Today marks the first day of camp. So many diverse backgrounds, mindsets, and lifestyles unite for eight short days, only because they share a love of running. Each runner leaves those lifestyles behind for a change of pace, so to speak. They pack their bags, they gather their strength, and they get ready to embark on the incredible journey we call the “Bo Reed High Altitude Distance Camp.” But it is so much more than a journey. I have already started to experience enlightenment.
The first stage of my enlightenment occurred when we headed out for our “easy run,” and I realized that high altitude has more of an impact than you think! The second was that the weatherman can lie on occasion – and when he says it will rain this afternoon, he actually means it will be very hot during the exact time of your run.
After a tough run, we returned to the Wilson Hall Dormitory where Mark Souza greeted us with a unique post-run treat – which was relieving because he was not filming us as we trudged in red-faced and panting. He taught us how to mix a drink of cold water, freshly squeezed lime, a pinch of honey, and Chia seeds, called Chia Frescas...a specialty of the Tarahumara Indians of North Central Mexico--the one's who run for 50 to 150 miles in sandals made of old tires and some leather straps. The seeds are not like sunflower seeds – they are smaller, like the seeds of a strawberry – and they have the tendency to expand and get slimy after being soaked in water for a while. I was shocked by how open everyone was to drinking the slimy-seedy water, and moreover, how refreshing it was!
During core workouts, we learned that when you count down from 10 – you are supposed to include zero (thanks to Todd). . . however that means we are really holding the position for 11 seconds; I guess that just makes us overachievers for a day.
My favorite activity of today, however, was the night-time story-telling. After our first lecture session about team dynamics, we moved into the open-mouth section where everyone shared their own stories. They talked about their backgrounds, their lifestyles . . . their bathing in other people’s showers, their worst falls while running, their battle wounds, their defining moments, their crazy relationships, and their spirituality -- and Leon’s and Wayne’s stories about their culture were fascinating!
I am sitting here in this nearly-empty lobby, going through the first day of camp, and all I can do is smile. I have come from a small town I call home. I have packed up my bags, mustered my strength, and tried to prepare for the tidal wave of growth and enlightenment that this camp presents. After the first day, I have learned so much that I am already wishing I had more room in my suitcase to pack up all these lessons, these experiences, and these memories up so I take them on my next journey.
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