Seriously though, this place isn't that bad. As far as trails and running go, Ohio leaves a lot to be desired. But at the same time, the ecosystem is so different from what I'm used to that the change is invigorating. I love the dense, wet forests and the little creekbeds snaking everywhere. And more than everything I love how green this place is. Everything is alive and thriving right now in the midst of summer. Ohio isn't striking like Colorado, but it is beautiful.
This makes me realize that my plan has been to spend lots of time in the high mountains of Colorado and then fly a REALLY LONG WAY to the high mountains of Europe. But what about all that land in between? It's different, but its merits are very often nearly as great as those of Colorado. This reminds me once again of a dream to someday do a many-thousands-of-miles bike tour across somewhere large. Perhaps several large somewheres, in fact. That seems like a cool way to see the land at face level and really come to know a certain area.
But now I'm leaving. This evening I will fly all the way across the pond to the high mountains of western Europe, where I will eat great food and try hard not to step on the ubiquitous alphorn-playing bearded Swiss farmers. I hear they have mountains that pierce the sky and large blonde-haired women eager to serve me beer. I've also been working on deciphering yodeling, as I assume that's how the UTMB race organizers communicate with runners and crews. Whatever the case, this trip should be fun, and I'll try my best to post photos on here from the Alps.....with the camera I don't have, and the computer I'm not taking.
Hey man -- let me know how it all goes!! It was fun hanging w/ you in Silverton... and thanks for putting me in touch w/ Bowman -- we shared a nice run this morning.
ReplyDeleteGood luck at Sierre-Zinal and of course UTMB -- I'm psyched for ya
Hiya. Enjoy Europe. The beer is good and we are nice hosts (maybe not the French) but I am British so obviously biased! Have a great race in SZ and UTMB. What a deep field. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteAlex
A post about OHIO! To bad we could get together and run while you were here. It really is pretty lush and green in Ohio! Have fun in Europe.
ReplyDeleteAren't you too young to drink beer?
Totally agree with your take on the difference. Been living in Colorado for most of the last 16 years. Grew up on the East Coast, and just spent 1 year in North Carolina, and yes, the GREEN everywhere is beautiful and I miss it. Not enough to make me want to leave Colorado, but running in those East Coast forests is pretty nice.
ReplyDeleteGo big or go home. Good luck at UTMB, sir.
ReplyDeleteI am from Ohio. Live in California now, but just went back last week to visit family and see an OSU football game. Though I love running in the mountains I really enjoyed running in the colorful fall woods and rolling hills on this trip. It was the most fun I had running in a long time.
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