Running and Trees

Running and Trees

 

“Before, you are wise; after, you are wise. In between you are otherwise”

― David Zindell, The Broken God

 

I began my path as an arborist  18 years ago and my life as a runner 2 years ago and I have learned the value of both.  Running and Trees may seem like two different animals but their are lessons to be learned from both. Trees are interwoven throughout our daily lives and we rarely notice them until they are gone. Our bodies are similar.   

Time means change.  Mature trees will stop growing taller and will instead grow thicker.  Their canopies will begin to thin and the risk of breaking limbs becomes greater.    Sound familiar? It probably does to anyone over the age of 50 with a growing waistline, thinning hair, and unsteady legs.

Fortunately it’s not all bad news.  Mature trees are irreplaceable and more beneficial than a young tree.  Time will bring similar changes to us. Although our potential for fast growth has declined,  the wisdom we have gained more than make up for the change. I will never be as fast or strong as I was when I was 20 but I am still able to increase my potential by learning patience and endurance.  

This year, let’s all try to look to the future.  Prune and treat your trees now. Don’t wait until the tree is unhealthy or about to split apart in a storm.  Exercise now. Don’t wait until you are older or at risk of diabetes. Too often we make the mistake of neglecting our health until it’s too late. We also tend to neglect our trees until it’s too late.   Once the damage is done, it’s much harder to fix. Let’s take care of our environment whether it be the earth or our bodies. Don’t take these things for granted, practice thankfulness, mindfulness, happiness, and healthiness.

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