red desert

I had a wonderful time this weekend exploring Utah with my buddy Andrea. We made a great friend and some wonderful memories!

As for the race, the elevation was more draining on my performance than I had anticipated and I thought I wasn't going to finish. But, with plenty of stops at the water stations, a quick squat behind some tumbleweed, and some inspiration from the magnificent landscape, I made it to the finish line alive and well.

Utah is a fantastic place to be!

Here are some pictures for now....

a fence at arches national park.


delicate arch.

balance rock.

rock formations in goblin valley

a fulfilling breakfast with a fulfilling view.
this is pandora. she has three legs and can poop in the toilet.


andrea and I at the salt flats

old drippy

so i've had this cold.
i got it last weekend at lake tahoe, when i brilliantly hiked through the snow in spandex and ankle socks.

tomorrow I leave for moab, utah, with a drippy nose and a soar throat.

oh, and i ran no miles this week.

i spent most of it in bed, actually.

it could be a disaster.

wish me luck.

soccer team

I'm on a soccer team. We had our first practice yesterday. We're pretty good. Actually, we're really good.

It turned into 2 hours of pick up games.

I used to think that I was in shape...(used to...referring to less than 24 hours ago).

After about 20 minutes of playtime I was all hunched over trying not to spit up water.

...and today, my legs are incredibly soar. Mostly the inner muscles, which apparently don't get used on a long run.

I used to do this!

I used to do this everyday! 14 hours a week! sometimes more! 20 hours a week! and then go to dance class or ski team or track, and somehow do my homework and have friends!

i will have to get used to it again...because every wednesday for the next 8 or 9 weeks, i'll be playing soccer.... and if i avoid injury, i expect it to improve my race time.

(i just need to remember to stretch!)