Last fall Barb and I went on a trip to England and Scotland. We were only in Edinburgh Scotland for 2 days so there was not a lot of time to see the city.
The first morning I woke up and went for an easy run around the City. I was amazed at the landscape, the castles and the city I was able to see first hand while out on my run. I find when traveling, running is a great way to get the cobwebs out, learn the landscape of the city and get excited about all the things to see and do.
The first day we visited the usual tourist spots and while visiting Hollyrod, I saw a very large mountain right in the City. It turns out it was an inactive Volcano named Arthurs Seat after King Arthur. When I looked up the mountain it appeared that people were hiking and walking up the Mountain so it peaked my interest. I quickly googled “running up Arthurs Seat” and had numerous responses including breathtaking pictures of Sunrise, Sunsets and amazing views overlooking the City. I right away said to Barb that I was going to run that mountain the following day.
Well on Day 2 after researching the best route up the mountain, I set out to run the it. Fearing it would be too long a run to run to the entire Arthurs seat, I took the bus there and started running on paths up the Mountain. It wasn’t long before I thought I was at the top of the mountain and it was spectacular. I then ran down the other side of the mountain and noticed that there were some other trails up the back of the mountain. I then ventured up the back of the mountain and when I was about half way up, I noticed people at another peak way up. I then proceeded to the top of the mountain and the timing was amazing as the Sun was setting over the city of Edinburgh. It was definitely a “love life” moment.
I sat with others at the top of the Mountain and had a “love life” moment as I watched the sun go down over an amazing city. It struck me that the reason I was able to get to the top(and run to the top) to enjoy the view was that I was fit enough and healthy enough to do so. In fact, when I think about my most memorable moments in touch with nature, it typically has involved fitness and activity to get to that special place.
Therefore it just reinforced to me how important fitness and movement is to continue to enjoy those “love life” moments in the future.
Yours in great health, Kev
4 comments
yet another great, inspirational blog!
Well Kevin I never have nor will I ever be as fit as you are. I also know you just keep raising the bar for yourself which if nothing else inspires me and I am sure a lot of others that are watching you, to want to take care of ourselves. Thanks for sharing Kev it really sounds like it was a magical experience for you.
Another great column, Kevin. I’ve always enjoyed putting on my running shoes when I get to a new city. It’s the best way to explore and orient yourself to the new surroundings.
Great story Kevin. I know you enjoy your training and competing. Now you are realizing another benefit. Great. Hope you carry a camera. Marge