I suppose every runner has a trail or path that they run on more than any other. For most, it’s whatever route is right outside their front door. This is certainly true for me and I feel especially blessed by my go to trail.
I love these trails so much that they are the reason I live where I live. For a decade before I was able to live near the park I would drive 20 minutes to come and wander the trails and pray. Those woods are my prayer spot and the trees know what’s really going on in my heart as much as God does.
Compared to other trails in Michigan, I’m not sure this humble county park would win any awards or be a destination spot. One time I was running and there was an unusually large group of people walking around and looking lost. They stopped me and asked me where the fall leaves were. Apparently Pure Michigan had put a picture of Burchfield in the fall on their Instagram and these people had driven all the way from metro Detroit. But the picture must have been from another year because the colors hadn’t popped yet.
The leaves are very beautiful in the fall and the park is wonderful in all seasons but it’s a humble spot. And that’s one of the reasons I love it. It’s not special because it’s spectacular. It’s special because it’s right there and it’s always ready for me even when it’s muddy, buggy, icy, or humid.
Since I’ve run here so many times (5x a week most weeks), there are many places that have gained meaning. There’s a spot where early one spring I was really struggling. I hadn’t run much and my hips were killing me to the point I had thought about walking. Then I swallowed a bug – like right down the windpipe – and I started choking. I choked so much and I was already so fatigued that I threw up next to the trail. It’s maybe not the kind of memory I wish I had but that spot on the trail never lets me forget that humbling moment.
On top of that I often think of that poor bug. It had probably just come to life. Maybe just took off for its first flight and then it ends up being swallowed by a limping, sweaty giant and then expelled in a pool of vomit. I think the bug had a worse day than me. But I did feel pretty bad walking home.
I have many more memories of the park: prayer spots, interestingly aroused trees, animal encounters and runs solo or with good friends. Since it’s my go to I’m sure I’ll tell more tales from these trails even if the mileage only counts once. The blue loop is almost a perfect 6.2 from my front door by the way. And I’ve got to count my go to as the first 6.2 of this challenge.
I’m sure there all kinds of other go to’s in life. I think the trick is staying grateful, embracing the humble, and not letting it become mundane.
MI Trail Challenge 