YIKES!

Well, new experience this last Saturday. I went up on the Virgin Mountains (south of Mesquite, NV) to repeat my run from August 12. I had it planned out much better than the August 12th run, and it mostly went according to plan and I ran 7 miles in one hour and 10 minutes. I wasn't in much pain at the end of the run, and I was able to stay pretty hydrated even though the temperature was 90 degrees.

What made the run interesting was at mile 1.17 of the run. I was running along, and noticed something move near my feet. I quickly looked down and there was a two foot long diamond back rattlesnake all nice and coiled up. I did the Texas two step, some break dancing moves, and my best attempt at a Michael Jackson moonwalk I could. My adrenaline spiked and wow, I freaked out. I was lucky. He ended up going his way, I ended up going mine. Reminded me of Indiana Jones: "Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?"

I have never liked snakes. I add spiders, scorpions, sharks, and skunks to the list. Notice the common thread? Yep. They all start with s. Why didn't Noah leave the s grouping of critters off the ark? I guess in the case of sharks, he should have brought them on board.

Anyway, my lesson learned is that when trail running...unplug. Pay attention to your path way. Use all of your senses and stay focused. If you don't, you never know what will be sneaking up on you...or right underneath you. Until next time, happy (and safe) trails to you.

Here is a nice picture of my new friend.

Even More Progress

Well, today I cranked out a 7 mile run. It was down hill, which is why the pace was so good (well, so good for me). I have less than three months till the half marathon and based on today's performance, I am encouraged. I am also in a lot of pain! Ibuprofens are my friend today. Mostly my quads, calves, and achilles from the downhill run. Was hot - 85 degrees and somewhat humid - 40%. None-the-less, I am over halfway to my goal of the half marathon. During this ordeal, I have now lost 30 pounds and have hit my secondary weight loss goal of 30 pounds (original was 25 pounds). I am now shoot for a buck seventy five (175) and will call it good. My pant waist size has gone from a "snug" 38" to a snug 32 inch waist. I feel so much better! It has been hard, but so far so worth it.

My wife has been such a great support to me over the past 7 months - thank you sweetie 😘💘💘

Well, that is my update. Yes, I'm still going and will continue to go. This has been a nice little journey. I hope your journey continues, whatever it is. Until next time, happy trails to you.