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January 4, 2006
When Smart People Do Stupid Things, Or Why I Need to Go to Hawaii
Well, I guess it's arguable as to whether I may be categorized as a smart person. Maybe I should take the "smart" out of the above title. :) Anyhow, digressions aside, I way underbudgeted how long it would take to pack for vacation today, and didn't go out running until it was pitch black nighttime outside. Admittedly, I've run in the dark at Yellowstone before. That may not seem like the smartest move, but I do stay in the neighborhood. In fact, there's a 1/2 mile measured loop in my neighborhood that makes for perfect nighttime running.
I set out for 5 miles this evening. About 1/4 mile into my run, I nearly ran into a bison. As in, there I was bobbing along in the bright din of my headlamp thinking cheerful thoughts about tiki drinks on Hawaiian beaches when next thing I know I'm about 5 feet from a bison, headed straight for it, and still moving. My ultra-observant dog didn't notice the beast until after me, thanks June! Instantly, I went into backpedaling motion trying to put some distance between me and the gigantic creature with a short temper. There was some huffing and puffing from the bison, but it just stood still. I think perhaps the LED headlamp blinded it and it didn't know what to do. Me, I knew exactly what to do, get the hell out of there, but I was sliding all over the place. Finally, I got traction on my feet, turned around, and ran like hell. The whole thing was about 2.5 seconds long, but it was enough to shoot my adrenaline through the roof for the rest of my 40 minute run. And really, it wasn't that scary after-the-fact. Then again, I'm not ever going to intentionally approach a bison.
As I previously mentioned, ordinary 5 mile runs can sure turn interesting at Yellowstone.
But on to more pleasant topics, like vacation. I think I have absolutely no chance of running into a bison for the next 3 weeks of running, which is a good thing. After I get off work this morning, I'll sleep for a while, do a 7 mile run, and then drive to Salt Lake City. There, I'll meet up with S., and then we're headed to San Francisco. We're spending 4 days in the San Francisco and Napa Valley areas, seeing the sights, tasting wine, and soaking in hot springs. Then, next Tuesday we leave for Hawaii, specifically Maui and Molokai. I think we're spening the first week in Maui, then we're headed to Molokai. We'll be camping and hiking our way around the islands, trying for the most part to stay away from the tourist traps. I envision lush rainforests, waterfalls, and deserted beaches all to ourselves. I'm sure we're going to do a fare amount of eating and drinking, too, with all the fresh fruit and seafood (for S., not me) abound.
I plan to keep up my running as best as possible. My goal is to stay at or above 40 miles/week for the month of January. I won't beat myself up if something like a backpacking trip or a long hike breaks into that routine, but I'm not going to take time off from running like on my last vacation to southern Utah. I'm really motivated to do some awesome trail running, especially in Molokai.
"See" you in 3 weeks!
Posted by Meghan at January 4, 2006 10:59 PM
Comments
Just another typical day in the life of Meghan! :-)
Posted by: Alison at January 5, 2006 8:04 AM
Have a great time! And if you get this before you go to Napa, go to Gundlach Bundschu.
Posted by: Barb at January 5, 2006 11:30 AM
Bison? I probably would have had a heart attack!
Have a great trip! Even if it's considered a "tourist trap", when you're in Maui, do the Road to Hana--get the cassette or CD. Drive on the crazy backroads at the end (where they tell you not to drive). It's truly spectacular!
Posted by: Caitlin at January 5, 2006 4:12 PM
Have fun!!! I am soooooooooo jealous.
Posted by: Lilly at January 5, 2006 9:14 PM
That's one on the best running stories that I have heard in a while. Glad you made a safe escape. Enjoy your vacation.
Posted by: Dallen at January 15, 2006 3:16 PM