I love the cool days, especially in the desert.  The sky is a beautiful blue and the colors of the mountains and plants are vibrant.  Maybe it’s more enjoyable because I wasn’t sweltering under 115 degree heat.  I’ll take all I can get.

I had one of those ah-ha moments when I realized that my race was less than a month away.  Since my cycling my long runs really haven’t been very long.  I’m pleased with this weeks run of six miles, but it’s a little lax on where I should be for training.  It’s ok.  It is what it is and I’ll make it work.  Needless to say this weeks long run was good.  I felt good.  Started off flat and descending a bit while the return trip…well what goes down must come back up. It was a little trying and I did have to stop and wog a bit but I finished up running which is what counts to me anyway.

Decided to wear my water belt instead of the hydration pack this time around and it was fine.  Next long run I’ll need to soldier up and wear the pack, this time with more water.  I know it’s going to be rough because I filled it up today for my hike.  It really is like a mini rucksack.  Granted I had my phone, keys, wallet and a couple of snacks.. just in case.  I filled the reservoir to capacity and it was a little heavy.  Walking is no bid deal, running will be another story completely.  I think I should have bought a lighter pack…but I’m not turning back now.

Finished the week with the hike.  So many people out and about.  It was funny because people were all over the place, looking like ants coming down from the mountains.  I tried to find some of these paths to climb up but didn’t have much luck.  This is the second time I’ve been to the canyon.  I did stray from the trail once but thought better and turned around when I couldn’t figure out the path up.  I imagine the entrance to those paths were either farther down just not where I was located!  I started walking down a wadi and realized this is how people get lost and die in the desert…yes it is.  I found myself alone in a canyon and looked up at my surroundings and the mountains looked the same every way.  I can see how people can get disoriented.

For those in colder regions I hope Spring has Sprung and you’re on the way to more beautiful weather!  19.26 miles this week with 8,185.85  gratefully awaiting.

And remember….

“You were given this life because you were strong enough to live it.

~Unknown

Happy Miles To You!