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January 16, 2005
Easy 10 mile Dog Run
This morning... I slept in... & I was pleasantly suprised to see the sun out and what looked like a beautiful day. I quietly got ready to run (so as not to excite the puppies too early)..., I broke out my Timex GPS which I don't use that often...., and then I announced the Run to the puppies (they went wild and were so excited) and we were off!
I decided to explore the eastern side of the ridge by my house. I'd still go up the zig zag trail and stay on top of the ridge for most of the run but when I got to the lollypop where I usually turn around (4 miles out) I would keep going and hang an eventual right to check out the north san rafael ridge. (and this Is what I ended up doing ..10.2 miles according to the GPS)
The run w/the puppies was pretty fun. Since my bordie collie, Xander, has been testing his limits lately..., I decided to keep both puppies on leash. Initially they pulled me through a fast mile--which is typical--but then they settled down and we were running an easy 8 to 8:30/mile pace.
I thought about all the east coast runners today as I tried to keep my balance today. Due to all the rain we've had...many sections of the route today resembled a mud slide. I had to be careful about not letting the puppies drag me down the hills...on my bottom side! Needless to say we took the downhills with extreme caution. The puppies were particularly useful on the uphills...since they were both on leash and combined they weigh about 80 pounds so they were able to pull me up the hill pretty nicely (especially for the first half of the run!! :)).
It was an absolutely beautiful day. The temperatue was at least 25 degrees higher than yesterday. Shorts and a t shirt were enough to keep me warm and comfortable. The views from the ridge were Awesome (this makes me laugh...see Good Company--and you'll see why...it's a pretty good movie!!! :) ) today. The fog seems to have lifted...and today we had views of Mt. Tam, the bay, even the city and most of central Marin. The immediate surroundings were seasonally at their peak as well. The rolling hills that make up this ridge are brightest now...since we've gotten so much rain. The green grass is majestic and quite inspiring and rejuvinating after looking up at the golden dried out grass all summer and fall . this change of scenary is a very refreshing look for us here in northern california!
Well I better take off. I don't feel 100% back (physically) ...but running via the woods (yesterday) and via the fields (Today) certainly provide me with enough incentive and happiness to keep training and running regardless of my recent history / mishaps!
Posted by liz at January 16, 2005 01:44 PM
Comments
Hi Liz, Glad you had a nice 10 mile run today. It sounds nice. I hope you are feeling 100% soon. Can't wait to catch up. Take care! I'll have to see Good Company! The shorts and t-shirt sound nice. Great to have you back!!!
Posted by: mary at January 16, 2005 02:22 PM
I'm glad you're back and telling us all about your beautiful and scenic runs! You really make me want to visit Northern CA! Hope you are feeling 100% soon! :)
Posted by: Beth at January 17, 2005 04:19 PM
We want you back Liz! Write soon!
Posted by: Mary at January 20, 2005 09:45 AM