It seems that others have found out about the open space preserve where I love to run whenever I can make it over that way. Amy, Cindy and I planned to meet by the bathrooms in the lower parking lot. When I arrived at the park I could see that not only was that lot full, but lot # 2 was full as well. It was only 6:45 am – where did everyone come from?
By the time we met up and made our way to the lower lot we could see “part” of the problem was Team and Training was meeting up for a run this morning. The large crowd was gathering and growing in size as we made our last bathroom stop before the run. I know that you all understand the importance of getting all of your “business” taken care of ahead of time – if at all possible.
Fortunately for us, our planned running trail is not one of the more popular trails. We get 1.2 miles to warm up before hitting the 2.5 mile hill. This is by far the worst part of the entire trail, and once you conquer the hill you feel like you have really accomplished something. But the run continues, and there is still much climbing ahead as long as you continue on the trail.
I had been huffing and puffing more than I would like to admit during the assent. My body always seems to let me know when I am pushing it harder than usual. Cindy pointed out that I was being a “Chatty Cathy.” I was indeed and, upon acknowledging this, I asked her to describe for Amy her work’s practice of having a daily snack time. She didn’t go into it in as much detail as I would have liked; I guess she was onto my strategy of slowing her down with talking.
After tackling this hill, we stopped for a rest. We stretched and I had a packet of GU. This was my way of rewarding my body for taking me this far. Onward we went; up and down the rolling hills and happily enjoying the scenery around us. We were happy for the break from the pavement
It really was a *beautiful* run and I think that all three of us got a nice healing from the stressors of the work. I know that I did.
Cindy suggested that I switch the before and after photos from today. I smiled when I transferred them to my computer. I think that we actually look more relaxed and refreshed in the after photo (above). It doesn’t exactly show just how lovely this place is…but at least you will get an idea.
Please note, The exact location was omitted on purpose; I can’t let anyone else know about my “secret” running spot. I hope that you will forgive me.
Your forgiven, I’m curious but understanding. Glad you had such a nice run with friends.
Looks like a beautiful place to run. I try to get other people to talk when I run with them so that they’ll slow down, too. Great picture; none of you look the least bit tired!
looks like the area around solvang or someplace in monterey county. regardless of the place, it looks beautiful. glad you guys enjoyed yourselves!
Addendum: We went to a birthday party later in the day. I could keep up the calorie/food tracking and have no idea what the intake vs. calories burned ended up as. Off JC foods for the balance of the day. At least I had the comfort of knowing that I burned 1360 calories during my AM run. On Sunday mornin, my weight was still the same. Whew!
Sounds like an awesome run with friends. You are lucky!