Jon's running.

I ran 6+ miles in the heat at lunch today wearing my GoLite Rush pack. Since Jon's been running regular, I gave him the Nathan waist pack to use. So that leaves me wearing the GoLite.

I need the practice with it but it's overkill for the lunch runs. I took the plunge yesterday and ordered a replacement waist pack. I was gonna get another Nathan but decided to try the GoLite Hydroswift. I'm really pleased with the Rush pack and I'm hoping the Hydroswift is just as good.

Jon ran with TLW today. They drove over to a park in Gainesville and ran for an hour. I was impressed. But tonight TLW is not feeling so good. Not sure if it's a result of the run or something else. She went on to bed.

I got a nice email from boot camp Beth today. She was asking about me and wondering when I was coming back to boot camp class. It's nice to be missed.

The European season is underway and here's two recent races.

Remember that 800 race I posted a while back with Maggie Vessey surprising everybody including herself with the win? Watch her run this 800 in Rome. Notice how she's running last for the first lap.



And remember Usain Bolt? Watch this 200 he ran in the rain in Lausanne.

Like some cheese with that whine?

So yesterday I was whining about getting back to running after a short layoff.

Then I read Susan's report on the Rattlesnake 50K.

And I was jerked back to thankfulness. Thankful that I can run, even though I'm sore, I'm not injured. Thankful for another day, heat and all. Thankful that I can get out there and sweat, pumping endorphins to make the rest of the day all better.

Thankful for all the friends' encouraging words, even when I'm whining.

Today I had a lunch meeting and missed boot camp. I got out after the meeting to enjoy my boot camp solo in the heat of the afternoon. It felt good to push a little and work up a lather.

Yes, you guys are right. The fitness is still there. The running will come back quickly. I am dealing with the summer heat.

I'm kind of surprised nobody told me to get over it and HTFU, now that I think about it. :)

I want it now.

Running at lunch today for 5+ miles and it was better. Just better. I'm still sore and having a hard time ramping up. I want to be where I was 4 weeks ago.

I may never take a non-running vacation again. :)

Jon's taken my Nathan waist pack. I have to order another one. I ran with the GoLite pack today but I'd rather use the waist pack on the lunch runs.

Think I'll make some popcorn and watch a Biggest Loser rerun.

Finally got off our behinds.

Last night we watched Defiance. Great movie and recommended.

Slept late this morning and it was lovely.

Lazed around until the afternoon and we went outside for yard work. Me, Jon, and TLW pulled weeds and worked on the island. Put in the new edging and yanked lots of grass.

Then rewarded ourselves with Mexican food. Yum!

Back home to watch Hancock. Just okay on that one. Will Smith is always good but the story was iffy.

Hoping for some good running this week. And dreading boot camp on Tuesday just a bit.

Back to the trails

I got back to Harbins Park this morning for an easy 7 miler. Jon went with me this time. He's been running from home this week and was looking forward to running in the woods. Whit joined us as well. We're all headed for races this fall and trying to maintain fitness through the summer.

We met up at 8 and ran the horse trail loop. The Collins Hills cross country squads were getting started on the trails as we headed out. I think it was their first time at Harbins and I expected many to get confused by the multiple trails.

I led the way wearing the GoLite Rush pack. Jon's getting used to my Nathan waist pack. We ran easy with everybody complaining about sore legs. Total time was 1:40 for the 7 miles. We only stopped to give directions once.

Jon and Whit both ran out of water. Jon also learned the importance of the two strategic bandaids. :)

After, Jon and I visited Waffle House for our free waffles using the coupons from the Peachtree race packet. Then stopped by Kroger for food. Watermelon, apples, bananas, and oranges. Lots of milk, cereal, and nacho chips.

Home for showers and naps.

Jon ran well and I'm going to keep him on the trails on the weekends. We should be able to work him up to a half (at least) by this fall.

