The recent death of ultrarunner Mica True, (aka Caballo Blanco), in the Gila wilderness last week affected many people in a profound way. Based on the outpouring of grief and the innumerable comments on the internet about Caballo’s affect on people’s personal lives, it’s clear that his message of running light and free on the earth deeply resonated with many runners. Caballo’s message was all about doing what you love, helping others and finding your own center.
Like most runners who do a little distance work, I’ve experienced moments of transcendence; flying down the trail with wings on my feet and my heart open to the beauty around me. I’ve also experienced grinding drudge-miles on the side of the highway, rain and wind whipping my face as cars roar by a foot away from the breakdown lane. Running is like everything else in life. It can be great or horrible, and sometimes both at the same time. The greatness doesn’t last forever, but then again, neither does the horror. States of mind always pass, like miles under your feet. The real Zen of it is never knowing what kind of day you’re going to have before heading out the door, and not becoming too attached to what happens once you get started.
Caballo Blanco’s own race ended too soon, but he left the broader running community with some wisdom that should be taken to heart. First and foremost, run free. Don’t worry about what you’re wearing on your feet, how many miles you’re logging or how long it’s taking you to get from point A to point B. Running at its best is really moving meditation and the less you occupy your mind with distractions, the freer your running will be. Second, give back to your community. Caballo organized the yearly Copper Canyon marathon to benefit the Tarahumara people. He donated his energy and time, and the runners that came from outside the area to run alongside the indigenous runners, donated their prize money and thousands of pounds of food to the local communities. Ultra-running has a reputation as a self-oriented, almost narcissistic sport, but Caballo proved that it can also be a force for good in the world.
This blog is a record of my own efforts to run free. It will deal with running, health topics, Zen and whatever else I feel like writing about. Welcome to the adventure.
