Trail Heaven: Blue Ridge Mountains

Pretty sure life wouldn't be as freaking amazing if we didn't have seasons.  Ok, maybe those of you that live in a perpetual summer due to your closeness to the equator....well, you're probably not complaining one bit.  But I think there's something to be said about having a change up that makes us appreciate the gloriousness of spring and summer when it arrives.  Like now.  Just. so. damn. beautiful.  It's like it was winter one minute and now....BAM!  All the trees are in full bloom, birds are everywhere, and it's 80 degrees outside with a blazing blue sky.  And the trails....Oh, the trails!!

 I feel very grateful for living in places that have such amazing trail running at my finger tips.  I grew up in Colorado before I really got into trail running but after college I moved to the trail running mecca in the Pacific Northwest.  Yes, it sure does rain a lot there.  Ok, that's an understatement.  Let's just say that by the time you're done with a winter in Portland, you want to bash your head through the window if you see another day of rain and grey.  However, the lush green forests and trails to die for come with a price.  That price is RAIN.  If you can tolerate the rainy winters (and parts of fall, spring and summer), then you're in for a treat!  I'm not one that does so well with this rain but I do love the green and the beautiful forests for trail running.  That brings me to Asheville, a smaller city in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  I feel beyond grateful to find myself here for about a year (almost over).  The trails aren't quite the same as Portland and surrounding areas but they do stand their own.  Especially in spring and summer!  Today, after my husband returned from his 16 mile trail run in the Cradle to the Grave Forestry where he is training for his next race (the one I did last year as my first trail race), we took the family to to the Mountain to Sea Trail off of the Blue Ridge Parkway.  He set up camp by a creek with the kids while I took off on my run.

My run today was such food for my soul.  Getting out in nature like this is always healing and rejuvenating and I always find myself wondering why I don't do it more often.  But then I remember that it has been winter and I've been marathon training (trails not always conducive to specific workouts).  I'm determined to get out there on this trail as much as I possibly can before we move back to the west coast in July.

Biggest decision of the day:  Should I wear the Brooks Pure Grits or the Cascadias fresh from the box?  I chose the Cascadias due to a sore foot that probably need some extra support.  And yes, yes, I need to shave my legs.  Whatever.  :) 

Random sculpture on my trail

Oh sweet cold creek to soak my feet! 

Thankful.  Grateful.  Happy.  Thank you Nuun for your support and encouragement and hydration the past few year.  So glad to be a part of your team.  

Holy satisfaction after a 1hour 20 minute trail run through the Blue Ridge Mountains!  Nothing beats having my family near and a cold creek to soak my feet in as soon as I finished.  A run that brought me so close to my core!  I'm so thankful for this beautiful life.

Do you trail run?  Do you have trails near you?  

Amanda

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