I don't ride a bike because I'm a klutz. I hit a pothole in June of '11 and went over the handlebars; saved by a helmet and a tuck and roll -  but I was still unable to run for about 6 weeks. The chiropractor had to fix my hip.

I slept in the last 2 days, so I didn't do my scheduled workouts - an 8-15K simulated race, and 8x100 repeats. I decided to combine them, and hit the South Table Mtn. trails for a last hurrah. The chance of injury on trails means I can't do it again until after the marathon. In fact, I do have a nasty stone bruise as I write. I ran all over that mesa today. It's a checkerboard of public and private lands, and as long as you stay on the trails, don't cross fences,  and leave no trace it's OK to run or bike wherever you want. I followed some trails and deer paths today I'd never run before, lots of up and down through the cactus and sage and Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus Montanus), where I heard a hiss and a quick rattle.

Being an inquisitive Coyote (although not always a wise one) I slowly backtracked, as bullsnakes will shake their tail in dry leaves in a surprisingly good imitation of a rattler. I stayed out of striking distance, roughly the length of the snake, and identified a Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus Viridis). I tried to assure him that I was a curious Coyote, not a hungry one, but Snake would hear none of it, and, hissing and rattling, backed away, as did I. A rattler really doesn't want to strike a large mammal, so they're not terribly dangerous if you use some common sense.

A little later I heard a brush of wings above me and looked up to see a Golden Eagle searching for rabbits at 8 meters above ground level. Great run today, one of the best times I've had this summer. I ran too hard today to get in a long long run tomorrow, but at this point if I'm not in shape I never will be. And I'm in great shape .

Good luck to all those racing this weekend. Chicago runners, enjoy Race Week!

Run Free!

Coyote What a fantastic run you had and then brought us all along with you! Your "neck of the woods" is SO different from mine. Here, the day is all dark clouds and bright fall colors, bear and deer. Chilly-frosty morning, deep woods. Enjoy the glow from a perfect run!

NHLA Beautiful! I so respect your miles and ability. You're an inspiration!

17 miles 2 hr 26 min Ecco Mtn to Stoney Mtn. 66 degrees today. Rock formations on Stoney Mtn are awsome.

Not a great report today. I went out fine, 8:10 first mile, and worked it up a little each mile after that so we (I ran with a college girl who was running for the same goal-time I was) were doing an excellent job for 7 miles. Then we hit the dip before the turnaround. I told her that was where we may part ways, but I made it up the hill on the way back. At mile 8, however, my quads began to burn, and a half-mile later I knew I was in trouble. A guy we passed just before that caught us and started talking, so I said he could take my place and I had to start walking. I jogged and walked the last four miles, stretching, rubbing my quads, etc. 1:47:13, for an 8:13 pace. Dangit.    Other than the legs, I felt terrific--hydrating, fueled before the race with a GU gel, no breathing/stomach issues, no cramps - everything on target.

My guess, then, is I needed to log more distance in my training runs. Since all else was great, that's my guess.

The weather was NOT ideal, though, at least for me. It was drizzling when we started and it went downhill from there. The temp was OK, about 55, but the rain became steady. I was soaked.    Does anyone have any comments about whether the rain had anything to do with it? I'm thinking it didn't, but I'm curious if anyone else has input. I did see guys running in only shorts, or females with just tank-tops and light shorts. The rain didn't seem to bother them.

Melody...... Strong runs are great!!! Especially with no pain!!

Just run Dan..... Our foliage here in ME changed dramatically in the last week -- the leaves are gorgeous right now.

DebM.... Nice distance on the 10+ miler. That's what I needed to be doing, I guess.

Coyote..... Golden Eagles are magnificent birds. I don't know about the snakes, though.

