Eight miles on the Coastal Trail

I got to run with a new blogger buddy today! This time it was Rene' @ Run Rene Run....

I have met Rene' once before, at the SF One Day I volunteered at in October. She ran to Crissy Field that day so we could meet in person. We got to chat a little and she invited me to join her on the Coastal Trail for a run in the future.

Today was that day! She went for a swim in the cold bay water this morning so we agreed on meeting at The Presidio at 1:00 this afternoon. It started off as a clear beautiful day, 51 degrees. From The Presidio we headed down to Baker Beach where Boomer got some off-leash time.

After Baker Beach we ran through a very nice neighborhood Rene' told me was called "Sea Cliff". Super nice homes with gorgeous views of the ocean and the Golden Gate Bridge. This neighborhood led us to Lands End where the trails got a little bit more narrow but also gained quite a few steps.

We ran down to the old Sutro Baths, along some very steep cliffs. I actually had to leash Boomer at this cliff because it was straight down and he was being a little curious.

I see a heart in the middle of those rocks. Do you see a heart?

We turned around when we got to the Cliff House Restaurant at Ocean Beach.

This is when the rain started coming down. Not terribly, but enough to have Boomer stop and wipe his face with his paw a few times.

Even though I kept Boomer on a leash for about 75% of the eight mile run, he was such a good boy and had a great time. He didn't care for the waves crashing on the beaches but other than that, he was so happy being out on the trail with us.

So, another successful blogger meet-up in the books for me. AND, another friend to add to my list. Rene' is so comfortable to be around. Since I haven't been running a lot lately I knew I would be slower than her but she made it seem like that was no big deal. I could run when I felt like it and hike when I needed to. She made it enjoyable by being so kind. She's so darn cute too! I was shocked to find out she is closer to my age than I thought. She looks about 15 years younger than me for God's sake!

Lucky for me she swims and cycles too so that will give us a chance to enjoy some other activities together as well. Thanks Rene', for showing me such a beautiful trail and spending time with me and Boomer. ;)

Until later.............

Feeling Blessed

I was driving up the freeway this morning with a big smile on my face. The song Oh Holy Night came on and for some reason it started me reflecting on my life right now and how blessed I truly am. I have great friends in my life. I have a wonderful job. I have a family that loves me, regardless of all the hell I put them through when I was young and stupid. I have a Mom that tells me constantly how proud she is of me. I have a husband that loves me and respects me, he doesn't restrict me or try to stifle my "spirited" personality. I have a relationship with my daughter that I think a lot of mothers and daughters would love to have. I hope you have many reasons to smile today too!! ;)


So, why was I driving up the freeway this morning? I was meeting Aron in Berkeley so I could take her to Rodeo Beach for her first trail run. Yippee! It was very, very chilly. The sun was shining but the wind, which you can't SEE here, was whippin' and it was a cold one.

The RDs had to change the course due to one of the trails being closed for maintenance. I wasn't sure how it was going to be different for us doing the 8k because I had never ran the 8k here before. We ended up having to just do an out and back on a fire road. 2.35 miles up and 2.35 miles down. All open roads, no single track trails. :( Not my idea of showing someone what trail running is all about.

This was the closest we got to a single track trail, right along side the road:

I was a bit saddened by the course change but there wasn't much we could do about it. On the way there this morning, Aron and I had just talked about how we didn't like "out and back" courses. LOL

Aron did so great, as I knew she would. We walked the second section out the "out" part because it was a climb but I have no doubt at all she could have run up it. I think she is definitely light enough and a strong enough runner where she would be able to hop right on up that hill.

If ultra-running is in your plans Aron, I think you should go for it. Don't be afraid. I'm going to say right now, I think you would be a leader in the field if you were to some day soon enter a 50k. I'm just sayin'.

