Joel Simone

While my family went to church, I opted to run Pleasanton Ridge. Several weeks ago, I walked maybe 1/4 of the way up; I stopped because I was a little too sick to continue and didn’t expect the climb to be so steep and long, Pleasanton Ridge Walk. However, I fully recovered from the incident and felt an urge to run the ridge.

First off, I wanted some new music for the experience. Yesterday while listening to Last.fm, I discovered an energetic and motivating song, Been There Done That by Brian Eno and John Cale. So I purchased the album on itunes, and the album was an excellent supplement for the running experience. I was extremely driven at the very beginning, and on this trip, I noticed the greenery worked it’s way into a vibrant bloom from the oak tree branches, new from the previous walk. I immediately realized this seasonal view would not last much longer, i.e., things will turn to a yellowish brown as summer approaches, so I will likely return this week to take some pictures. The run was a lot longer then I expected; I just kept climbing and climbing. Finally, when I was nearing one of the highest and steepest points, roughly 45-50 minutes later, my legs burnt me to steady lunging march. I reached the top of the hill near the last song, and the view was stunning. I could see all the way into San Ramon, what may have been some of Danville too. I then turned around, where I was running from, and I was further enthralled into amazement. The rolling green hills, the beautiful trees, all dancing into civilization below. I thought to myself, this is why I do what I do. After a few more inspiring moments I began the descent, and the album finished and started from the beginning. At that point something clicked in me, and my stride opened up. The first song on the album, Lay My Love, really hit me hard, and I felt so motivated; everything seemed so beautiful, and my stride down the hill extenuated and amplified this direction and the resulting stimulus. When I reached the bottom of the hill, I thought to myself, it was worth every stride. Today, Easter, was a very spiritual Sunday for me.