Hitting the wall at 11 and then climbing over it to 12

The weather here lately is unpredictable. Yesterday my kids stayed home because the school called a snow day. I wasn't able to run, so instead I took Megan out shopping for her mission project.

This morning the sun was shining. My smile stretched so wide! School is in and I am free to run as far and as long as I want!

Yippee!!!

I put on my new running shirt that I bought yesterday (gotta love Target). I also decided to keep the water bottle I bought at the running store even though some of it is red (lions like red).

I set out with the goal of third gate. Ironically, I ended up going a longer distance, but never fully reached the third gate. On Sweetwater I came to Secret Lake Trail. Usually I just go right on by, but today I felt like I should turn left here and run it the crazy way. Uphill. So I did.
All the rain we've gotten lately caused this one little stream to gush like a river...with a big waterfall and everything. It was beautiful. In fact, I saw a several places like that. I also saw an old valentine marlar balloon snagged in an old tree. Hmm. I guess that's what happens to old balloons that get away from you.

I was running slow (it sure seemed), but I made it up that crazy kill kathy hill without stopping. Having the water bottle made the run seem harder. It put weight in my hand and I didn't like that one bit. However, by the time I got home I was very happy to have taken it. Tim (the guy at the running store) told me to take a sip every 10 minutes. He said it will really help with recovery and when I "hit the wall".

I ran past Denise's house and Marley barked at me (her dog). Denise- if you are reading this...I'm sorry I didn't stop to say howdy. I have no excuse except that I felt pressed to keep going and not stop yet.

Back on Sweetwater, I didn't see the point in turning left just to run a few more steps to reach third gate...so I turned right and ran up a small hill to the stop sign at Gulch ?? Oh, I forgot the name...anyway- I felt another compelling urge to turn left and do this loop too. I know this street turns into Cascade and goes by Thea's house. When I got to Thea's house I really debated as to whether or not I should stop. I even ran a little ways past before turning around and going back. I haven't seen Thea in a long time and I just knew in my heart that I should check in with her.

As I was making my way up her very steep driveway, I hoped that I would see her van. I did! Great, she's home. I also saw their new big truck with all four doors open. Hmmm. I saw some legs and assumed it was Ron. He shut the door just as I was standing behind it. I scared him half to death!

I apologized, but really I thought it was very funny. We talked a little bit and I asked if Thea was home. He said yes, but that she's having a terrible migraine today and is resting in bed. I've seen Thea with one of those headaches before...and I've had them myself. I feel awful for her.

I left, wishing I had remembered to tighten the laces on my shoes. O'well...I've already started running again. I'm not stopping for laces unless they come undone completely.

I only stopped for maybe 5 minutes, but it that was enough to throw my rhythm off. Just before making the turn back onto American River Trail, Ron drove by and honked. I think he was trying to pay me back for scaring him. I waved and sort of laughed. Serves me right.

In the last mile before my house, I felt my body wanting to stop. Everything hurt and I was running out of steam. I sucked down my water like it was a baby bottle, hoping it would get me over this wall. It did. I didn't stop, but overdrive didn't seem to exist today. I ran normal pace and almost fell down after crossing my finish line. I would guess I ran about 12 miles??

Ah hell...what a great day it was for a run!!!!