We finished in one hour and a few seconds. We hung around for just a few minutes (because it was so cold) and then I drove her back to her car. We were able to talk more and I am so thrilled to know Aron a little bit more now. She is such a sweetheart of a girl. I smile as I type that, just so you know. A real sweetheart!!! I get to add her to my list of "great friends" and one more reason to feel so blessed in my life.

Aron has a few days off during the holidays so I am going to try like heck to get her out to Chabot or Redwood Park (with the doggies) for some REAL trail running in the next couple of weeks. Keeping my fingers crossed!

Until later.............

Tomorrow

Tomorrow I am taking Aron (runner's rambles) to her fist PCTR event: Rodeo Beach 8k.

This will be the first time for her to experience trail running!

I'm very excited.

I'm also a little nervous.

It's a big responsibility, don't you think? What if she doesn't find it fun? What if, because she accompanying ME (back of the pack old lady), she finds it boring? I mean, the girl is FAST! She just qualified for Boston. Yah, she's that fast.

I'll let you know how it goes. I'll take a lot of pictures for you too.


Until later.............

What a week!

The last time I posted was about my ride with RBR and the REI Christmas party. I can't believe all the stuff I have done just since then. OMG!

I worked Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday morning, very early, Sara and I flew down to Disneyland. She loves Disneyland and has never seen it decorated for Christmas. Her boyfriend paid for her airline ticket, park admission and the hotel room. He had no desire to go with her so she was generous enough to invite me and I gladly accepted. It was beautiful. We had a great time together and the crowds were minimal. The fireworks were spectacular. I have never seen any show as nice as that one was.

We flew home Thursday afternoon and I worked until 9:30 on Friday night. Saturday I did some Christmas shopping. After sitting down and figuring out what I need to buy, it's really not that bad. I can say I'm almost done already!

Saturday night Keith and I went to Victoria's 2009 Sugarfest. How could I possibly turn this invitation down? The invitation stated we were to dress in our favorite fancy clothes, bring a dessert and come have fun. Okay! It was so great to see all the fellow trail running people in "clothes". Some of them clean up quite well, I must say. The funny part was seeing the women (myself included) walking around in high heels. You could tell none of us do that for a living. Well, what I mean by that is none of us wear them to an office on a daily basis!

The beautiful hostess, Victoria

My Angel Island 50k buddy, Theresa

The man I adore so very much!

Last night it was family time on the train. We took the Train of Lights through Niles Canyon. We bought these tickets quite a while ago and were so happy it didn't rain. It's been raining pretty good here for the last few days. Sara's boyfriend Sterling was supposed to go with us but ended up being scheduled for work. My brother, Steve stepped in at the last minute and took our extra ticket. It was a nice evening. ;)

I'm scheduled for work Monday through Friday again this week, starting in the morning so I can't see getting any running in. I have a PCTR event on the calendar Saturday. An 8k with "someone that just qualified for Boston." That should be fun!! I am thinking I will have to go the gym in the evening to do some classes this week, just to burn some calories. It's not my first choice but it works.

I hope I don't go crazy this week!

Until later.............

Cycling with RBR

Check it out! We actually did it. Stacey (Run Bitch Run) and I went on a bike ride. I had a meeting at work Sunday morning until 10:30 a.m. so Stacey drove up and met me at the store. We were THIS close to canceling again. It was very tempting, considering it was 45 degrees.


From the parking lot, we went up Auto Mall to Mission Boulevard and north on Mission to Mowry. I took her on a little tour of Fremont, pointing out (non)interesting places along the way. We rode by my daughter's house and then I took her to my house so she could meet my husband and see Boomer again.

We hopped onto Paseo Padre from Mowry and headed south. This was my first "real" ride with my new clip in pedals and shoes. I was feeling very comfortable clipping in and out on the ride. I think having toe clips (baskets) for the last few months helped because at least I was used to having to "get out" of something every time I stopped and "getting back in" when I started up again.

We got to the top of Paseo Padre, in the Mission area and Stacey wants to stop so she can take a picture of the view. By the way, where the hell IS that picture? Hmmmm.

