My 3rd time Nordic walking the Urban Cow Run in Sacramento. My only question was will it be cold and windy. But it was just beautiful. I’m supposed to be at yoga teacher training all day today, but, it’s my mother’s birthday. She would be 90 and I wanted to celebrate her life. It’s been a little over 3 years since she passed. My mom was such a beautiful person. And to honor her memory, especially on a first Sunday, was just what I needed. Also, before the event started, I got to see my new friend, Simmy, I met at a trail run/walk in 2017. And I got to see my best friend from college after the run/walk, Joy, who had just celebrated her 60th birthday last month.
This event starts and ends at William Land Park. During the course, you run along the river for quite some time. You can see people fishing and enjoying their watercrafts on a warm fall day. One year, I saw one or two other two-pole walkers and one one-pole walker. This year I spotted only a one-pole walker and me, a two-pole walker.
It’s funny how you can be in a zone while walking, in your own little bubble. I was listening to K-love radio station and sometimes belting out my tunes when I was so moved. I kind of pity the ears nearby. But, my joy runneth over. Singing and meditating during a long walk enjoying nature and folks around you is fun and life giving. That’s part of the reason I do it including all the health benefits.
When using poles, the race organizers ask that you start from the back so not to cause any problems when the people are so tightly packed. Then you try to make up the distance throughout. You know I was wondering if I could keep up the pace. It seemed so daunting being that it was 13.1 miles of walking versus running. But, pretty much I kept the same pace just a little faster than 4 miles per hour. This year I walked slower than my previous time in 2017. But, that just gives me something to shoot for the next time I walk this event.
This is a great course not only because it welcomes walkers as long as you meet the 4 hour cut-off time, but because there’s water or Gatorade every 2 miles and bathrooms about every 3 miles. There are bands in strategic locations offering tunes to liven you up with some energy to complete your run or walk. Plus you can’t get lost on the course. So, 3 hours and a little over 13 minutes later, I was done which was good, because I had to make it back to yoga teacher training. What a fantastic way to commune with God, think about mom while enjoying His creation. Happy first Sunday and Happy Birthday momma. I love you and miss you.