"Time is On My Side - Yes! It Is!"

Yesterday was a day above my house and Soccer fields, and well the rest of Vegas. Yes! A trail run. Finally, after trying to find the extra time in my schedule the last few months - finally - time to kick some desert. Actually, previous planned trail runs were interrupted by 40 mph winds kicking desert at me. Yesterday, perfect. Lots of sun, blue sky, 80-82 degrees, and very little WIND!

The above picture is an older one taken from a run on this same trail last year. No camera with me yesterday. A big mistake. The Prickly Pears were in bloom with vibrant magenta and the Cholla cactus had the hint of yellow popping out. See below for some online provided shots of the similar cacti from my run.

Very close resemblance to what I saw yesterday. It was nice to see obviously. If you look at the above shot from last year and remember my description of these desert hills/Mts - it is the Planet of the Apes up there.

My other surprise was the work to define the trails more. They have also been renamed from Mormon Cactus Tea Trails (odd irony in that name), to Anthem East Trail. Along with actual mileage, slight mapping and trail ratings. No surprise on the mileage I guessed right. My loop is in the 5.5-6 mile range, yet I did notice additional trail on the mapping. Which if used could make a nice 14 mile round trip out the trails. Also, the rating? No surprise either - Difficult for most of it with a stretch of Moderate. It is straight up hill/mt. for the most part. With lots of loose rocks, and water/wash created obstacles to hop. It can be an intense workout. Plus, I was noticing how narrow a portion of the trail was yesterday. With a pretty dangerous looking drop off if you happen to slip, trip or fall. Yet, after it is all done - nothing feels better than running this trail.

Yeah, dry desert landscape still not my favorite. Yet, I have grown to appreciate the desert. Plus, after the challenge of the hills and rocks. The 15 different lizards of 3 different types counted along the way. The beautiful Red Tail Hawk looking for prey soaking in the same above the Vegas Valley view I had - it easily is my favorite route to run. Even when the cacti are not in bloom.

Okay, back to the calender of events. I have a short time till my first Marathon attempt in 14 years. I am doubting I will be able to get in all the training runs needed. Still, unless, I really chicken out while running it - I will try for it. Opting to do one of the Half's at SF is an option. Yet, I want to keep this option out of mind for at least the next 25-30 days. More trail runs like yesterday - especially - if I can do 14 mile  ones on this terrain; will get me there. I am very glad I saw this yesterday. The hills, distance and heat will have me ready for SF, along with a few 20 milers. I hope?

Anyway, San Diego Rock and Roll HM next weekend. We have a busy week in front of us with it being a Holiday shortened one. Spending a few days in SD will be very welcomed. Even though my wonderful wife is getting a little tired with these Running Vacations. She enjoys the finish and the whole finish line cheering and meet up. So do the kids. Yet, (and I don't blame them), one more Running Expo is the last thing they want to do. Along with the very, all too early wake up to get Dad to the Starting Line. At least we are not juggling getting in at least three soccer games the same day I need to get to an Expo/Bib pick up 4 hours away. We have an extra day this time over the OC HM last month. Still, our family needs some non running trips soon.

I have to admit I need more relaxing runs as well. Runs which don't have me thinking in the back of my mind I have a race in a few weeks. I need more runs like yesterday. When I just block any thoughts of the next big race. Just running to run. Enjoying the freedom of loping along a trail in my own backyard. Yet, still, feeling far away from it all for a few miles or more ... and more. NO other way can you explore such beauty, scenery, wildlife and peace without parking the car. Then lacing up the trail kicks or hiking shoes, and just go. One eventful step or stride at a time.

Next years running schedule will be different. Less races for one. More trails for another. I will put Time on my side.

Keep kickin'!

Cheers!