Camp Ridge trail run

  So I've become a trail runner....I think I need better shoes! After a while on the trails my feet really start hurting, the Kayano 16's are obviously not made for trails. I need some suggestions for a good trail shoe.
   Today I saw a copperhead on the trail and I realized how difficult they are to spot! I was fortunate to see him! Upon this discovery I decided to stay on the more traveled trails! After getting 3.5 inches of rain...yes 3.5 inches!!!! The varmints are coming out!
  I pushed all the way to a place called "Camp Ridge". A very nice and clean National Forest day use area. They had instructions on a visitor board about being aware of Bears! Cool!
  I had my fuel belt on with a 20+Oz bottle and a hand held, phone....I hope to post some pics soon, and one gel....8.15 miles out, took a brief rest by sitting on a picnic table....headed back...very slow going. I must say trail running beats the legs up and wears the body out much quicker than asphalt!
  Finished with 16.2 miles! Hope you are well! Peace!

The Beauty of Running

  I was able to watch the woman's Olympic 10,000 meter foot race today. I couldn't help but admire the beauty of these athletes. It was just something special to watch.
  I have had an overwhelming week. My work is a blessing yet it also carries a great weight....I seem to be getting slightly fatigued but my running refills me!
  Today I decided to stay off the trails and stick entirely to pavement. It felt good and seemed easier! Temps still crazy hot, and the drought is getting worse although we have seen some showers and there is always hope! 5.7 miles today....a short run...I wonder.....was there beauty in my running? I like to think so!:)
  Today a guy asked me if I was a runner! I replied yes, he said, " I thought so, you look like you're in pretty good shape." Yessir....beauty! Peace!

Hard trails

I live 4 miles from the National Forest. They have an area of motorcycle trails in the Chadwick area. I have been exploring these trails. They are very rough and rocky. Man will they beat up your legs....but boy is it fun! I find that during the week days there is very rarely anyone there....today I explored trail 171A...it turned into 128....then 113...I found some really cool spots where I could sit quietly and enjoy the solitude.
  The drought is taking quite a toll as trees are dying in the forest. It is very disheartening...yet there is hope! We received 3/10" of rain last night! Well on the way back as I crossed Bull Creek I thought "what the hay" I took a swim! Oh it felt so good! Then I sloshed the rest the way home!:) Peace- 10.8 miles...

Wilderness run

 Man I am excited! I am exploring the trails in our National Forest and it really is fun, I have to run at least 11 miles to run them but it is well worth the distance. Seclusion....quiet....joy! I managed 11.6 miles today....the achilles is barking today! Those hills and trails are ROUGH!
  I would of gone further but had to be in the big city by 11:30. A Mega-church, where I used to go many years ago, I am still friend!, asked me if I would come up and bring my Banjo. A Pastor from Cuba was in town and his one request was to hear a banjo! Well we had use a good old fashioned jam session. I was really blessed! I hope to maybe to Partner with these folks in blessing this young Pastors ministry. What a day! Oh, btw, the lunch was great! Perfect food for a recovering runner....chicken and dumplin's! Peace!

Big Oak turnaround

  14.1 miles today! It was tough....extremely hard! The temps were rising fast and the trail seemed harder to run today. I guess I've never seen a drought this bad. Do you know what happens to grass when it doesn't get water? It turns into dust! Man it's bad!
  The Bull creek is nearly dried up! Animals are hurting.... I came upon a rabbit that wouldn't run from me....weird....it seemed too tired? I chatted with him for a minute then he finally took off....fox bait! Sad.
  I was feeling the heat but had my mind made up to go farther so when I hit H hwy I ran to 7 miles on the garmin. A big Oak marked the turnaround. Fortunately there was a water spicket at the campground called Cobb Ridge were I gassed up and trucked home. I had to walk quite a bit but a great workout! Peace! (Pray for rain)

Slightly Concerned

  Normally I am unflappable. I like to think I don't worry. I like to think positive. Recently I have been extremely tired. Today at the track I had nothing! I felt very tired and exhausted? Not normal!!! My legs were lead! So I quit after 1.75 miles and called it a day. I am slightly concerned. It could be I just need rest and the heat is kicking my butt. I will keep trying or die....what ever comes first! peace!

To "H" and back

  Funny title....it means I ran to H hwy and back. That is a 6.68 mile out through the forest. I intentionally went out early due to the terrible drought and continued heat wave. I really haven't been feeling real good? Just kind of draggy...but I really needed to get out. So I toughed it out and made it home alive. 13.36 miles of solace! Peace!