Ranch Running Rocks

Last week we had another running guest who joined Lanadawn and me on some early-morning runs. The fact that we had a mountain lion visit us for three nights that week added to the excitement of running in the woods. I've enjoyed having people to run with this summer and will be less motivated, and more anxious to go alone, when they all leave. Once again, I think the ranch has so much potential as a destination for runners. Perhaps we should start planning the Marble Mountain Ranch Trail Challenge 5k for October.

Shout Out

To Lanadawn, the horse wrangler who worked at the ranch this summer and motivated me to get out of bed, often while it was still dark, so we could run and train together. She just ran her first race, a half marathon, and finished in 2:02! Up till yesterday her longest run had been 9 miles. I hope that by her next race she owns a proper pair of running shoes.

Race Ya'

I had debated all week whether to race the Hammond Half or to run it with my sister. As is evident from previous posts, my competitive side comes out during races. I enjoy seeing how far and how fast I can push myself; testing my physical and metal limits. Even though I've done races with Bren and other friends, I usually end up running by myself. Perhaps it was time I try something new. The debate ended as I turned down Bren's street Friday night. I thought about how much I like my sister and enjoy being around her. If I didn't run the race with her then I wouldn't get to see her much before heading back home after the race. When I discovered that Bren really wasn't looking forward to the race--she said, "Not one ounce of my body wants to do this"--I was even more determined to stay with her and have it be a positive experience. And it was. We set an 8:30 pace early on and stuck to it, slowing a bit around miles 10 and 11. During the last mile I tried to pick up the pace so we'd finish strong. Bren resisted a little but hung with me. When the finish line was about 50 yards in front of us, I looked at Bren and jokingly said, "Race ya'". To my surprise she took off sprinting! I didn't know she had all that energy left! I was too shocked to go after her, plus I was laughing too hard. Fortunately she slowed just before the finish line so we crossed it together. Next time I'll make her run a little faster.

Bren speeding ahead to the finish.
We were both laughing and it looks like we're having fun.

Here we are still cracking up while I relate the story of Bren's finish to Neil, her fiance, who took pictures of us along the course.

Ranch Running

Last week we had our first dude-ranch guest who would rather run with me than get on a horse. It was great! We covered a lot of miles together, and it was fun to share my running routes with someone used to running on crowded city streets. The highlight for her was seeing a bear on our last run together. (I saw the same bear again today while running and heard another one in the blackberry bushes below the road.) Perhaps someday we'll meet again on her turf and she can show me the ins and outs of San Francisco. I wonder what my highlight would be.

Two Weeks and Counting

Four weeks ago I started training for a half marathon, the Hammond Half. Now I have only two weeks left and I'm feeling less prepared than I'd like but optimistic. The race starts a few blocks from Bren's house, it's free, and on a Saturday. The best part is that Bren has agreed to run it too so it should be a fun day. Want to join us?