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.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Back in the saddle again
Sunday morning April 19 was a beautiful day! 60 degrees and a cool northern breeze.
What a great day to hit the trails for a long run. Brian, Tom and I hit the trails at Government Canyon about 7:15 AM. We started on the climbs up Sendero Balcones. At the 3 mile mark I found a rock and stretched my achilles and calf muscles.
The plan was set by Brian, He wanted to log 25 miles that day. Tom and I would have to cut it short. Tom because of a soccer game his daughter had and I because I did not think I could run past 15 much less 25.
My foot was feeling better than I anticipated. We hit the most technical and steep trails early. Coming up Joe Johnston trail Tom spotted a large paw print. The recent rains left soft patches of dirt allowing animal prints to be visible and seemed to also make for soft treading. We stooped to examine the print and thought it was probably a large coyote.
At about 8 miles I started to slow down. At about 10 miles I felt lightheaded and stopped to eat a LaraBar(I switched from clif bars for awhile), this helped.
Tom was feeling good and running well. At mile 16 or so he bid us farewell and took off to make the soccer game. Brian and reached the parking lot at about 11:10 having covered 18+ miles. MY FOOT FELT GOOD but my lower leg muscles were a bit tight.
After chatting a bit, Brian took off up the trail for 7 more miles. I stayed behind to stretch the legs under the shade of an oak tree.
I was surprised I was able to run 18 miles. The cool weather and the company of good friends surely helped. It is so good to be back.
What a great day to hit the trails for a long run. Brian, Tom and I hit the trails at Government Canyon about 7:15 AM. We started on the climbs up Sendero Balcones. At the 3 mile mark I found a rock and stretched my achilles and calf muscles.
The plan was set by Brian, He wanted to log 25 miles that day. Tom and I would have to cut it short. Tom because of a soccer game his daughter had and I because I did not think I could run past 15 much less 25.
My foot was feeling better than I anticipated. We hit the most technical and steep trails early. Coming up Joe Johnston trail Tom spotted a large paw print. The recent rains left soft patches of dirt allowing animal prints to be visible and seemed to also make for soft treading. We stooped to examine the print and thought it was probably a large coyote.
At about 8 miles I started to slow down. At about 10 miles I felt lightheaded and stopped to eat a LaraBar(I switched from clif bars for awhile), this helped.
Tom was feeling good and running well. At mile 16 or so he bid us farewell and took off to make the soccer game. Brian and reached the parking lot at about 11:10 having covered 18+ miles. MY FOOT FELT GOOD but my lower leg muscles were a bit tight.
After chatting a bit, Brian took off up the trail for 7 more miles. I stayed behind to stretch the legs under the shade of an oak tree.
I was surprised I was able to run 18 miles. The cool weather and the company of good friends surely helped. It is so good to be back.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Mountain Laurels in Bloom
I slept in today and had my favorite breakfast(soft boiled eggs on toasted whole grain bread with olive oil,pepper,and salt) before hitting the trails at Leon Creek about 9:00 AM. It was a cool 60 degrees with a steady wind out of the north. perfect running conditions. The Texas Mountain Laurels were in full bloom. Bright purple flowers sprouting from the dark green leaves of this beautiful evergreen.
I am finally back! Comfortably trail running after a long layoff due to Plantar Fasciitis.I tried to stay in shape with Kettle bell workouts and Biking but it is just not the same. My legs are still getting accustomed to treading the trails and my lungs are not so strenuously pulsating anymore to provide "O" to my muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis is very frustrating. I massaged the sole of my foot and used night splints to stretch my foot back towards my shin. Nothing seemed to help until I got advice from a co-worker who is also a physical trainer. He recommended a stretch where the foot is placed against a wall at a 45 degree angle as you bring the hips in towards the wall. Then bend the knee in towards the wall. Also a stretch where the toes are the only part of the foot on the floor and the foot is pushed forward. I do this every day now. Of course, after warming up. Another thing is soaking my foot in Epsom salt. I had purchased Epsom salt months ago but never soaked in it. It works!
