Taking the Road Less Traveled

        

       Recently I read an article in Running Times Magazine about running on pavement versus running on trails. It discussed all the advantages and disadvantages of both. It was an interesting read. The thing that stuck in my mind afterward though was how this whole debate could be applied to life in general.

        For example, when I run I will more often than not choose to run on pavement. It’s a smooth, even path that is tried and true. An easier road- if you will- that is familiar and one that I can get in-get out and get on with. I realize that by making this choice, I can achieve my best time, without giving it too much thought or effort.

        Now on those other rarer occasions, I will choose a path through one our local green-ways that will take me off the beaten trail. Choosing to go instead through the woods, up and down the steep hills, over the rocky terrain, going by and over the water. By making this choice, I must slow my pace and choose my steps carefully or risk face-planting a root. Sometimes even stumbling to my knees in the process. But when that happens, I just take a moment, pull myself up, brush myself off and get moving again. Running this path forces me to focus on the here and now instead of slapping that one foot in front of another scenario. 

        Can’t we equate life with this parallel? By making the easy choices (pavement) aren’t we literally taking the easy road? By taking this route we are missing out on some really incredible chance encounters.

        When I choose the road less traveled is when I am truly at my best. Maybe not my best time, but most definitely my best and happier inner self. I work harder but the rewards are much bigger than any personal record on the pavement. If I hadn’t taken the “off road” experience some the most glorious views would have been missed. I would have missed nature at its most preserved state. Mostly I would not have had the opportunity to realize what motivates me to run, or jog, or hike in the first place. 

Each of us has that own personal relationship between ourselves and our inner peace. Each of us knows what motivates us to want to become closer to understanding it and achieving it. For me, it is about the desire to be healthier and live longer as a healthier person; to cope with the daily annoyances without becoming postal. To strive to be the best that I can be. 

That’s not to say that there isn’t a place and time for the tried and true road. Sometimes that familiar “rote” run on pavement is what I need; mindlessly running in my Brooks Adrenaline shoes can do wonders when I need to not think about anything. But by taking the occasional detour on the “off-road” trail, we literally stop and smell the roses. And to me that is very much time I have well spent!

So my advice to everyone is to go a little crazy. Have some fun. Spice it up and every now and then take the road less traveled. Try going off-road. You may be pleasantly surprised. How you choose to apply this to your daily life is completely up to you…