Chapter 1: A Shift in Perspective

My journey as a runner began in my teenage years when my father invited me to join him for a jog around our neighborhood. By the age of 18, I had completed my first marathon. The exhilarating feeling that running brought me and the effort required to achieve it became a significant part of my life.

Running in Cornwall, England

The introduction of a watch to track my speed and distance marked a turning point; from then on, I never ran without it. The watch fueled my ambition to improve, as I eagerly analyzed my mile splits and meticulously planned for future runs. However, as I turned 40, my relationship with my watch began to shift. Tired of the bulky design, I opted to wear my dress watch more frequently, which led to my running watch being forgotten on many occasions. Consequently, I began to run to places like my community garden instead of merely counting miles. This change encouraged me to explore more and take detours to appreciate my surroundings.

Embracing New Routes

The most significant change occurred when I started exploring the stunning trails of the nearby Black Forest. Previously, I avoided these paths due to their challenging terrain, which could slow my pace. Now, I savor the little things — mushrooms peeking through foliage, moss glistening with dew, and trees dancing in the wind. I relish picking wild blackberries and gathering unique stones while inhaling the fresh scent of earth and soaking in the sunlight filtering through the trees. It's truly a delightful experience.

Capturing the Moment

This transformation shouldn’t have come as a surprise. Whenever I travel to a new city, I love to start my day with an early morning run. It allows me to familiarize myself with the area, and I find myself animatedly sharing my discoveries at breakfast. The essence of these runs is to absorb the surroundings, and despite the slower pace, I often cover more distance than planned. (Getting lost might play a part in that too!)

Nature Over Metrics

I’ve learned that I am not alone in appreciating runs without a watch; many elite athletes have also stepped away from constant tracking. Some have shared that without their smartwatches, they have started to listen to their bodies more and derive greater joy from running. I believe this newfound freedom also enhances our awareness of nature and fosters a deeper connection with the environment.

Embracing the Journey

In conclusion, as my approach to running shifted from a focus on speed and distance, I rediscovered not just the joy of running but also the beauty of the natural world. I hope others can experience this transformative connection as well.

Stumbling upon beauty during trail runs