pre-dawn red rock hijinks.

I didn't sleep well last night, as is usual when two living things are missing from my bed. I was up at 5:00, so I went to Red Rock Canyon.

In keeping with the bad luck, my phone decided it couldn't get the right hook-up to make maps work, so I had to find my way to Red Rock from memory in the pre-dawn darkness. I was amazed that I was successful. I arrived at the gates just as the ranger was opening them, and at 6am I was the first car in. The sky was still that unique blue-black that reminds me of Morocco.

I started on the trail when it wasn't light yet-- need to bring my headlamp next time-- and ran on toward the dawn coming over the hills East of Vegas. It didn't take long to realize I lack the fitness I had when I frequented this trail just before my wedding, and I was trudging up the hill. I didn't bring a bottle - who needs one in the middle of winter? - which was a mistake. It wasn't very fun at that point.

I hit the pass, though, and smelled that familiar cedar as the trail leveled momentarily before diving into the canyon. Ice and snow speckled the trail, and the white and grey rock underfoot turned to burnt orange. It was light out now, but the canyon was still cool. I had it to myself, and ran the downhill at a conservative clip. Even leaving the park, I saw just 3 cars total.

bad luck in Vegas

It's one of those weeks. Crappy car rental, crappy hotel room, crappy days. I need to settle in. It's been a long time since I had a full week away for work - last Spring in DC, actually- and I'm just impatient for it to be over.

This morning, I ran in Pueblo Park. I was super slow, sorta dizzy, doing terribly. Then I hit the turnaround point and realized it was because I had been running all uphill. I flew back down that trail to my car. It was lovely- the early morning sun bouncing of the mountains. It's chilly here, though, and the dry air + cold is sort of hard to breathe in.

I hope to get to Red Rock Canyon twice this week- probably tomorrow and Thursday.

brrrrr.... happy new year

It's been an eventful few days. Los Heenans de Milwaukee came to visit and we played tourist for 24 hours, which is pretty damn fun. We somehow fit in Handlebar, Southport Bowl, Big Star, Map Room, TMLMTBGB, Wishbone, Wicker Park shopping, and more. Dizzying. (ps- if you haven't seen TMLMTBGB yet, it really is completely hilarious.)

I missed the Saturday trainer class because of it. I'm starting to think signing up for that every Wed and Sat class was a mistake- my schedule just isn't very forgiving. But any time on the saddle is a plus and will pay of fin the spring, I hope.

This morning was 9. I ran it hungry, and it was sub-zero windchill, and it was sort of a sufferfest. The rewards are always worth it though, and I run focused on my post-run long, hot bath, a meal of rice and beans, and an afternoon on the couch with Molly. She's sleeping right there ->.