trail tales

ah…here I am again! So awesome. It’s a clear blue sky kind of Sunday, with temperatures maybe somewhere in mid 40’s. Feels cold, but also good. Good in the awakening kind of way…Good in the “it’s a good day to run” kind of day. 

There’s a small crowd gathering here in one of the open spaces of San Pedro Valley Park in Pacifica. I look around and start taking notice; trail runners. trail race. Such a different vibe here than a road race. Less people. Feels a lot more casual. I’ve always loved this vibe and happy to experience it again. In line for the bathroom, I listen to the chatter of those around me…talking about the cold, the course…all I know is it looked about 3 miles or so uphill and then about the same back down. Let’s get to it. 

Our 10k race began 10 minutes after the 50km, marathon and half marathon. I was a little bummed i had not entered the half distance, but felt the 10k was more appropriate for today. It would have about 1200 feet of elevation and that quite manageable. The small lot of us began our journey….a gradual then steeper ascents up and up and turn and turn on multliple single track switchbacks. my heart was beating. a great thing. no music on my ears today…just the sound of my own breathing (which got heavier and louder as the steps ensued) and the sounds of my fellow runners ahead and behind me. Most of the trail was in the open, not shaded. A gorgeous day. One short downhill and then up and up again. we finally reached the top and I looked and saw the Pacific Ocean over yonder. A beauty. Keep going. Finally on the descent; time to fly. My small body quickly making it’s way down and down more switchbacks. Not very rooted, pretty smooth trail. Gaining speed and hoping to pick up ground on anyone who might be in front of me. but, i see no one. they must be flying too. I’m going fast. I like this…this semi out of control feeling…but I feel good. i feel confident in my steps and stride. I am not holding back. Keep going. Finally, we are in the last mile and I pass not 1, but 2 women and 1 fella passes me. He was really flyin’! I rushed passed the ladies and then found myself going full steam into a section that was basically a eucalyptus grove. towering trees. wonderful. peaceful. i kept plugging along and all of a sudden with about .5 miles to go, i hear footsteps behind me and kept a panic surge. i don’t want anyone to pass me. legs were really feeling it now after the 3 miles of flying downhill….ahhhh…keep going…..

i did. i stayed ahead.

i finished my first race of 2013. Came in 2nd in my age group women 40-49. pretty cool.

 

awesome day. can’t wait to do it again. 

Shoes worn: Brooks Pure Flow. worked great on these soft packed dirt trails.

Week 4 Run Report

Had a good week of running while driving across the country from Atlanta to San Francisco.
As previously noted, I left Atlanta on Jan 23rd.
That night, I stayed in Oxford, MS and the next morning went for a run in town. My route took me into the town square and thru the campus of University of Mississippi. Beautiful and full of rolling hills. 4-4.5 miles.
2 days later, I ran in Oklahoma City. This was a very boring route as I stayed on the outskirts of town and ran from my hotel. Really nothing noteworthy here but a good 4-4.5 miles.
Another 2 more days, and I was running in Flagstaff, AZ. I do regret NOT running in Little Rock as I then could have crossed that off my list of states I have run in, but…I had to move on!
So, FLAGSTAFF! One of my favorite places to visit. Nestled in Northern Arizona at an elevation of 7000 feet and about 1-1.5 hours drive from the Grandy Canyon. It’s a nice, casual community with many young folks. (home to northern Arizona university) Has some neat shops and one of my favorite coffeehouses, Macy’s European Coffeehouse. It did not disappoint! In addition to good coffee, they also serve food and everything is organic, healthy yummy food. I ran Saturday morning from the hotel. It was about 30 degrees with 17 mph winds. Cold! Toss in the elevation factor and it was a tough 4.4 mile run. The wind was with me on my way out, but against me on the return. Body was warm, except for face and hands. Brrrr! The hot shower at the holiday inn express felt pretty darn good.
Sunday morning rolled around and after some Starbucks instant VIA coffee, I drove into the center of town and ran from there. It was the same temperature, 30 degrees, but thankfully no wind. What a huge difference. I loved the quiet, empty Sunday streets. However, after about 10 minutes, I was ready to stop. I think I was just feeling the elevation effect. Not sure, but I kept going. Having internal conversation with self: “if Nadal/Djokovic can last more than 5 hours playing tennis, I think you can last more than 10 min, more than 20 min…keep going…” You get the picture, right?!
Oddly, even though I had been feeling bad, after about 35 minutes, I felt better and better. Stronger. Stride opened up and I was cruising. Go figure. Went a bit over 5 miles. This was the highlight run of week.
I was pleased to get 4 runs in while doing so much driving. It was great to move my body after sitting for many hours. It also gave me pause in terms of thinking about the individuals who have literally run across the country. I realize some have had support crews and such, but wow…what an incredible feat. Pretty humbling to think about….

Week 4: approximate total miles 18

I am currently writing from Merced, California. This is my last night “on the road”. Part of my journey ends tomorrow and an entire new journey, a new chapter begins. lots of thoughts and feelings are swirling. LIFE…..So amazing, really!

Onward…