[pct-l] oh no

Responses to my recent post about running on the PCT have gotten under my 
skin, so a few words....

1. For years, I actually felt guilty about enjoying to run. There are always 
lots of people to say, "Look at him. He doesn't REALLY enjoy the wilderness 
'cause he just speeds along through it." I tried to go slower just because 
so many people told me I was missing something along the way. First of all, 
this is a common criticism of thru-hikers on the PCT; the people who spend 
two or three months on the JMT see the PCT-ers bustin' along at their 25 
mile-a-day clip and cluck and shake their heads.
    Running in the woods is probably as liberating a feeling for me as when 
Jardine first put his big pack down and started carrying less, going father, 
leading it out.

2. When I reached the ridge near Mt. Baden-Powell, the view was so stunning, 
I yelled out and cried. The fact I was in this wonderful race to share this 
experience with others just made it more special. I don't like the 



......



The joy of running along the PCT (or AT or ANY trail in the forest)
cannot be described to the non-runner.

Nor can the joy of hikingfor 3-4-5 or 6 months be described to the
non-hiker.

They are both valid and legitimate use of the trail(s).

I too have shed the same tear coming up over Trail Crest or
standing ontop of a 14'er on the PCT or in Colroado.

The joy and satisfaction are beyond description. After my first
1000 miles I could not believe the calm and peace (and expertise :))
and joy I have attained.

We can all share the trail (and peaks) eh?

Rich

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