Run With a Purpose...Eco-Run!

I have a vision. I see a better world. A cleaner nature. How much can one person accomplish? I guess I'll see? But I want to inspire/invoke others. I want to create a phenomenon. I believe in this cause. I believe "we" can make a difference. While we run...while we "Eco-Run."

Running is my passion. It gives me time to reflect. Time to think. It makes me feel good. I will run in all conditions. All settings. Road. Trail. Sand. Snow. Water. Dirt. etc. I have run in many parts of the world. Its simplicity in form provides escape from a complex world (no ipod for this guy!). It makes me feel alive. And if you run, you know what I'm talking about.

Would you agree, all of the aforementioned are rather self-indulgent? I've realized this. I run 60-90 miles a week...and that's a lot of 'me' time! Therefore, I've thought about what "I" can do to change this. To combine the 'I' with the bigger picture. I am always in training...for my next marathon or ultramarathon, so I never consider a few stops along the way detrimental to my fitness. I consider those stops a pleasure.

Would you also agree, the environment around us makes running what it is? Makes it enjoyable. Makes it memorable. Inspires us to keep running. Keeps us thinking. And wondering. Inventing and reinventing. However, I've noticed that the same environment that is responsible for our happiness is also in need of our help. It's dirty. Polluted. Messy. By our own doing. I want to clean it up. And what better time to do this than while we're on the move!

Now...I completely understand that some of us are on route. To a PR. Or, we're pacing our miles. We're in training. We're focused. We only have so much time. True - life also gets in the way. that's fine. I get it. But...just think. About your favourite route, or trail, or pass. You see garbage. It's there. Now think about running and not seeing that garbage. I like that thought. How about setting a run aside. Even if it starts at one run a week. Make that run a run for internal and external goodness. Trust me. It's a wonderful feeling!

I'm not just on the pulpit preaching. I'm doing this. I'm "Eco-Running." And I'm hooked. I dont eco-run every time I go out. But to be honest, it's hard not to! I dont take a 30 gallon bag, just a bunch of small ones. I fill them up. I carry them to a nearby garbage. I pick them up later. Or...I get my upper body workout in and carry them home. I love seeing my favourite routes clean. Others respect what your doing as well. So, I'm satisfying my "I" and so much more!

I have grandiose visions. But it starts small. And that's great! Because I'm excited about where this could go. If you do this. I would love to hear from you! If you don't, and you would like to start, plan to start, or have just started, let me know! If you would like to just talk running. I'm down with that as well. Summer is upon us. There's no better time than right now!

Run 4 more! Cheers!

picture: me posing while "eco-running" in Queenstown, New Zealand