FIRST I took on the trail was when I biked around it. Well, most of the time I walked my bike. I had brought the wrong bike for it. It was my first so I didn't know what to expect. I found it to be quite difficult. Most of where I would ride was on urban roads and this was a real trail. Mostly ravines. So that was it.
I invested in a trail shoe. It also looked the part. It has reached its prime and about to be given away, it's that spent, and still I haven't brought it to any trail, and which I had always planned for. Not even for trails even when I went up Mount Pulag. My bad.
I really hoped for any of the two for me to get back on the trail, to bike or to run, but none had transpired. I was really trailing behind from any trail. I had had a lot of encouragement from friends to do any of the two, but I just couldn't.
I just remembered just now that I had done some trail running. But it got me spooked. It was a trail somewhere along the Potomac. What just got me scared was the wildlife. I always had to look left and right. I did see a lot of squirrel, birds aplenty but it was the cardinals that got me, deer everywhere. Bear I fear. I didn't veer far away.
What also got me was the stones along the trail, I fear I would trip and hit my head or slip and fall on a cliff or the raging river down below. Yep I'm scared. I'm not Juan to run alone without no one knowing where I would be. Getting lost is also something that bothers me every time. Now you know.
Of recent and with the introduction of a dog in my life, things have changed a bit. I had stopped running around the city streets not for any reason but because I just had no time. Work occupies most of my time. I happen to walk instead, it just works this time. Walk to work.
The dog I had noticed would rather walk on a trail than the sidewalk. I will suspect that the road may be hard for their paws, over a trail with all the foliage and cooler footing over paved roads or cement. Maybe.
Also I had found out that my dog didn't like the loud sounds a truck makes or even when cars blow their horn, even the siren or a car alarm.
It just scares her. Thus the trails leading to the forest is her happy place. It just shows as she would run around. Bird sounds are heavenly.
For about a year now we have made it a point to hike on the trail. We would do so every week. Something I look forward to every time. Just the thought of taking on the trail with my dog gets me heading immediately home. I just have to be home for it. Even Joy and my kids look forward to hitting the trails with me.
Lately, a friend had reintroduced me back to the Yellow Trail. It must have been ten years since. Karlo Altomonte had me with forest bathing. In just a couple of days, I had already explored the trail. Not as quite as I had remembered it to be, I find the distance lacking and not as thrilling, but it is very inviting. Friendly for every Juan.
I have had many friends now ask me for a walk along the yellow trail. I will. However I will continue to keep the other trail I have. It is more secluded and at times difficult, but that is what we like with my family. We just make ourselves ready for it. A muddy mess we all will be every time. Two creek crossings which my dog now makes is also found.
I have found an ideal shoe again for it but I only use it again for when it is useless and not the trail. I feel I might be abusing it, but it is what it is for. New shoe problems haha. I will use it for sure. While I lack the will to trail, I now have all the reasons to get back and trail ahead. Yell for the trail at Yellow Trail. The other I will keep a secret since many like it serene and quiet for birding like Tito Ron Paraan. Yell Oh! for Trails.