Anyway. I unclip my right foot, no problem, and we stop. Uh oh. Suddenly I realize I'm kind of leaning to the left. Before I know it, I'm crashing quickly toward the pavement and I can't get my left foot out of the clip. Crap! Down I go. As Judi says, "I did a tip over!"

Do you think I could get a hand back up? Please? Nope. Stacey needs to take out her camera first and snap a picture. Of course! I certainly should not have expected anything else. She said she heard and saw the whole thing. I landed right on my hand but nothing serious. At least I have one fall out of the way. She says it takes three falls to be a "real cyclist." I dried my tears (not really) and we took another picture before heading down the big hill and back to the store. We were able to complete an 18 mile loop and we didn't freeze to death.

We chatted for a few more minutes in the parking lot before parting ways. I haven't committed to anything yet BUT I will say she has got me thinking of doing something next spring that will require me getting MUCH more comfortable with open water. We'll see where this goes. ;)

Sunday night we went to City Beach for REI's Christmas party. Tons of games to play, lots of food to eat and plenty of holiday cheer being spread.

We were able to get our tree today. Three cheers for us!! We have it up with the lights and topper on. We can't decorate it until tomorrow night when Sara is available to help. She insists it is tradition that she is here every year to hang ornaments with me. I will wait for that. Not a problem.

Other than that, nothing else is crossed off the list. Baby steps, right? Baby steps!

Until later.............

Is it just me?

I HAVE NOT:

1. Made a list of what to buy for who for Christmas

2. Purchased Christmas cards to send out for the business

3. Purchased cookies to give to our business accounts

4. Committed to a day that I will deliver said cookies to our business accounts

5. Put up ONE Christmas decoration. Keith did put our lights up though. Go Keith!

6. Thought of one single gift I might want to receive for Christmas

7. Committed to a day we will get our Christmas tree

8. Purchased Christmas stamps for mailing Christmas cards

9. Planned a day to take my Mom shopping so she can buy her gifts for everyone



Am I the only one like this?

I am having so much trouble getting into the Christmas spirit this year.


Humbug!

Update on Spike!

Jana left a comment on my post about Spike's injury. Knowing that most of you probably won't go back and look at that post, I want to post it here.

Jana says:

"Wow!! Thanks everybody for the warm wishes and thoughts!! I am very glad to have had JoLynn with me, she really saved the day. Spike is doing great, the hardest part is keeping him calm so he doesn't rip out his staples."

I actually saw Spike outside last night, in front of his house. If he didn't have the big cone on his head, you wouldn't know he was injured so badly a week ago.

Therapy on the trails

Wow. Has it really been a week since I have posted on my blog? I have no excuse besides being busy. Or lazy. Or tired. Pick one.

I haven't been exercising enough, I can tell you that. It's affecting me in a very negative way. Not exercising does bad things to me, mostly mentally.

Yesterday I decided I HAD to go somewhere and get a good trail run in. That was exactly what I did. Boomer and I picked up Bella and drove up to Oakland. We parked at the Skyline Gate and took off.

I don't know the area extremely well, especially from that staging area but I figured I could make my way back to my car without a problem. I only had to ask one person, just to make sure I was heading the right way. ;)

It was so gorgeous on those trails. I spent 2.5 hours there and had an absolute ball. I saw two other runners the whole time I was out there. The smells, the silence, and the scenery were all things I needed.

Coming back on the Stream Trail, the dogs had to be leashed so I had trouble running the easiest portion of the entire route. It's very difficult running while having two dogs on short leashes. It really didn't matter though. I was happy just being there.

I've gone on a few hikes and many walks over the past week. No cycling. No running. I think the time just flew by without me really taking note. It's been colder than I like. And, I've been working a lot of morning shifts.

I know I need to run on the trails to keep my sanity. Watching Boomer have fun makes me smile and lifts my spirits every time I am out there. How silly I was to forget all this.

Until later.............