For Wild Places 04.06.21 🏃🏾♀️
Jun 04, 2021 8:01 am
We protect what we love
FRIDAY . 04 . 06 . 21 .
Hello, hello!
Wednesday 2 June was Global Running Day and our Instagram was going crazy with posts dedicated to why people love running (this could also be because our instagram is a little bit biased towards people who participate in this activity) 😉
Regardless, we loved all of it - from hearing about the blessings running has brought, the challenges running has helped overcome, the journey's that running has taken people on, the lands ventured, the friendships it's created, and the sense of community and connection it's instilled. Running certainly plays a huge and varying role in the lives of many.
It was such a pleasure perusing people's stories (and the incredible accompanying photos), so we've decided to compile a few below. This week's newsletter is dedicated to people's journey (in whatever form that
may be) with running.
HILARY McALLISTER
Cathedral Ranges, Taungurung Country
"Running has given me a lot over the past decade - from a way to explore Belgium while lonely on exchange, to amazing feelings of accomplishment after completing my first 10k, then 21k. In the past few years, it’s brought incredible friendships, personal accomplishments, been a vehicle for activism and now, a whole new direction, as I work with @forwildplaces to empower the trail running community to become sport activists.
But I still feel uncomfortable calling myself as a runner - comparing myself to others who do it more than me, run faster, train more consistently and seem to glide up hills with ease. But I also know that in every one of us is a runner - it’s a part of our evolution as humans, and something we are all capable of, whether it’s a skill we choose to harness or not. I’ve accepted that I am a runner, but I don’t live to run. I run to explore, to leave screens, notifications and being still behind, be immersed by wind, sun, country and sky, and to remember that my body (and mind) is more capable than I’ll ever give it credit for."
ELANOR FINCH
An early morning Mount Solitary Loop, Darung and Gundungurra Country
Whilst I posted a quirky Instagram story indicating my love/hate relationship with running (I was quite honest about a mental breakdown whilst climbing Nellies Glen in Darung and Gundungurra Country, and jamming my toes which made me loose my big toenails), I have never actually posted about why I love running (people just know that I do). So, here goes...
I love trail running because of the fundamental lesson that I draw from nature. When people explore trails, they see this really tall tree and realise that it’s there to provide protection. They see small shrubs and realise that they’re there to provide ground coverage. They see a huge wide tree, and know that it must’ve been there for many years, or a twisted brach and know that it must’ve grown around something.
And when people come across some weird and wacky insect or creature, they’re so curious to learn more and understand what it is. It seems that people just accept nature for the way that it is. They just let it be.
Yet, when people leave the bush and enter into society, judgement tends to creep back into their thought processes. There seems to be less acceptance of the fact that everyone has a really unique and wonderful story.
I not only do my best to just accept people, but am optimistic that this is reciprocate. I have ASD, so I can sometimes come across as a little odd or awkward, so I hope that people have the same level of patience, acceptance and non-judgement when getting to know me.
SIMONE BRICK
"It’s not just the action of placing one foot in front of the other on repeat.
It’s the community around it.
The mentors within it.
The inspiration.
The process.
The lifestyle.
And that seemingly magical way it can change your thoughts, your health, your outlook, and your sense of self.
Embrace it deeply enough, and it will change your entire life.
One step at a time."
DINEE DORAME
"Although Global Running Day looks a little different for me this year (I’m unable to run at the moment), I can’t help but reflect on all the blessings running has brought me recently.
✨ I’m incredibly grateful for the running community near and far, for supporters of @groundedpod, and for movement in general. Running has always been my favorite form of storytelling and connection, so I hope you have a chance to get outside today and do something that grounds you. ⚡️"
LUCY BARTHOLOMEW
"Dear running,
You’ve built me up, broken me down,
You’ve given me strength and made me weak
You’ve given me space in nature and space in my own mind
You’ve connected me more to the outdoors, to people and to self more then i thought possible
You allow me to dream, believe , imagine and try.
You’ve both defined me and depressed me
A movement to grow, surrender, embrace and play.
When i think i know running, i realise i know something and nothing.
You’ve always been there for me even when i wasn’t sure i wanted you to be,
I’ve out run my love for you , and you stayed by my side always there and always ready
You’ve both consumed my life and given me life,
I wouldn’t be where i am without you, and no matter what i know you’ll be with me wherever i go.
Here’s to running 🥂 whatever pace, whatever place; road, track, trail, up, down- lift your feet- you are a runner.
Today we celebrate that
Happy global running day.
From Lucy"
Have a wonderful weekend folks, and for those in Victoria, hang in there.
And as always, thank you for taking the time for wild places 🙏🏼
Elanor & the For Wild Places crew.
CHECK US OUT ON INSTAGRAM
We acknowledge the the First Nations people who have been custodians of land, waters and culture for tens of thousands of years. We pay respects to First Nations Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora nation, the lands where this newsletter was written.
Always was, always will be.
By For Wild Places
We're a group of adventurers who love to
protect wild places we run on
