To Love it is to Run it

This morning I got up, put on my running clothes, laced up my shoes and headed out for a run. As I passed by beautiful and unique vegetation, listened to the birds chirp and the roosters crow, felt the warm island breeze and eventually the light sprinkle of rain on my face and I couldn't help but feel on top of the world and fall in love with my surroundings. I'm sure it's the endorphins pumping through my brain, but I am convinced that to truly love a new place--and to really appreciate it's charms--you have to RUN it. I have fond memories of running along the river walks in Portland, OR and Spokane, WA and the red rocks of Lake Powell, the beaches of California, Washington, Oregon and Hawaii, countless roads across the U.S. and even a parking lot in Ontario, OR (believe it or not, I eeked out a 6 mile run using the parking lots of big box stores such as Home Depot!) There is nothing that makes you feel more alive than running in the open air and elements, feeling your heart pumping, your lungs working and all the parts of your body humming in unison to move yourself forward. I love it!