The After

When your body is caked with dirt, mud, sweat from the undulating, unrelenting, beautiful terrain.

When your pulse finally settles down, normalizes to others; rest of life

Your eyes move over in a quiet gaze, noticing the world; the people, their movements

It all seems kind of dreamy, doesn’t it?

Looking down at your feet,

Shoes removed

Tan line of dirt wrap perfectly around the edge of where leg meets ankle

& the protruding ends of Tibia, Fibula.

Toe nails slightly bruised

A small blister showing signs of life

Otherwise,

Feet look regular,

As if out for a stroll

Only you know

What they have been through

Where they have traveled

What they got you through

How they helped you

Climb, conquer

The trail, today

Tomorrow, awaits

labor day workouts

A long full weekend of exercising. Happy.
Friday – 5 mile run in town. Flat.
Saturday – 6+ mile trail run on Tennessee Valley Trails; 1033 ft ascent, 1014 ft descent
Sunday – 7+ mile run mixed road & trails from home; 620 ft ascent, 597 ft descent
Monday – 25+ mile bike ride; 1217 ft ascent, 1224 ft descent;  followed by 1 mile run @ 8:32 pace.

Every day, my legs felt heavy, which felt odd considering I hadn’t done much the week prior. So, because if this, every workout felt more “work” than I would have liked, but I still enjoyed it all. Hard not to when the surrounding views are so amazing and beautiful.

I purposely did the ride today because I have not ridden in about 3 weeks and I want to see if this actually helps freshen up the legs in any way….because I feel like it has in the past.

It’s time to start upping the mileage and the elevation. Time to get better prepared!

 

 

Life happens

Wow. What’s that saying “be careful what you ask for, you just might get it?” Um….YEAH! If you refer to my previous post, you will understand; I just got what I put out there…
(The meaning of my previous post was related to a few different things, but a new dwelling spot was definitely one of them)
I wrote the post on Thursday. I perused Craigslist a few times during the week and nothing really struck me, except for a house in the same town I live in…only about 1 mile from current location. The pictures were ok, and the location was good; the price would be something to consider. I figured I would swing by and check it out after my run on Friday. Friday rolls around and I got a good 5 miler in around town. After breakfast at a nearby cafe, I drove by the rental. A fella was in the driveway doing some work and I asked him about it…he/wife live next door and they are renting it. Go and take a look, he said. I walked in and I knew. I knew it was right. From the 1st few steps…I guess you could say it was “love at first sight.” Airy, well-lit, cozy, all new appliances, floors, huge back yard, etc…2 bedroom house. I was super excited and felt like I had to contain some of my enthusiasm because I thought…”wow, this is too quick…it’s happening too fast…wait, wait…” (Ever been there??) Enjoyed talking with the fella, took an application & exited. I grabbed a friend and drove her over to get her opinion.

“It’s adorable. You have to take it.”

After some financial advising of my own self, I applied. And to make a short story even shorter, it’s mine. To find good, available, “affordable” rental property anywhere in Bay Area, let alone where I live, is always iffy. I am thrilled. Delighted. And, once again, struck with how life happens, how the universe works, how I can create what I want. How WE ALL can!

Sometimes, life isn’t very complicated and mysterious. Sometimes it’s just really easy and simple: get clear on what you want, put it out there, receive it. Easy.

I can’t help but think of my whole “small ring” bike story…..