A few days later I set out, happily anticipating making progress on my article and getting some great cardio at the same time. Confident in my navigation skills, I cruised down I-4 psyching myself up for an intense Spin session. Exiting off at Altamonte Drive, I began looking out for a “Fitness Partners” sign. I looked, and looked, and well, you can see where this is going. Needless to say I did not make it to class. After quickly moving through the 5 stages of acceptance, I reluctantly began to head home.
“What’s this?” I said to myself, “San Sebastian Trailhead?” Interest piqued, I pulled off the road and parked at a nearby strip-mall. I walked down the sidewalk and followed the signs, turning ostensibly towards the San Sebastian trail. As it would seem, my navigation skills were not just absent, they were sucked into a worm-hole and shot into an alternate universe. For the second time that day I did not “make it to class”.
Fortunately, that’s not the end of the story. What I did find, what I was NOT looking for, ended up being quite delightful. An alternate trail by the name of Wekiwa opened up before me and I decided to give it a shot.
Breaking into a comfortable pace, I trotted through wooded thickets and cool breezes. Passing abundant flora and fauna I found myself spontaneously composing Haiku (Inch worm on your silk, Chillin' like it ain’t no thang, neon green larvae) and reflecting upon the opulent beauty of nature.
That is, until I exited the back end of the trail and was unceremoniously thrust into a cacophony of cars, construction, and concrete. Contrasts give clarity and this one made me realize that I needed a little more “green time”. Deciding to backtrack rather than to navigate through civilization, I returned to the wilderness, if but for a few short miles.
On the way back I jogged beneath the shaded groves, past a kid on a Spiderman bike, and through painful chaffing. I made it back to my car sweaty but invigorated. This wasn't how I planned on spending my morning, but as far as unexpected detours go, I'd say that I ended up exactly where I needed to be.
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I -
ReplyDeleteI took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference."
Robert Frost:)