We had such a lovely weekend in the Berkshires.  We camped, we hiked, we explored small towns, we read, and I ran.  I participated in the Berkshires Memorial Day Race Weekend and ran in my second 5K race.  It was quite an experience and I have to say hands-down the most gorgeous run I have ever been on.  I’m still fairly new to running, but it hit me while running alongside a meadow with a full view of a mountain that one of my goals for 2010 was in action: I was running a 5K race.  Sometimes you set a goal for yourself, but to reach it and be in the moment, feeling your accomplishment happening was very moving for me.  Running has been more than just exercise or a place to burn off calories.  Running has taught me patience, motivation, and to never give up, even when things get complicated or frustrating.  It’s something I’m constantly trying to remember during all parts of my life.

Camping was wonderful and although we didn’t get to hike as much as we liked, it made us realize how much we need to go away more often (and not every two years!).  We definitely felt the importance of getting back to nature, slowing down doing things like cooking a simple meal together, enjoying the peacefulness of the woods and birds, and just getting away from it all.  It’s important to take care of yourselves and recharge… something I haven’t done in a while.  We’re already planning another camping trip for August in Acadia National Park (a place where I’ve never been but have always wanted to visit)!

What did you get to do on your weekend?  Hope it was relaxing and recharging for you!

{for more of my outings and experiences photos, check out my Flickr}