Monday, February 25, 2008

Ketchup

This photo has absolutely nothing to do with the blog post, but it's such a pretty painting by Deb http://www.debpero.com/ that I wanted to put it on my blog. :-)

Let's see... it's been awhile since I've posted, mostly because of general busy-ness and limited computer time while traveling since I'd rather be out exploring.

Portland was awesome! I really liked it there, especially Forest Park, which I mentioned in the previous post. Chris kindly crewed while I ran the super groovy 30-mile Wildwood Trail that Sunday, the 10th. It's been awhile since I've done a run of that length so was really happy to do the whole thing AND feel good throughout. Never did get out to the Gorge or Mt. Hood to play in the snow because most of the remaining days were spent "redlining" the side trails in Forest Park -- think I ran about 90% of 'em -- and exploring different sections of the city. Also did a couple of yoga classes at the Y.

We flew back to Santa Barbara (SO much more enjoyable than LAX!) Friday night, the next day did some trail work with a great team of folks on the Horn Canyon Trail, part of the upcoming Coyote 2 Moon course, and also stashed all the water up on the ridge for the race. The road was a bit snow covered and unfortunately not without a couple of mishaps: one vehicle got stuck in the snow and had to be pulled out, then same vehicle sustained a punctured tire due to a buried rock. Ouch, sorry about that H'ard!

On Monday we were off on a work trip to Vegas, not my favorite of places even though I seem to end up there a lot. However, there is really some great hiking/running just outside the city. I ventured down to Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City and, while climbing Black Mtn., counted 28 (!) bighorn sheep, the sprawl of the city a distant backdrop. Also ventured up Mountain Spring Peak in the beautiful Spring Mtns. and Frenchman Mtn. just west and east of the city respectively. Okay, so we did walk the Strip one night, too, but just to people watch and drink one of those giant, 2-foot frozen margaritas. Heh, heh.

Back to Oxnerd on Thursday night, a ribbon-tying party for C2M course markers on Friday night, and a couple of nice runs in Pt. Mugu State Park over the weekend. Still spinning, doing weights, and yoga when I can fit it in, 2-3 times/week (although this morning I stuck myself WAY in the back of the room during spinning class 'cuz I was tired!).

Off on the next adventure Thursday...!! More on that in a couple of weeks. Oh, so coy... :p

2 comments:

Jamie Anderson said...

Cool adventures! Good way to keep busy. Glad you're enjoying the left coast so much!

Anonymous said...

I remember what it was like to run on trails without ice. Long ago and far away now though. Its hard to train for trail races running on a treadmill. Sounds like you're having a great time. Take care.