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 This morning's run was set against the backdrop of nature's own amphitheater at the Bluff View trailhead. My friend Ty and I were the early birds, with a plan to meet others, but a small mishap with communication led us to different starting points. Nevertheless, the trails decided we should reunite, and they wove our paths together in their own time.

What felt like a swift journey through the Bluff View and Zombie trails culminated in an 8-mile adventure that surprisingly left me no more fatigued than when we started. The trails here have changed character over time, mostly due to the Greater Ozark Off-Road Cyclists (GORC) reshaping them with mountain bikers in mind. Though it's lost some of its allure for those of us on foot, the trail retains a certain charm that keeps us coming back.

I’ve noticed a shift in my trail running habits; where once the trails were my weekday sanctuaries, they've now become weekend retreats. Perhaps it’s the natural progression of growing accustomed to a certain rhythm, or maybe it’s just finding comfort in the familiar grooves of well-trodden paths.

Before meeting Ty, the day began with a leisurely walk with Goat, who had already shared a more extensive run with me the day before. I wanted to spare him the exhaustion, mindful of his limits. As we ambled, a finch flitted overhead, drawing my gaze upwards. It was a moment of clarity, a reminder of the delicate balance we share with the urban wildlife that chooses to make their home among ours.

This simple, brief interaction sparked a deeper appreciation for these resilient creatures that adapt and thrive in our shared environments. They're a testament to life's tenacity and the unexpected beauty found in our coexistence with nature, even in the most developed of spaces.

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