I'm so excited to see everyone doing so well! Sorry I've been MIA for a few weeks. It's been busy here (I'm knee deep in studying the dsm for school and dealing with life stuff).  I had a race last Saturday and finished about 10 seconds faster than my previous 5k.  I'm not sure when I posted last but I shave 3:30 minutes off my 5k since last race in the spring.  I'm pretty pleased to see this because I was really doubting if it my miles were doing any good since the time was pretty much the same. After my race, I went home and ran another 5k and then I didn't run again til Thursday. I've had stomach issues and spent a few days recovering.  I ran 4.5 on the treadmill since it looked like it would pour any moment outside.  Yesterday I had 7 miles planned.  I was so nervous about getting that many miles in since the most I've done solid was 5.  But I put on my running shoes anyway.  I did really well.  I had to stop 3 times for traffic and 3 times (2x to tie my shoes- considering new shoe laces, and 1 to shed a layer off).  I did about 3 walk breaks in there but overall I was so surprised.  Total time was 1:24:35.  This run was so important for me mentally, 7 miles seemed like so much but I think I'm finally shutting up the "yack-yack" voice in my head and getting it done. 

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and I hope every has a wonderful week!!!

I took a couple of days off early this past week to recover from my race, then ran 4 on the TM on Friday and had a nice 7 miler Sunday morning.  The temps were in the upper 40's and the sun was just up, making all of the trees glow a little extra.  I hadn't noticed how many trees had put on their festive Autumn colors around town til I was running amongst them yesterday.  Beautiful.

Jmsab23 - that time may not have met your goal but it is still awesome to me (and way beyond my reach), congratulations on your race!

Debm - it sounds to me like you're ready for your half, no worries.

JustRunDan - I know those colors are more brilliant in real life.  I do love the fall....

MelodyLea I'm so glad your knee issues seem to be clearing up!  You're going to kick butt in that half.

Coyote I love hearing about your animal sightings, except I don't think I'd have gone back to investigate the snake.  In town here my animal sightings are pretty much limited to squirrels and dogs.  Best of luck in Taper.

Chell, great run!  Getting over those distance milestones is a huge confidence boost!

Have a great week!

Sorry to miss all your news!! Am holding up a table so I'll have to read and reply to your posts later.

Thank you for all those bad experiences that led to this?? I survived the White Tail! I confirmed before I ran that I could still finish if I ran over 4 hrs but I did it in 3:56:09 and was 4th out of 5 females in my AG; there were only 280 total and I placed 265.  I was miserable by the end and took a recovery sick day today but the hardest pain was mental. I must have had a serious deficiency of something because I went into the foulest mood around 7 but thought, *Just stop this; getting upset now will drain you and you're thinking this way bc you're already spent so this is dangerous.* Took off earbuds thinking the music might have been stirring me up but that just made me think more about the ups and downs. Luckily I was pretty much alone because yet another dip to the creek around 11 just made me cry out, "Give me a f'ing break! Another down to another up. When will this sh#t stop?"  I kept the rest to myself and spent the next mile swearing I'd never ever set foot on a trail again, even for a hike. I fell behind everyone, first out of choice and then because breathing problems made me stop running. I was sure for about 5 mi. that I was last and that did not help my mood. It turned out there were 15 people behind me but where, I don't know. It would have helped to know that. At the end I felt guilty taking the medal and was thinking I had failed for all the walking I'd done. Every one of my scars from the surgery hurt. Scott and others tried to make me feel good about the race. "You're doing great!" "Congrats on finishing. Way to stick with it!" All I could think was, *Seriously? Turning around is/was further than finishing.* Then Scott pointed out that I could have gotten a ride at any water stop and I have to admit the thought never entered my mind so I guess I did push through. 

The race itself was great. Folks were very friendly. The condition of the trail, the markings, the weather, the course were all fantastic. The first half of the course was rolling hills and the second was endless ups and downs but only one between 8 and 9 was steep and long. There were good moments during my race, too. Views were great! Trees were turning color and I saw a huge white-tailed buck dart out of the trees and cross in front of me. I spent about 20 min. Sunday talking myself out of driving back up and running the last half of the course again. Srsly? That really could have been an invitation for injury - but it also could have been fun. My main scar just shouted No! More! and I gave in. Still resting.

Run strong and enjoy!!