Philmont Trek 2009 - Part 12, the final chapter

Philmont Trek Day 12 - We were up early at Ponil for the chuckwagon breakfast. Pancakes, sausage, and OJ. Some of the boys (Justin) never got out of line. They'd go through the line to get pancakes and sausage. Then get back in line and eat while walking forward to get more. It was a good breakfast.

We get camp packed for the final time.



We've got time for more branding and then we hike down the road to the turnaround for bus pickup.



Waiting on the bus.



We get the best bus ride ever back to camp. Very exciting.





Back in base camp, we all stick together to go through checkin.



Lunch in the dining hall and Jon poses as the official altitude sickness poster boy.



We all got showers and took the shuttle to town for pizza and ice cream. We did a little shopping and the boys enjoyed the playground.





We purchased Dr. Pepper and Nutter Butters to send back for J.J. and Jenna.



Waiting for the shuttle return and the boys start up a lively game of rocks.



Back in base camp and we've got time for laundry.



We made the final campfire.



Bunch of clowns.



To bed after campfire and we get up early to pack for home.



Everything clean before breakfast.



Jon and I had a quick breakfast then hit the trading post for belts, buckles, shirts, gifts, etc. $250 later we got to the bus to take us to Denver. Out the window we can see trailbound crews leaving to begin their treks.



We're pretty excited to get home. Golden Corral for lunch and the boys plow through the buffet. On to Denver International and we get through checkin.



The boys eat again at Panda Express. Mmmmm . . . chinese food. We fly home arriving at 11 PM. Home by 1 AM.

TLW had misread the itinerary and was not expecting us until the following night. So she and Jenny both screamed when we came in the door at 1 in the morning. Thought it was a home invasion or something.

Gosh, we were glad to be home. We got to take hot showers and sleep in our own beds. The novelty of the refrigerator has not worn off yet. It took me a few days to remember to flush the toilets. And turn off the faucets. I was used to the automatic models.

We had a great trip, even with all the adversity. The boys were tremendous, working well together in spite of everything. I'd love to go back but I don't think we'd get another crew together that worked as well as this one.

So I'm talking to Jon about a solo trip. Maybe to Rocky Mountain National Park. Just the two of us. Hiking and backpacking for a week.

Maybe next summer . . .

Philmont Trek 2009 - Part 11

Philmont 2009 trek day 11 - We woke at Flume Canyon to our coldest morning yet. I pulled out my gloves to use. The boys get the burros for packing.



Another beautiful morning and everybody's excited to get to Ponil. We heard there was a cantina that served root beer.



More macro photography.





We've got a short hike today but the burros require extra time.



I'm in the back taking pictures.





We make it to Ponil after 10 and head to our campsite.



Then it was time to say goodbye to Jose (aka El Diablo) and Gonzo.



With camp set up and duties done, we headed to the cantina.



That was the best root beer I've ever had. First one was a dollar and refills were fifty cents. I think we had 5 or 6.



Mr. Keane provided the background music.



The boys worked on lasso skills.



We got to brand things. This was one of my favorite activities.



After lunch, Jon wanted to do some rock climbing.



I was just a little nervous.



Jon loved it.



He said this was his favorite part of the trip. I was just glad he got to do some climbing after missing so much.



Another crew is on the horse ride through camp.



Jon's smiling and I'm trying not to fall over the edge.



On the way back to camp, Jon hooks up with the other guys and takes them back out climbing. I head for the hot showers. Such luxury.

That night we have a chuckwagon dinner of beef stew, biscuits, and cobbler. Jon's on cleaning crew scraping out the dutch ovens.



After dinner the boys go back to climbing and the advisors head for the doughnut meeting. I took a break from the cookies to see the boys climbing behind the cabin.



They're up there. Even zoomed in, though, they're hard to see.



The boys head to the cantina show. But there's no room by the time I arrive. So I head back to camp and to sleep. We all enjoyed having a relaxing day in camp at Ponil. Tomorrow, it's back to base camp.