.I really loved this story!
Glad the run also restored your mojo and that you knew just what it would take. I do love the trails, too, and I’ve got to say I’m jealous you are out there in warm weather running them!
Well said..beautiful story!
I’ve been talking a lot to my Grampa lately. I’ve learned many lessons. I am grateful.
xo
I’m so glad you added an easy run in. Are you doing RLRF? That is definitely the downside… missing out on all the easy runs, and running for the love of running. How appropriate to run into an older runner and chat about life’s journey… lots of wisdom in our elderly, for sure. I think we have a hard time slowing down enough to listen, as the message is always to go, go, go!
What a great story. I used to work at an assisted living home for the elderly, and it was the best job I have ever had. I loved listening and hearing all the people talk and share their stories.
Just so love this!! THANK YOU!!!! I am 55 but I am getting closer to this… I actually used to get along better with older people than younger people when I was young… it is such an important message & that you for sharing this!!!!
That trail run certainly did the trick. Very nice that you were able to connect with a stranger in a way that left you both with a positive experience. That kind of experience or run is usually only found on the trails. Great share.
A beautifully written post. I’ve been working with an older population for many years (at a Senior Center, and now at a country club fitness center with an average age over 70). I love talking and listening to older people. Plus, they make me feel young now that I’m getting older myself!
What a great story!
Such a beautiful story. I do love when you post!
I love this story and you know why. Hugs to you from your 70-something father.
I often wonder if your read, care or are interested in my blog. I’m glad you caught this post. Thank you for your comment Dad.
that is WHY i run. Therapy in nature and God’s beauty all wrapped around it. It makes my head clear and my heart happy!
Great post! My #1 rule with running has become that *I must be enjoying myself*. If runs and training is becoming so draining or non-fun, then I need to re-group.
Love the story about the 79 year old vet. We have a lot of veterans we connect with, being a military family, and I love listening to their stories. I just love listening to the elderly, they usually have something interesting to say!
Hello Christina, Yes, I am with you, having fun is key… work hard, play hard! Thank you for visiting my site and for taking the time to leave a comment. Happy Valentines Day!
Beautifully articulated, as always, Lisa! I believe our ‘chance’ meetings are not by chance at all. The elderly have so much wisdom. I fell in love with the trails last summer when it was too freakishly hot to run elsewhere. Magical. I love that your dad is reading! : )
Marcia, Thank you for your this beautiful comment. Why do I feel so connected to you? Is it that were close in age, that we both have crazy families, the running, the blog or what? I am touched that you noticed that my Dad is reading and said something, I think you understand that how meaningful his comment was to me. xoxo
I love this post Lisa. After 3 days on the mountains skiing and a morning on the trails in California, I’m definitely reminded of how much nature inspires me. It reminds me to be thankful and helps me regain perspective. And you are absolutely right about how we treat the elderly. I’m not sure why we do that – treat them as if they don’t exist when there is so much wisdom and life there.