So, the plan today was to get in a good trail run in the foothills. That plan was blind-sided by a "cookout" at the home of our department director last night.
 A shot of whipped cream flavored vodka, a few beers and two Orange Blossoms (made with more of the vodka), far too much food and then  actually being dumb enough to pile onto the trampoline. Not the best idea I've had considering how my back feels.
 Oh well, I guess I'll head to the foothills tomorrow after work.

Running on the west mesa

The Volanoes 

After a long week, including two meetings this afternoon, I needed to go play this evening. I am not yet accustomed to the days already being shorter, not accustomed to the fact that it is cool enough to run earlier and had not noticed how cloudy it was to the west so I didn't leave early enough to get in much mileage but it was still a lot of fun.

I was headed to the Volcanoes but stopped shy of there because it was getting dark quickly. Jodi and I ran in the same area evening before last and I had run in the same area a couple times before. There are a few hills/grades but nothing long or steep, just enough to get in a good workout.

I also got to watch a small rain storm wrap around from the west to the north and back to the east. Very cool to see. And the clouds in the setting sun are always gorgeous.

I love running. 

Riding to running, what a year

Shortly after my last post, far too long ago, I started having more and more trouble with my back, butt and left leg (hamstring). To make a long story short after different tries I gave into an MRI and found I have some herniated discs. DAMN IT!!! 2012 was to be my year! I've now gotten to where any ride over 20 miles really hurts if it has any climbs and/or big bumps.

But, that has given reason to start running like I wanted to do this year anyway, but as cross-training from biking not INSTEAD of biking. I started early in the year where I couldn't run 1 full mile without wanting to lay down and die. I've since run two official 5k's, several unofficial and a few unofficial 10k's. A couple Sundays ago I ran about 70 - 75% of a 8.3 mile route in the south Foothills. I LOVED it!! After about 3.5 miles I felt like I could run forever. After about 6 I changed my mind. It was getting hot.

More on running, and the rest of this sorry good-for-nothing year later. Oh, I did get in one last good ride before I had to basically stop riding, the Santa Fe Half Century.