I am finally back! Comfortably trail running after a long layoff due to Plantar Fasciitis.I tried to stay in shape with Kettle bell workouts and Biking but it is just not the same. My legs are still getting accustomed to treading the trails and my lungs are not so strenuously pulsating anymore to provide "O" to my muscles.
Plantar Fasciitis is very frustrating. I massaged the sole of my foot and used night splints to stretch my foot back towards my shin. Nothing seemed to help until I got advice from a co-worker who is also a physical trainer. He recommended a stretch where the foot is placed against a wall at a 45 degree angle as you bring the hips in towards the wall. Then bend the knee in towards the wall. Also a stretch where the toes are the only part of the foot on the floor and the foot is pushed forward. I do this every day now. Of course, after warming up. Another thing is soaking my foot in Epsom salt. I had purchased Epsom salt months ago but never soaked in it. It works!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
What are friends for ?
What are friends for?
ask for help and they'll be at your door.
Liza's new home was sitting empty,
There was the task of moving the furniture from the apartment.
Her husband was off working, and concerned about how and when this would be done.
She wanted to surprise him by being moved to the new dwelling before he came home.
How can she do this all by herself?
Hey, try asking those trail running pals to give her a hand.
Three of us showed to help Liza out.
Of course we'd help, her husband lends her to us for training and races,
we'll show up with smiling faces.
Stuffing the truck was like working on a puzzle,
will me make it all fit?
"Sure" Liza said, "and I'll help, I won't sit?"
I expected her to carry small items,
But we compared her to an ant carrying much more than her weight.
Unloading at the house seemed so much easier,
and when we were done we sat and drank Beer.
Trading stories and talking about trails we've run,
and books we've read,
Stories filled about so much fun.
Sharing experiences only we can understand,
going in the woods as only we can!
What a great time is had when you make your friend happy.
I can't wait to hear the story after her husband comes home,
to find his wife has performed the task he dreaded has been done.
ask for help and they'll be at your door.
Liza's new home was sitting empty,
There was the task of moving the furniture from the apartment.
Her husband was off working, and concerned about how and when this would be done.
She wanted to surprise him by being moved to the new dwelling before he came home.
How can she do this all by herself?
Hey, try asking those trail running pals to give her a hand.
Three of us showed to help Liza out.
Of course we'd help, her husband lends her to us for training and races,
we'll show up with smiling faces.
Stuffing the truck was like working on a puzzle,
will me make it all fit?
"Sure" Liza said, "and I'll help, I won't sit?"
I expected her to carry small items,
But we compared her to an ant carrying much more than her weight.
Unloading at the house seemed so much easier,
and when we were done we sat and drank Beer.
Trading stories and talking about trails we've run,
and books we've read,
Stories filled about so much fun.
Sharing experiences only we can understand,
going in the woods as only we can!
What a great time is had when you make your friend happy.
I can't wait to hear the story after her husband comes home,
to find his wife has performed the task he dreaded has been done.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Old Friends
It’s been awhile but the old bike and I were out for a ride,
The shop owner said ”enjoy the ride, you are to please”
The road worker asked “where will you go?”
“Not too far” I said, and I’m going slow.
The road was familiar, one I knew well,
Hadn’t been on it for quite a spell.
The hills greeted my legs,
in places they had not been addressed in quite sometime.
My lungs too, were feeling the strain,
Sucking up wind, but really no pain.
Others were spinning down the road on their bikes,
Saw an old pal pedaling with friends and waved as he passed.
Riding with others, oh what a gas.
16 miles at the end of the ride and pleased I was.
The shop owner was there with one of my friends.
We chatted a bit and had a laugh.
Other friends showed for their later ride.
One was pleased with her new bike.
We visited a while and off they went,
As I was to leave I noticed another,
He looked twice before he said Hi.
