Back-to-Back and Recovery Runs
I went out for 8.2 miles Sunday morning up the trail to Seven Falls in Bear Canyon (same area as Sabino Canyon). It was exhausting, beautiful, gorgeous ambiance, warm but breezy and overall good. I passed a hiker on the way up, who I guess didn't like getting 'chicked," and after I got about .25 mile ahead of him, he decided to try and catch me on the uphill. Of course, because I have such small legs, even with jogging the flats, he was still catching up. So we had our own little race on the way up. I kept jogging every spot I could, and even though he got within 10 feet of me (breathing so heavily!), he never caught me. Whew! That was tiring. I wanted to walk the flats and downhill on the way out :) But I didn't. I saw two deer, a roadrunner ran with me for a ways, and there were lots of birds (even cardinals, cool!). Then, in a nook along the trail, I heard a loud "swoosh." I ducked, and immediately began turning in circles to find the source of the sound. Was it a large bird? I didn't see a shadow. Was it a huge gust of wind? I didn't feel it on my skin. "Swoosh..." it came through again. AAAAHHHHHH this place is known for it's mountain lions! Since I couldn't figure out what it was, I kept moving forward at a walking pace. I felt like I was being watched. It was seriously creepy. About 20 yards later I passed some people and felt better. Yikes!
I rested all day yesterday, and went out this morning for a gentle 5k, which was very nice. I can tell I've upped my miles quickly, as I'm exhuasted and can't eat enough! I'm trying to stretch and take care of myself as best I can. I will be ordering a foam roller this week to help with my tight ITB. So far, it's just been tight, and I've been stretching it well every day.
Not sure Whiskey Row will happen - every hotel in a 40 mile radius is sold out! Also not sure about Sugar & Spice, even though I already sent in my entry form and fee...flights are more expensive than Johnny's dad was expecting, so unless the flight costs go down, we might not get to go. Sigh.
Yoga's on my plate for tonight. Should feel good!
Comments
That's funny, racing with a hiker. You had me on the edge of my seat for a bit about the mysterious noise. We have cougars and bears here..so I understand.
Btw, I've toyed around with the idea of flying into Phx for the Whiskey Row too..it's too soon so I don't think we'll come.
Great pictures, Ash is the cutiest thing!
Posted by: Bella | April 18, 2006 11:25 AM
Love those pictures! Only four candles? Hmmmm. I coulda swore you said 28...
I don't know how you handle running in the heat - 65 seems too hot to me!
Posted by: backofpack | April 18, 2006 11:38 AM
That's some recovery run! Good job Angie. I hope you get to at least one of the races. Also hope those walkers behind you didn't become lunch.
Posted by: Mike Salkowski | April 18, 2006 01:10 PM
Great photos! I love the one of Ash on the payphone.
Posted by: Simba's Mom | April 18, 2006 02:51 PM
Your race on the hike reminds me of when I run on the Y track and the guys early in the morning do not like being passed at all. I like keeping them thinking they can catch me and hearing them breathe so hard they sound like they are going to keel over at any moment. Good Times!
Posted by: Rob | April 18, 2006 08:13 PM
Congrats on your race! Sounds like an awesome trail to run on too. Last week I saw several deer on the trails, some butterflies and a buzzard. No lions though!
Posted by: runninturnip | April 19, 2006 07:55 AM
Your miles did shoot up! I think it's cool, but I am usually wrong in a "healthy running" department:)
I hope you guys can go to KY. I'll keep my fingers crossed on the flight prices!
Good going, Angie! Foam roller is a great thing too.
Posted by: olga | April 19, 2006 08:58 AM
Those pictues are great - the trail runners wedding pics were so cool!!!
Posted by: Susan | April 19, 2006 10:19 AM
I spent the last week in OH at my brother's wedding. I saw cardinals too. They are the OH state bird, beautiful. I never see them in CA. I didn't realize they were in AZ. I'm bummed for you about the races. I know you were looking forward to them. Oh, and Happy Birthday!
Posted by: darrell | April 19, 2006 11:40 AM
beautiful pics, and great job beating that guy! thanks for supporting the kilt--er running skirt-mark-thing. remember, either time or money will work! just go leave him a comment telling him you're in! :)
Posted by: jeanne | April 19, 2006 12:04 PM
Wow that race looks beautiful!!
Posted by: Jessica | April 19, 2006 12:17 PM
Only 4 candles? Did you eat Ash's next birthday cake by mistake?
That noise would have me screaming down the hill, mountain lion or not.
Good job on the race, and big congrats on your first sub 10 mile ;-)
Posted by: Thomas | April 20, 2006 03:31 AM