5 Reasons Why You Should Hit The Trail Before Sunrise
You are a morning person, you just don't know it yet.
This morning, I was handed (free of charge) one of life's most precious gifts. A magical, supernatural sunrise. Morning people will agree, the sunrise is far superior to the sunset. The sunrise is loaded with fresh promise and endless potential. The sunrise launches a brand new day where anything and everything is possible! I have seen hundreds of spectacular sunrises and yet, I know I will never tire of another. When a ribbon of tangerine sky catches your eye, time stands still and I, for one, will always stop to watch the show. There is really only one thing that tops a sunrise...a 'sunrise adventure'. Catching a sunrise in the wild cannot be beat. There are endless opportunities to watch the show in your own backyard. Kayak a river. Bike the coast. Climb a hill. Stand up paddle to the middle of a lake. Snowshoe up a mountain. Even a sunrise walk in the park. Simply step outside just before dawn and you will receive a precious gift. Not a morning person and still need convincing? Here are 5 great reasons to set the alarm and get up before the sun:
1. That magic light
You know that light, the type that makes you stop in your tracks and stare at the landscape around you. It's there, each and every morning, in the moments just before and just after the sun rises. The only way to get those sweet magic morning light shots, is to get up early. Well worth missing a few extra zzz's.
2. Beat the heat
In the summer, there is no better time to move your body up and over mountains than the early hours of the day. Fresh, cool air will energize and inspire you to reach the next peak.
3. Set the tone
There is a stillness in the dawn that seems to magically pause time. Starting your day with a dose of complete presence is a gift in itself. Sunrise adventures will keep you calm and grounded for the rest of your day.
4. Find space
For some reason, the masses haven't caught on to the magic of dawn and you will likely have your favourite vista all to yourself at sunrise. The most beautiful views in the world are one hundred times better without crowds of people blocking them.
5. Expand your day
It can be challenging to get out for an adventure after work with home, kids, chores, and life all waiting for you at the end of the day. Getting up a bit earlier creates space for your activities and adds time to your day. Words cannot explain the feelings of gratitude, peace, and wonder that come with a well earned sunrise. Nothing else matters in that moment. Nothing but the trail under your feet, the fire in the sky and the friend at your side. There is something special about earning that show. The only way to explain it is to experience if for yourself. Get up, get outside and go do it. A sunrise is one experience you won't regret losing sleep over. I promise.
Sarah Seads is a passionate hiker, biker, and trail runner who loves to play in the woods and run to the top of things. She is also a kinesiologist, coach and the owner of Equilibrium Lifestyle Management (ELM), a group fitness and personal training company in the Comox Valley, British Columbia. Contact ELM for trail maps and information about trail running adventures on Vancouver Island.
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
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