It’s been awhile; I’ve changed a bit,
But the conversation was a big hit.
New and old friends, a sight to see
They bring a smile and many a grin.
The Bike and I, what a long time it’s been.
The shop owner said ”enjoy the ride, you are to please”
The road worker asked “where will you go?”
“Not too far” I said, and I’m going slow.
The road was familiar, one I knew well,
Hadn’t been on it for quite a spell.
The hills greeted my legs,
in places they had not been addressed in quite sometime.
My lungs too, were feeling the strain,
Sucking up wind, but really no pain.
Others were spinning down the road on their bikes,
Saw an old pal pedaling with friends and waved as he passed.
Riding with others, oh what a gas.
16 miles at the end of the ride and pleased I was.
The shop owner was there with one of my friends.
We chatted a bit and had a laugh.
Other friends showed for their later ride.
One was pleased with her new bike.
We visited a while and off they went,
As I was to leave I noticed another,
He looked twice before he said Hi.
It’s been awhile; I’ve changed a bit,
But the conversation was a big hit.
New and old friends, a sight to see
They bring a smile and many a grin.
The Bike and I, what a long time it’s been.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Time for some cross training!
After a week of not running and massaging my right calf, Achilles, and the sole of my right foot to relieve pain from PF, I tried to go out for a run today. Chris, Liza, Brian, Mike, Abbey and I met at Govt Canyon to run about 10 - 12 miles in the flat trails of the front country. The weather was perfect, sunny,dry and about 60 degrees. Chris led a pretty quick pace. Sub 9 minute miles. Soon Abbey and Mike picked it up and pulled away. Chris and Liza were not far behind them and Brian and I were bringing up the rear.
My foot was feeling OK up until about 4 miles into the run. I started to feel a little discomfort in my right heel at 4 1/2miles. It was getting worse. Liza held up for Brian and I at the 5 mile mark, and I said "I'M DONE!" The pain was back in full force. I'd better stop before I make it worse. I said goodbye as Chris, Mike and Abbey were far up the trail. Brian said I was wise to stop. Chris yelled back goodbye and "get a haircut!" I responded "I'll think about it." As I limped back to the car I tried not to let it get me down. I can work out on the bike I thought.
I motivate myself to train seriously by signing up for a race. Well, last Thursday I registered for the Jemez Mountain 50 Miler. With 4 significant climbs to over 10,000 feet, I told myself I had better get going.
Now I must say to myself, "Take time off from running to let your Plantar Fascitis heal." This is a switch, and will test my patience.
It's on the bike and workouts with Kettle bells for at least the next two weeks.
My foot was feeling OK up until about 4 miles into the run. I started to feel a little discomfort in my right heel at 4 1/2miles. It was getting worse. Liza held up for Brian and I at the 5 mile mark, and I said "I'M DONE!" The pain was back in full force. I'd better stop before I make it worse. I said goodbye as Chris, Mike and Abbey were far up the trail. Brian said I was wise to stop. Chris yelled back goodbye and "get a haircut!" I responded "I'll think about it." As I limped back to the car I tried not to let it get me down. I can work out on the bike I thought.
I motivate myself to train seriously by signing up for a race. Well, last Thursday I registered for the Jemez Mountain 50 Miler. With 4 significant climbs to over 10,000 feet, I told myself I had better get going.
Now I must say to myself, "Take time off from running to let your Plantar Fascitis heal." This is a switch, and will test my patience.
It's on the bike and workouts with Kettle bells for at least the next two weeks.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Me duele!
At the moment I am suffering from Plantar fascitis, my right hand goes numb at night due to a flag football injury, and my right wrist still hurts as a result of a fall three Sundays ago trail running at O.P. There is limited motion and strength in my right hand. I get through these pains with the same mentality as I get through Ultras. "This is temporary and will pass and be over with in due time".
I feel I am alive!
At our last run we shared one other trait of ultra runners. Black or missing toenails!
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