Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 52

83.44 MILES OF HEALING: A RUNNER'S
STORY OF RECLAMATION
by Eryn Lynum
The flowers are different today. I almost can't discern the change, not in dawn's veiled light.
Ten minutes from now, as the sun wanders higher, the details will no longer be obscured. I
cherish these moments. Not many see the meadow in this light.
It is the summer of 2019. My feet again acquaint themselves with the dirt trails of Pineridge
and Maxwell natural areas. This space has become a sort of sanctuary in which I am
determined to reclaim my health physically, mentally, and spiritually after suffering a
miscarriage. For the three years following my loss, I find myself unable to trust my body or
continue my love of trail running.
In May, aching to return to the trails, I registered for a half-marathon trail race in Lory
State Park at the end of summer as my motivation. Three times a week I find myself
here, lost in every thought and no thoughts at all. Spanning these months, I come
to recognize other runners who cross me on the path. I grow familiar also with the
critters who call this area home, the ones protected by our natural areas. I watch as
early summer flowers give way to late summer blooms. It is as if each week, our natural
areas greet me with new splendor. I witness the resilient cadence of our landscape.
Observing each facet and character of our ecosystem supporting one another, my
respect for the space blossoms right along with its wildflowers. I begin to recognize the
milkweed, thistle, rabbitbrush, and bluebells, appreciating each for the beauty it lends
to my miles. On the warmest mornings, honeysuckle wafts from the bushes, warmed
from the sun like honey melting on a biscuit. Swallows, swifts, and chickadees sing me
through mile after mile. One afternoon even brings a bobcat across my path. Peering
at me from the tall native grasses, I wait patiently for him to make his way up the ridge,
thankful for the break he affords me to catch my breath.
As race day approaches, longer training runs demand earlier start times at the
trailhead. There is a lesser-known entry to Pineridge, a narrow grass-hemmed trail off
the south end of Overland Trail. Its initial ascent serves as a perfect warm-up, stealing
my breath well before the first mile marker. Closing in on mile two, I resurface from the
trees, coming out below the official trailhead parking lot. Fishermen are already well
situated on the bank. They arrived at Pineridge far earlier than I. I hope one day my
appetite for the trail will match their appetites for a bite on the line. Maybe one day I'll
beat them to the water's edge.
As the weeks progress and my body and mind strengthen, I add to my route. Maxwell takes
me up and over on to Reservoir Ridge. Mule deer raise their heads from the grass, offer a
good-morning nod. Knowing the meadow will soon be busy with hikers, they wander back
into the ponderosa pine until tomorrow's dawn. The magpies, however, don't seem to mind
my presence. They fly right along with me.
In September, I cross the finish line of my race. I reflect on the past three years of grief, and
more recently, my four months and 83.44 miles devoted to Pineridge and Maxwell and all
their inhabitants. More fondly, I consider all they committed to me in cheering me on each
mile to win back my health and return to these majestic places we all get to call home.

Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021

Contents
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - Cover1
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - Contents
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 1
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 2
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 3
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 4
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 5
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 6
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 7
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 8
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 9
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 10
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 11
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Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 15
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 16
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 17
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 18
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 19
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 20
Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 21
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Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - 25
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Natural Areas Explorer - June - October 2021 - Cover3
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