Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.: It's True! It's True!

Monday, April 27, 2009

It's True! It's True!

The Government Canyon Mountain Lion story is back! I ran into an old friend at this years Fiesta Flambeau Parade run. This is a great run before Saturday nights parade in downtown San Antonio bringing and end to Fiesta week. It is a short 2.8 mile run, but along downtown streets filled with over 300,000 screaming people. What a thrill. At the post run party Bridget was telling me about her broken hand, She fell while on a night run at Government Canyon a week ago. What made it more interesting was the fact that she was told by the park rangers that there had been two reports of a mountain lion in the park. Mountain lions stalk their prey at night! Mountain Lions are not common in this area, or so we thought.
I had heard many stories about a mountain Lion in the park, but second hand stories and no definite sightings so I just took it in stride.It was possible though.
The next morning I met John and Tom for a 20 mile training run at G.C. As I relayed Bridget's story to John he said, "Oh yeah, it was Arnie who saw the Mountain Lion." Arnie? Now I know it's true. I know Arnie, and if Arnie saw it then it's there!
WOW! a mountain Lion where we run almost every weekend. How cool is that?
We've seen wild pigs, Coyote tracks, and other wildlife but never any deer. Makes sense. They either stay away in fear of the Mountain Lion or are soon eaten.
Oh well, we will continue to run at G.C. Knowing there is a mountain Lion lurking sure is exciting. We're too big for him, aren't we? I hope it doesn't get too hungry.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Why I Run

In reference to my running, I am often asked, "why do you do this?"
After contemplating the question.........................
I run for my Father. my Father who too late in life realized he wasn't invincible. My Father smoked for 40 years and did not always eat well. When he contracted Myastinia Gravis and Diabetes he was forced to change his lifestyle. An illness that doctors thought would take his life in 2 years was held at bay for 10! By eating well and exercising, my Father was able to hang around a little while longer. He knew I was on to something when I began long distance running. On many of my runs I still hear him saying to me "keep it up son, don't ever stop"
I run for my son Matthew, who left us too soon. He was almost 14 yrs old. I run for him because he no longer can. I feel him and talk to him on many of my runs. Before he left he had begun to be aware of his large physique and was trying to stay fit. 4 years earlier I entered him in his first race. He came in last in a field of about 25 kids, but he never stopped trying to run as fast as he could. I will always remember the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line while his name was announced over the loudspeaker. One day I will see him again. Until then I carry him with me on my runs.
I run for my friends and family. Not only those I run with now, but also those I hope to run with in the future. Those I run with with now help me as much or more than I think I help them. Running friends help to motivate me. We share stories, aches, pains,laughter, and encourage and congratulate each other. Those I hope to run with in the future are family and friends who are in need of someone to motivate them. People who know they need exercise but need that little push. I try to help them stop finding excuses and putting up barriers that keep them from walking,running and just plain exercising.
I run for myself. As a child I was always physically active. As a young adult I smoked for 16 years, did not have a healthy diet and sat watching television for hours on end. At age 27 (with a push from my brother Andy) I became active again and began associating with active people. Soon I was playing team sports, and biking, golfing, running. This change in lifestyle helped me to make better nutrition choices for better performance.
The human body is meant to move! A fit body functions better and lasts longer. I don't want to live forever, but as long as I am here I wish to feel my best. Running clears the mind, flushes toxins from the body and allows us to enjoy nature and relate to friends and Family who run with us, in person, or in our hearts.

Running roads, running trails, Reflecting.

Monday, April 27, 2009

It's True! It's True!

No comments:

Drenched

Pageviews

Paul leading the way on the North Kaibab Trail_The Grand Canyon