Everthing that is old is new again

Sometimes when you have done something a thousand times over, you forget the beauty or effort or the simplicity in an activity like running. This summer I volunteered to help with the local Fleet Feet's Mud Runner program. Despite being laid up with broken ribs and damage from 2 mountain bike accidents, I went out every week and every other weekend to help out. This amounted to some easy running and directing runners around the trails of Schenck and Umstead parks. Despite the extreme heat it turned out to be a joy to watch people improve week after week and run farther than they thought they could. The staffer from the store Adam and I decided to mark some trails for the last few runs. We sent them every which a way at Umstead. Through creeks, over logs, down deer trails and through rainstorms. Their faces said it all at the end of the runs, either a tolerance of the run, a hate of it or the best result, a love of trail running.
My friend and Mud Runner Jessi has gotten stronger with each run and helped me appreciate the little bit of running I can still do. She is learning to play in running,watch the trails slip by underfoot rather than a black steam of asphalt. Another soul understanding the strength and confidence and beauty that come from this simple activity. Maybe sharing with others is what my lifetime of running has really been about. New trails await me...

Crack-up Part II

Okay, so maybe I am getting in over my head with this single track mountain biking. Every new trail seems to have a steep learning curve. I do mean steep. I started out yesterday afternoon going to the trails off 286 near Umstead State Park. On my way to park, I saw a guy with a cool bike. I asked him a little about it and he asked if I wanted to ride with him on his ride. He already had 20 miles in. No problem I thought. BIG mistake. Within the first 3 minutes I was in over my ability. I asked him how he went downhills so fast. He said he did not use his brakes. Bad idea. I was going faster than normal, especially for new trails. I was thinking how cool these trails were and caught a root and went flying. I mean flying. I hit on my left side. Thanks goodness because, my ribs are still hurt on my right side. I cut up my leg, my side and my left forearm was ragged and bleeding. My left shoulder hurt and my left hip and thigh were swelling. Okay, I thought, I will just finish up my hour ride. BAD idea in the 97 degree heat. I made it through but, when I got home to assess the damage, I was not pleased. Charlene was not pleased either. The worst injury seems to be my left shoulder as I am having a hard time lifting anything more than a coffee cup. Maybe some safe road riding with cars doing 60 is a better alternative!

When will the heat end?

It seems at this time of the year I start wishing for the heat to end. This year has been tough. In addition to my exercise routine, I have a pet sitting business that keeps me out during the high heat of the day. Combine that with a couple of broken ribs and I have really taxed myself this year. All it takes is the first low humidity day and I feel like tearing it up again. I hope for that soon...