Bonum Cursum

Sometimes, the best decisions are the impulsive ones. After finishing a night shift, I faced a choice: rest, or chase an adventure.

The mountains were just a few miles away, but I didn’t expect how much they’d challenge me—not just physically, but mentally. The journey to Dalsnuten wasn’t a straightforward path, especially with the remnants of a night shift clouding my mind.

After a quick warm-up jog through town, I caught a train to the next town over. The train ride felt like a reset, transitioning me from the hustle of the city to the calm of nature. Once there, I ran a couple kilometers until I hit the dirt trails leading to the hills. Though my legs were tired, the excitement pushed me forward.

The climb was steep but rewarding. Nature’s quiet beauty—the cool breeze, rustling leaves—reminded me to slow down, breathe, and appreciate the moment.

But here’s where the challenge lay: it wasn’t getting to the top—it was the return. After catching my breath at the summit, I realized retracing my steps wasn’t as easy as I thought. The path that had felt instinctive earlier now seemed daunting. The hardest part of any journey, I realized, is often the return.

Though physically taxing, the return was a lesson in perspective. The same road I’d taken felt different, more intense, and made me reflect on how we often overlook the value of returning to where we started. Sometimes, going back offers more insight than moving forward.

Whether it’s after a night shift or just life in general, the journey isn’t always linear. The act of returning—with a fresh perspective—is as valuable as the initial climb.

Dalasnuten, a moderate trail in Norway, was the perfect test for endurance. It offers stunning views but also presents danger, especially in the rain. Slippery rocks and challenging terrain can quickly turn a simple hike into a more precarious task. I’ll be more mindful next time about the weather—nature can be unpredictable.

In the end, the trail reminded me that both the peaks and the valleys have their lessons. As long as you approach them carefully, you can navigate life’s challenges, one step at a time.