The Magic of Nature

Ever wonder why beautiful scenery makes you feel so warm and fuzzy inside? I know I do. I'm not even quite sure why beauty grips us the way that it does; but I do know that it is quite therapeutic.

When people like me go exercise, we don't do it in the gym unless we really have to...why? Because...it's not that pretty; unless you count the muscular people as being something nice to look at. But seriously...why go running on a treadmill or riding on a stationary bicycle, staring at a wall, yourself, or out a window, when you could be out on a trail or on some scenic route that makes your workout a much more pleasant and enjoyable one? Why settle for boring when you can go on an adventure??

My experiences while running have been most amazing, I must say. I encounter lots of harmless animals (and some maybe harmful animals...you just have to know how to react) and I get to see natural occurances most often. Today, I got to see a partial lunar eclipse happen. I was going on a long trail run, when I looked up and saw in the sky that the moon's glow was shrinking...It was a magnificent show as I ran through the valley of the Tucson Mountain Park.

The way I see it, if you run or walk or ride outside in the open fresh air, not only will your body love you for it, but your heart and soul will love you for it too. What better therapy than to train under an early morning sky, under the stars, in the rain, on a beach, in the mountains, on a trail, etc? I can't think of any better way to stay happy, healthy, and fit than this. It truly is remarkable whence you finally can experience the magic of nature.

Be well,

Ashley