With how often I travel, its really important to prioritize finding some time to get away from the hotel room to get a good workout in if I want to stay healthy.  This was one of those times I was tempted to just relax, but instead I found it in me to get outdoors and check out Fire Island National Seashore on Long Island, New York.  I'm glad I did because it was a sunset run on the beach I'll never forget.  

I've found that it can become difficult to stay disciplined when I'm on the road.  If its a business trip, a long day at work tends to demotivate me from driving somewhere or checking out a new place.  Not to mention the draining feeling jet lag can give you.  Then restaurant food on top of that, day after day.  And then the occassional associate or friend who wants to just sit in a bar and drink alcohol all night long.  Yeah, the traveling lifestyle can be quite unhealthy for the body and the sanity if you let it.  It can be tough for a frequent traveler to establish healthy habits.  Being disciplined, however, does have its rewards, and this Fire Island experience was a great example of the reward that comes with leaving the hotel, restaurant, and bar scene. 

The first reward was a fresh breath of the coastal breeze.  After spending some time in the bustling urban areas surrounding New York City and some of its Long Island suburbs it was refreshing to take in some fresh air and cool breezes.  Given its proximity to where I wound up for a work meeting, I decided to bring a change of clothes and go check out Fire Island National Seashore.  The seashore is a long narrow strecth of coastline spanning acrosss the south of Long Island's coast.  Once I arrived and parked the car the sun was beginning to set low on the horizon.  I dashed off running with a camera strapped across my back and started running towards the sun. 

I started at the Fire Island Wilderness Visitor's Center, making my way over boardwalk paths.  The boardwalks didn't go very far but offered some great views of both sides of the narrow land mass.  After reaching the end of the boardwalk I decided to give myself a really good workout, so I continued off into the sandy trails that took me farther west along the seashore's ridgeline.  With plenty of sand and ups and downs it was a great exercise, but the pains of the workout didn't seem quite as challenging when taking in such an amazing view of the colorful sky surrounding me as the sun continued setting on Long Island.  Eventually the sky became so captivating that I had to stop and take a few more pictures.

After the sun set I continued running west a bit farther until I was able to start seeing stars in the darkening sky.  Once that happenned I decided it was time to turn around.  Instead of running the ridgeline and going the same way I came, I decided to run along the beach near the crashing waves instead.  It was a very long and physically challenging run, but now the night sky dazzled with brilliant stars while the sand glowed faintly of moonlight.  And I was the only person in sight for as far as I could see ahead of me and behind me. 

Sometimes, when you're experiencing one of those solitary moments at night, the mind can instill a little fear into you, and for some reason I started getting a funny feeling when I noticed a tent lit up ahead of me that I would be running past.  I looked over to the left and saw some signs.  I slowed down and made my way to the sign, not wanting to wind up trespassing or missing some other crucial information.  Crucial information it was!  I couldn't believe my eyes.  The sign indicated that I had already ran through a nude beach, and the only way I could get back to my car was to run right back through it again!  Let's just say it continued to prove to be a good workout and I kept up a very good pace on my way through that stretch of property.

Alas, the life of an explorer, always discovering something new, and always stumbling on to a new adventure.  Some adventures sought after.  Others we are surprised to find along the way.  And in twisted sort of way I've always found flirtations with danger a bit entertaining.  After all, you've got to have something to tell your grandkids someday!  With a beautiful sunset, starry return run, camera full of more picturesque photos, new discoveries, a great workout, and even a funny story to tell my grandkids, I was rather happy I decided once again to be an explorer that night rather than sit in the hotel like a slug and rot myself away. 

Fire Island National Seashore Tips

More information can be found at:  http://www.nps.gov/fiis/index.htm 

Bring the usual beach gear, such as sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, towels, etc.  During the busy season there are fees for parking explained in the link above.  And beware of the nudist areas!  I didn't find out about this until AFTER I saw the signs and returned to the hotel and did some internet searching.  You don't have to find out the hard way if you need to avoid them.  And of course don't forget the camera as the views here are expansive!