My Best Run. The Grand Piton St. Lucia
Posted in Travels on January 15th by Dan.
Do you remember your best run? I think we all have one that stands above all others. I had mine last week.
It wasn’t about distance. It wasn’t about time. It wasn’t about speed.
It was about place. The Grand Piton of St. Lucia.
This run was through a sleepy little village island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean called “Fonds Gens Libre” which means “valley of the free people.” The name of the village hints at its history. It is where the native runaway slaves (Neg Mawons) and the black freedoms fighter first settled during the slave wars in 1748.
The run started on the outskirts of my fabulous hotel the Jalousie Plantation. Within minutes I disappeared into a lush rain forest and was lost amongst giant ferns and massive bursts of green vegetation.
I charged through a clearing, ran down a long dirt road past an ancient cacao plantation through magnificent stands of cocoa, banana, and coconut. As I entered Fonds Gens Libre and raced past the small wooden shacks the speckled the hillside my heart pumped so hard in my chest I could literally hear the battle cries of the ghost of the Neg Mawons.
I thought about their battles. The blood spilled for freedom. And it made me think about our freedoms. Our great country. The things we take for granted.
It made me think about this last year. The triumphs… the failures… the dreams and the losses.
I came to an impossibly steep incline – and charged up it for all I was worth. My heart rattled against my ribs and my lungs burst, then finally hacking, spitting, grunting – I reached the top of the hill. There I stopped, took a deep breath in, and looked at the valley that spilled into view below me.
Baptized by the fire and the adrenaline that only a hard run can bring, I'm filled with the desire to be a better man. A better father. A better brother, son, companion and friend.
And that’s what a great run is.
It’s a stage to get to a better part of ourselves. To hear our inner voice. To open up that hallowed place within us that allows us to connect with God, Allah, nature, the universe or whatever you may call it.
It’s a place I yearn to return to again and again.
It’s the reason I run.
Be Brilliant!
Dan Clark
Btw — this is a shot of the hotel. It's on the beach at the base of the mountains known as the Pitons.
Technorati Tags: best runs, St. Lucia, Fonds Gens Libre, Piton St. Lucia, best running trails, best places to run, the reason I run, Jalousie Plantation, Dan Clark, Dan Nitro Clark, American Gladiator Nitro, American Gladiators, Pitons, Dan Clark Gladiator, Grand piton, best runs, great runs jogging
Loading ...
On top of a terrific post, the writing is quick and easy. One of my favorite runs: my first time in central park…foggy ans surreal.
I've run Central Park. There's also that lake near the middle of the park which is cool.
Dan:
Very spiritual. Your writing, and better yet emotion, just keeps getting better & better.
Dan, My best run was in the woods at basic and on the beach in St.Pete, Fl. Listening to the birds and those sounds make me feel part of it. Be cool and Go Army
Thanks for sharing this! The energy that it took and how fortunate we are living in the most wonderful country in the world. All of us need a reminder! Keep doing what you enjoy! Enjoy Life!!
Eunice
Great post Dan and love the emphasis on the most over looked benefit of running and exercise which is the self awareness that comes from it.
Hey Dan, I used to hate running but I've recently started taking it up again…you're right it clears your head.
I really need to find beautiful places to run in like you do though! I bet that was amazing to soak in.
Happy New Year
WOW Dan, I was exhausted mid way. Your writing brings one right into the moment, I was really understanding & appreciating your point of becoming a better person & the energy the place you were running was giving off sounds very rich & full of life. But then at the same time I was thinking to myself this is one tough run ( OUCH) and Dan is running it and making it incredible! And this has 2 meanings also to me, however I am HORRIBLE at the English language & writing and don't make sense like you do, :( I am working hard at making darn sure I show appreciation for all that we are blessed with here where we live. And I also am trying to take better care of myself too!
Our Family to yours , we wish you many many Happy & Peaceful times to come in the New Year, but most of all we wish Great Health & Great times shared with those you love.
And GEEZ! keep on sharing your secrets to keeping up the great energy to do these "Best Runs" :) We Thank you !
Sincerely, Rocky, Lynn, Kalie and Chelsie
Mowglie too! Say Hi to Bekham!!!
Great place to run…Thanks for sharing..I would love to jog again.. but knee says no no.. however I can do other stuff no problem.. Oh well..
I am reading the book Younger Next Year for women.. WORKING OUT 6 days week.. 4 of them cardio.. in better shape at 58 than years at Raquet Ball World.
I AM HOOKED.
Lets meet for coffee soon… Would love to catch up.
Mari
Great Post, Dan. Actually, my most satisfying and rewarding run was when I was 12 yrs old back in Newark, N.J.. I swiped an Apple from a fruit stand and some Beer-Belly Cop chased me for 10-blocks > > >But I lost him, Now that was a GREAT RUN !!!
Mully
Dan,
Loved this blog posting. It reminded me why I fell in love with running.
Dan, you are an amazing man, not to mention writer.
Bob B – taking after you my friend.
Mully – you always make me laugh!
Mike – yes my friend. Whether it's kettle bells, running, swimming, rowing – there's nothing like a good workout to keep the sanity!
Mari – keep up the good work!
Awesome post Dan! Super Inspiring….the fire and adrenaline that only a hard run can bring??? Wow, I know exactly what you mean and absolutely love how you expressed it! keep writing my friend…you got talent!
My body type is not made for running and I really hated running, but I joined the millitary and had to start running. It was the worst, but after I was running 10 miles a week for several monthes it became tolerable. I then did the bi annual fit test for the Navy, and I beat some of the guys. I was, so excited. It was the first time I really enjoyed running. I can just imagion the thrill you felt. I enjoy running now, mostly on nature trails. The view really does make a differance.
"It’s a stage to get to a better part of ourselves. To hear our inner voice. To open up that hallowed place within us that allows us to connect[.]"
RIGHT! *thumbsup*
Adriana & Simone – you both know the only way to experience it is to do it.
Darla – Proud of you for overcoming something that was difficult for you in the past. Keep that life lesson w you and know you can overcome anything!
Dan says:
Adriana & Simone – you both know the only way to experience it is to do it.
Yeah, I'm getting better at it. I started running regularly and this time I'll stick to my plan. Though it's not easy when it's so freaking cold outside :( …and running to a warmer region would probably be a bit too much training…I might take the plane back ;)
Love, love, LOVE this, Dan! Your amazing self-expression is as beautiful as the imagery. Be brilliant indeed! <3
Chandra – if I can inspire you to exercise or grunt out that extra rep – that is supreme.
Mari – keep up the good work!
Mike – yes my friend. Whether it’s kettle bells, running, swimming, rowing – there’s nothing like a good workout to keep the sanity!
Thanks my brotha. Looking for a new challenge!
My body type is not made for running and I really hated running, but I joined the millitary and had to start running. It was the worst, but after I was running 10 miles a week for several monthes it became tolerable. I then did the bi annual fit test for the Navy, and I beat some of the guys. I was, so excited. It was the first time I really enjoyed running. I can just imagion the thrill you felt. I enjoy running now, mostly on nature trails. The view really does make a differance.
Writing a post now about a fat shredding Sprint 8 workout. Stay tuned.