Running in Nature: Braving the Elements

by Claire Zempel

Being outside always gives me the pick-me-up I’m craving after a long day. When it is sunny outside, I will always go lay out on my balcony or do homework outside, just to feel like I am getting some sunlight. I always feel like a better, happier person when it’s sunny enough to go on a long walk by myself or drive with all of the windows down. I know nature has the power to control my day.

My experiences with nature center a lot around one of my hobbies, which is running. Running is simply not the same at an indoor recreation center or on a home treadmill, and being outside while I run gives me something other than my bad knees to focus on: nature. I used to live in Wisconsin, where we go outside with shorts and a tank top on when it is anything more than 40 degrees. We used to do a winter running club, where we would bundle up and run in -20-degree weather every day just to be outside with friends. Even in those cold moments, being outdoors made it all the more exciting, where I could focus on the snow and ice. I also love running in the rain. In fact, if it’s pouring out, I may just convince myself it is the perfect time to go on a run. I’ve had people stop me and ask me if I want a ride, pitying how I am a complete puddle, but I love to run with rain constantly cooling me down as I go. Running drives my love for nature, and my love for being outside in the rain, snow, or shine.

Now that I’ve moved to Texas, that love has changed a bit. In Wisconsin, I found myself running for the lush hills and summer weather. In Texas, I find myself running for the sunsets and autumn. It is amazing to me how each place has its own beautiful elements, and its own scary ones- like winter in Wisconsin and summer in Fort Worth. I love how running can bring me closer to nature and help me get off my screen and out into the world. Nature truly can build me up after a long day, and I’m thankful running has brought me towards it in different locations and ways.