After a Week of Being Flex ...

... ible in my schedule - almost daily. One run stood still - Desert Mt. Trail Run. All this past week sick kiddo, realworld and my wife's realworld kept my weekly schedule on the run :). I did not even get in a needed long run for the week!! However, the hard training of a long run, was made up with my trail run.

The trail begins (have a hard time calling it a trail head) a short walk from the parking lot of the soccer fields. So, after coaching and watching soccer games, I hit the trails Saturday afternoon. Warmer than I was expecting - near 80.

I spent some time on the trails taking a few pix. Just don't confuse these shots with all the great ones on The Happy Trails blog. For, one, even though my Dad was an amateur artist with a camera (his favorite hobby, next to everything else in life), this gene did not transfer to me. Also, as you will notice immediately - our chunk of Mojave Desert - not pretty. Yet, pretty stark though. Original Planet of Apes movie opening scenes have more to behold (which was filmed around Lake Powell in Utah). I admit, as I have said before, I feel like I am running on the Moon up there. However, you look back and have panoramic views of the Vegas Valley.

I do it because of the convenience of being so close to our home. Plus, even though I did stop and try to be a photographer - it is a challenge. If I am not in this best mental/physical mode going into it (like I was Saturday) it can be a slog. It is straight up!! Straight up a Mountain. I walked maybe 30% of the route. I get to a literal point that my lungs feel like they will burst. However, before I get to that point, my legs are rubber. Set your StairMaster to the highest level, then add 10 more. Yet, the real burn for me this run - coming down.

I went further up than previous runs. Steeper climb met - well - you got it. I have to come down eventually. Quads and knees hated me the next AM. However, not as much as the actual run. After a 1.5 miles of this straight downward run, I was afraid something was going to blowout, knees or quads or both. Yet, I couldn't stop! If I hit the breaks at any point - yep - head over roll downhill on rocks and soil as hard as concrete. Besides, no matter how much it hurt - yeah, I was liking it. Kinda of a fun free fall feeling. Felt a little like I was skiing some, on a straight downhill interrupted by a mogul every other stride. Before I find myself back at the soccer fields resting on cool green grass (and a snow cone from refreshment trailer).

All in all, it is only 6 miles (or close to it). Yet, an amazing slog that induces some nice happy aches and pain. Can't wait to do it again. Plus, as you can see, so much to see ;) (sarcasm). I did find a few desert flora and fauna shots to share. Cactus, a few Joshua Tree's, and something they call Mormon Tea bushes (?). If you know something about being Mormon, or LDS - that is an odd name for a plant.

This week, long runs. I actually have two for the week planned with two short 3-4 milers. My legs still feel a tad worked over, especially my butt for some reason. It was fine yesterday. So no run this AM. I will do the 4 miler tonight - yep another Evening run Meg, yuck! Then a 13 miler, tomorrow AM. Day off, then a 4 miler Thursday. Friday - 16 miles or more if I have the time. Saturday rest and last soccer games of the season. Sunday, as you know, I do not run, unless there is a race.

Race - no Big Sur Half this weekend. Can't do it. Wife's realworld will not fit it in. She has told me to fly in the Bay area, then drive down and do it, yet I just can't. I want all these events to involve everyone in the family. I want the kids to be there. They are the reason I do all this. I want them always to know their Dad aspires. Aspire for something great no matter your age. So, wasted entry fee, but I am not too upset over it. I have plenty coming up Turkey Trott and Vegas R&R with the kids seeing their Dad, being their Dad.

Have a great week! Take care of the foot Jerbear. Enjoy the new puppy RocksnRoots. Welcome aboard Colorado Runner (Tara) and Happy Birthday. Meg keep inspiring with all your natural cheer and fun. Happy Trails, great pix's and I like the new layout. Oh, and Fat Guy Running - read the article in the LA Times on the official course change for the LA Marathon. I just might do it, or try it? Sounds like a nice course. Hope it stops raining or storming in Seattle for my friends and family there. Ant Liberation Front - hope it was a great Antmusic London Bash!

Cheers!