California Vacation Summer 2012

We just got back from a two week road trip to California, and of course I have to share my running experiences. The word "vacation" is being used loosely here, as I actually ran 120 miles over the two weeks. I had some varied running experiences - great and not-so-great - during this time and, of course, took pictures of all of them! We left Utah and ended up in Winnemucca on the first night and morning. Not my favorite place on the planet (Sorry, Winnemuccans), but the run wasn't bad. http://runkeeper.com/user/suzycox/activity/97751699

We made it to San Francisco that afternoon and spent three days there while Ryan attended a conference. We ran the same route each day. http://runkeeper.com/user/suzycox/activity/98017163

Then it was off to Cazadero for a week among the coastal redwoods. We ran the Cazadero Highway and King Ridge Rd.

http://runkeeper.com/user/suzycox/activity/99059841

http://runkeeper.com/user/suzycox/activity/99059864

http://runkeeper.com/user/suzycox/activity/99609247

On our slow journey back, we stopped for a day in Yosemite, where I had the glorious opportunity to run the Yosemite Valley Floor Loop Trail. I ran it by myself in the morning, which was probably not overly intelligent of me. I ran through two herds of deer and right past a black bear. I was worried about mountain lions, but I'm still alive... http://runkeeper.com/user/suzycox/activity/100224873

We finished up the journey in Tonopah, NV. Hmm... Winnemucca's starting to look REALLY good! http://runkeeper.com/user/suzycox/activity/100459016

Overall, an exhausting but wonderful running experience! It really is amazing how much of a place you get to explore and enjoy as a runner! The slideshow below includes all of the pictures I took while running over the past two weeks:

Stewart Falls 7/6/11

During my run this morning, I experienced a strong yen for home and nature. So I went home, packed up the kids, and took them up the mountain for four hours of hiking!

We started off on the trail up Mount Timpanogos, but quickly discovered that it has been washed out by our massive snow melt and last night's torrential rainstorm. So we wandered around for a bit, then took off up the trail to Stewart Falls. It is GORGEOUS! The rain has kept everything green and beautiful, much more lush than it typically is in July. The hike wasn't overly hot and the kids were troopers.

When we got to the falls, we discovered that they were extraordinarily full and that the base of the falls was covered in feet of snow! We enjoyed lunch and a cool-off at the falls, then hiked back.

We ended the day at the Riverwoods - they've put in some water spouts and the kids enjoyed playing in them for a while (after Mommy got some iced coffee). Then I bought them some clearance sale clothes at Gymboree to wear home and there you have it! A fantastic day in the great outdoors with my wonderful kiddos!

Life is great! Being healthy enough to enjoy it is even better!

Stewart Falls 7/6/11

Back on the Bonneville 7/2/11

I saw scores of hot air balloons, a deer, and my mentor from grad school. No, it wasn't a vision quest - it was a trail run!

I took to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail by myself for the first time this morning. Started with great views of the Freedom Hot Air Balloon Festival. Got lost trying to find the "right" way onto the trail. Then ran about 4 miles on the trail, from Slate Canyon to Rock Canyon. Saw the deer along the way - he ran right in front of me. Saw my mentor in Rock Canyon. Ran 4 miles back on the trail, then got lost trying to find the "right" way off of the trail. Overall, a great run!

Back on the Bonneville 7/2/11

Big Springs June 2011

An idyllic 5-mile run this morning in the mountains above Provo Canyon, followed by 9 miles down the canyon. Perfect weather and fantastic scenery. I was struck by the capabilities of the human body. We were jumping rocks and logs, sliding through mud, turning ankles, and careening down hills and our bodies just worked. I'm fairly certain that I was born for trail running!

Big Springs June 2011

Bonneville Shoreline Trailrun

What did you do this morning?

Bonneville Shoreline Trailrun

Here come the floods

I've been watching the river over the past month or so as it has swollen and convulsed. Officials have been doing a good job of releasing water from the reservoir in preparation for the spring runoff, but no one anticipated just how much precip we'd have this year. It is late May, and Mt. Timpanogos looks like this.

So, I've already stopped running on the pier as it was bepuddled the last time I ran it, but now it looks as if I may have to give up the western-most branch of the river trail, as well. Two of the trail tunnels are already flooded and the others are starting to fill.

Thus the only thing left to wonder is: Will it reach our homes or stay in the environs of the river? Even in the flooding of the 80s the water didn't get up quite this far, but things are not looking good at the moment...

Spring Running 2011

Spring has slowly been emerging in spits and stops here in Utah. Here, a few pictures I've taken showing the range of weather we've experienced in the past month or so, sometimes going from snow one day to warm sun the next. Fun way to rehab my ITBS!

Spring Running 2011