Running With Some Altitude

Back to the fun that is living in Las Vegas. Vacation was fun and the unexpected happened upon us. Before I go down that road - running goals. Exceeded for the month. I should end up after tonight and tomorrow with a total of 70 miles for June. 10 miles more than I expected. Was able to get in some very nice runs in Utah at some elevations around 5,000 ft. or more. Two long ones with hills/climbs and one shorter fartlek. Yes, the word has stuck with me and I am using it correctly this time. Disappointment was not being able to run with my Sister while there. We were staying 40 miles away from her and traffic due to construction was making every trip three times longer. Thanks flagger people. I know it is your job to direct construction traffic. However, why did you turn your signs from slow to stop each time you saw me coming? They're all out to get me (smile)? Overall, enjoyable runs and it just felt great to accomplish my running goals with some altitude. The Mountains in Utah were very green with lots of wildflowers. Unusually high amounts of rain up there in the last month or so. Very colorful. Felt good. Nice break from the desert.

Vacation, itself, like to save some of this material for my other blog. However, after we spend time with the Utah family for our June Vacations, we typically head back South to San Diego for 3-4 days. Not this time. Tire blowout south of Cedar City, Utah. Very scary stuff. No one was hurt. I was able to get the Suburban over to the side. Got some help from a very friendly Utah Trooper and family who live in Cedar City. With spare tire on, and body damage to the truck - we headed South expecting to just go back home. Forgoing SD after our scare.

Anyway, approached the last St. George exit and just had to take it. Odd really. Something inside just said we need to stop now and stay here tonight. Well, we did. Found a Hotel that could accommodate us on the first try. Unloaded, then all of us jumped into the pool. From that time on, I think I had the most enjoyable vacation in a long time. Who would have thunk - St. George Utah? I can see why the marathon is so popular there and my Sisters family does it every year. Got in a great run, fun meals, fun time with the family at the pool - just very relaxing. However, our big adventure was the time spent at Zions National Park. So fantastic we had to go a second day before driving home. Been 18 years since I have been there. Really forgot what a near perfect place on earth it is. Must get there more often. Especially since it is only 2.5 hours from us! Well, as long as a tire doesn't blow.

Need to run. Getting to that point when the Vegas temps should be less than 100 degrees. 99-98 degree temp. run - fun. Gotta love Vegas? I miss being on vacation.