For those who don't know, or don't remember ;) - - Martin's Cove, WY is the place where the Martin Handcart Company found themselves in November, on their way across the plains as part of the Mormon pioneer movement. By the time they found this cove, they were basically - well, walking dead. Many of them survived until rescue teams came, but many many did not.
Anyway, there's currently a monument there, and there are trails everywhere. Many youth groups come there every summer to push handcarts for miles through the trails, to give the kids an idea of the hardships people were willing to endure when they truly believed in something.
It's a very special place, in general, and the Cove itself was deemed by President Hinckley to be sacred ground.
Here's my dilemma:
I have to run while I'm there. Is it disrespectful to run these historic trails? I don't think I'd actually run in the Cove, but it's about 3 miles to get to it from our campsite, and coincidentally- I need 6 miles that day. So, it's perfect, right?
I just don't know.
I will tell you that I had a truly spiritual experience running along the Trail of Hope and the Mississippi River in Nauvoo, and given the chance, I would do that again. Having said that, I wouldn't run in either Temple Square or the Sacred Grove.
I'm having trouble deciding what to plan on.
Any thoughts?
30 comments:
Do it.
But in saying that I'm assuming you run like me: no ipod, just silence. I think it would be a great time to ponder and enjoy the silence, well silence except for my extremely labored breathing.
Run. Run like the wind! You're paying homage to those people by doing even that. I'm sure they'll look down with a large smile.
well, you know my answer. given my preferred running ground, and all :-)
running isn't inherently disrespectful. and i like heather's idea.
no iPod, just you and the elements. that would be pretty sweet.
just remember the coyote repellent.
I think those who died there would not be angry if you ran there. You probably will find yourself thinking about them and how incredible it is to be there and how hard it must have been for them.
Run. Just watch for snakes. :)
The cove itself does have a sacred peace to it - a lot in part due to the attitudes of the people visiting it. However, the entire valley and trail isn't sacred. Think of it as running on a sidewalk adjacent to a temple lot.
It might be a bit distracting to youth groups if you're running past them.
Other than that, why not run?
I would definitely agree that it's ok to run to the cove. You'll be thinking of them, since you're there, and there is nothing wrong or disrespectful with the activity. I say it'll be a great chance to connect with the Spirit.
Run! And say a little prayer for lives that were lost and eternal perspectives that were found. Run in peace, silence, and solitude.
:~D
In all seriousness, I wonder what it takes to consider something sacred ground.
Is it who has walked there?
Is it events that transpired there?
Is it the attitude of the people that are visiting it?
Can a section of land be considered eternally sacred?
What types of activities 1)honor or 2)desecrate the sacred ground?
Is it all in the mental state and attitude of the person doing the activities?
What does the guy that mows the lawn at the temple think about? Does he wear an iPod? If he does, is it playing MoTab?
If there is sacred ground, then does that mean there is cursed ground?
I think you should do it. There is a lot of difference between the middle of WY and Temple Square.
Coincidentally, our homes are sacred ground too. I run there all the time - chasing the kids you know. It doesn't get any holier than that.
I've never been there---so I have no idea. However, I used to run the Trail of Hope trail when I lived in Nauvoo and LOVED it!
I really don't know.
But you always make the right decision.
Run. Just don't turn an ankle in a gopher hole.
I think you are fine to run. and think about the sacrifices that were made.
grabbed your button for my blog!
I like Heather's idea... running without any other distractions. I think it would be a pretty amazing experience for you!
Have fun :)
I would think run the trail, not in the cove :)
Definitely run the trail...and think about how lucky you are to have the energy the pioneers didn't have on that same trail!
Run! You could run to special music...or just thinking....I don't think Grandpa would mind. Plus you seem to really get a feel for a place when you run around it.
I would love to visit that place. I'm jealous.
I don't see anything wrong with running there. I think you could even crank it up a notch and listen to tunes like "Come, Come Ye Saints".
One of the ma's was training for a marathon when we went and she ran every morning before her responsibilities started and once in the evening. She described it as one of the most spiritual experiences she ever had.
I didn't run, but I went off by myself at different times to think and reflect. Wouldn't it be the same thing?
Ahhh. I want to be invited to go on the trek. Grant and I went on the trek 4 years with my daughter's ward in Thornton & we loved it!!!! A great Experience!!!Do you think the ward thinks we are too old or mature? I say run it but do it without an IPOD. I'm jealous!
I bought Sierra's apron 8 months ago and tucked it away until her birthday came around, so I didn't expect it to still be available.
BUT IT IS!!!
http://search.anthropologie.com/?q=parisian+cafe+apron
Run. Meditate on the histories you know. Think of David Patten, and send your energy back through the years and feel his energy coming to you from all those years ago. I believe he would love it. I know of a revelation where the pioneers were able to see the world of the last days, and thought they got the easier piece of time. They thought living in the last days would be harder than then what they were going through. Run, with reverence for them, joy in the journey, and hope for our success in our time. Run!
how cool is that for you to have the chance to run there? I say do it! You will have an amazing experience, and you won't be hurting anyone els, or their experience.
I agree....run! You can get a whole different feel of the place by experiencing it in that way. I think it would be really nice to get some time with just you and the area and your thoughts.
We visited Martins Cove a few weeks ago. I can't think of a better place to run! I say go for it. Taking care of our bodies is a good thing. :)
It's so nice to catch up with you!! Running laps at the cove might not be the best idea, but running to it sounds fine. What a neat experience!
We did a Pioneer Trek with the youth in our Stake 2 years ago here and let me tell you it is a completely fabulous experience! You are going to love it!
Run - We had several runners. Nothing wrong with it!!
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