adj.
| adaptable - capable of adapting (of becoming or being made suitable) to a particular situation or use; "to succeed one must be adaptable" are trail runners more adaptable people? |
i'm not saying they are...just posing the question...
what does trail running demand of us?
a trail runner must take in information about the terrain (grade? obstacles? slippery? stable?) and match it with their own abilities (strength? endurance? flexibility? appropriate gear? training preparation?). the runner must do this at an incredible speed and with unwavering accuracy to avoid injury.
i am constantly amazed at the dance of my feet down the trail, the flight of my arms for balance, and the foresight of my mind as it travels 10 steps ahead of the rest of me. i am astounded by my body's ability to perform in this way. in any given trail run i am able to take in huge amounts of information about my surroundings, match it with my current abilities, and produce a performance that is constantly adapting to provide me with the greatest amount of success and joy possible.
now how does this apply to life?
is this not the outcome we look for in life? adaptable performance to provide us with the greatest amount of success and joy possible? surroundings that match our abilities at a level that is both challenging and achievable?
it makes perfect sense that the people who continually engage themselves in trail running are continually testing and perfecting their skills. this is basic training theory. but what skills are they actually perfecting? endurance, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular capability, yes. but what about problem solving, decision making, adaptability, and foresight. not to mention planning for challenges, compassion for others, and perseverance through adversity. are these not the same skills we need in life? the same skills we try to teach our children and practice ourselves?
what does trail running demand of us?
a trail runner must take in information about the terrain (grade? obstacles? slippery? stable?) and match it with their own abilities (strength? endurance? flexibility? appropriate gear? training preparation?). the runner must do this at an incredible speed and with unwavering accuracy to avoid injury.
i am constantly amazed at the dance of my feet down the trail, the flight of my arms for balance, and the foresight of my mind as it travels 10 steps ahead of the rest of me. i am astounded by my body's ability to perform in this way. in any given trail run i am able to take in huge amounts of information about my surroundings, match it with my current abilities, and produce a performance that is constantly adapting to provide me with the greatest amount of success and joy possible.
now how does this apply to life?
is this not the outcome we look for in life? adaptable performance to provide us with the greatest amount of success and joy possible? surroundings that match our abilities at a level that is both challenging and achievable?
it makes perfect sense that the people who continually engage themselves in trail running are continually testing and perfecting their skills. this is basic training theory. but what skills are they actually perfecting? endurance, strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular capability, yes. but what about problem solving, decision making, adaptability, and foresight. not to mention planning for challenges, compassion for others, and perseverance through adversity. are these not the same skills we need in life? the same skills we try to teach our children and practice ourselves?
for those of you who have yet to discover your inner trail runner, this theory applies to other activities as well. i have been known to dabble in the world of white water kayaking (when the rivers aren't too high), rock climbing (when the route isn't too complicated) and surfing (when the weather is...oh wait, we go in the winter.), and i believe any relatively unstructured physical activity that requires a high amount of mental involvement, gives us similar benefits. this is why i argue for the involvement of everyone in outdoor recreation (i want to say especially children, as they are still developing so many of these life skills...but really, anyone and everyone could benefit). and i am most definitely not alone in this argument!
check out such organizations and opportunities as Power To Be Adventure Therapy Society, YMCA-YWCA Camp Thunderbird, TCC Adventures and Expeditions, and many many more!
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