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Wednesday, January 27, 2010

enjoy your stay.

I'm on vacation!  Well, not really vacation- more like the boys and I tagging along to Thai Guy's work conference in St. George.  But we get to stay in a hotel!  And I really *heart* hotels because I don't have to clean! No dishes, no vacuuming, no laundry. So, yes, this is a vacation- for me. Right now, Thai Guy is off listening to some boring keynote speaker and I'm lounging by the (indoor) pool with the laptop while the boys swim their little hearts out.  Life is good.  (I'll bet housekeeping is making my bed right now.  Bless them!)

My absolute favorite thing about vacation?!  Running, of course!  There is nothing more fun to me than to find a new trail or a new route and to discover a town the way I like to- in my trusty running shoes!  After a less than stellar Saturday (low BP issues, more on that later), I was determined to be rested and well so that I could get a couple good runs in while here.  St. George is at least 10-20 degrees warmer than my hometown so I was looking forward to some warm-ish runs.  Sunday night, after a little Googling, I found that there is a trail head just about 1.5 miles from the hotel so Monday morning I got up, got dressed and headed to the trail.  I had 10 miles on tap but wasn't really sure how much trail I had to work with. I had to quickly decide whether to go left or right on the trail and after studying the trail map for a couple minutes, well, I realized that I couldn't really read the map so I went right.  My first thought, "Isn't it supposed to be warm in St. George?!"  I was freezing my fingers off!  I had gloves on but still my fingers were so cold that they hurt.  Like, really hurt.  Like, maybe-I-should-turn-around-and-go-back kind of hurting.  And the handheld I took with me was definitely not helping.  But, against my better judgment (of course), I trekked on.  I dumped out 2/3 of my drink out in order to save my fingers since just switching the bottle back and forth from hand to hand wasn't helping.  And neither was holding the bottle strap by one finger. Oh, and holding the bottle in one hand while warming the other one in my pants pocket was becoming potentially dangerous.  So, I dumped the drink. I had to. So much for staying hydrated on this run.

Soon after dumping my drink, my fingers started feeling happy and I came across this cute bridge about 2 miles into the trail.  I stopped to take a quick pic and quickly continued on.  Not even 1/2 a mile later I was starting to feel a little secluded.  No one on the trail.  And every pile of rocks cave I saw on the trail made me feel like a wolf was going to pop out at me and bite me.  (Are there even wolves down here?)  So, I made the executive decision to turn around and head back.

I got back to my car with only about 5 miles under my belt so I decided to try going the other way on the trail.  "Hmmm, maybe I should've gone left?" After a quick drink from my water bottle in the car, I headed out in the other direction.  Sadly, same story.  This time I got a little over a mile in before feeling "spooked" and heading back to the car.  So, my 10 mile run turned into 7.6 miles but I was okay with that.  Beats getting eaten by a wild animal, I suppose.  So, what did I learn about myself on that run?  That I'm way too neurotic to be a true trail runner.  I love trails but just the trails that are planked by neighborhoods and parks and civilization.  You know, where people will hear my screams for help.

All things considered, though, I still had a great time enjoying the St. George scenery.  The red rock is really beautiful in it's own right.  And if all goes as planned, meaning I get chosen out of the lottery, I'll be running in this gorgeous scenery at the St. George Marathon in October.  *fingers crossed*

Well, off to enjoy what I have left of my "vacation."  I'll be home soon and making the rounds to everyone's blogs.  I leave you with this question-

Are you a neurotic runner?   
(Please don't tell me I'm the only one or I'll feel like a total nerd.)

15 comments:

  1. If it don't feel right I turn around for sure! Live it up girl! :)

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  2. Have a blast on your "vacation"...no chores is the best! Yeah, I ran a trail once and really felt alone and wasn't totally loving it...worried that even if no one attacked, I could hurt myself and no one would know :) ...my cell phone didn't have reception. Worried for nothing though.

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  3. You are so not alone. I LOVE the trails, but I'm terrified to go it alone. My motto is I have to pass someone at least once every 60 seconds. I actually count. I figure if people are less than 60 seconds behind me I can scream for help.

    I once went out on a trail alone in Whistler, BC. I took a wrong turn and realized I hadn't seen anyone in quite a while and the trail was narrowing. My heart started racing and then I heard a huge CRASH in the woods. To this day I'm certain it was a bear, they're VERY common up there. I wasn't a runner then but I turned and sprinted the whole way back, running on pure adrenaline. Afterwards I found out the trail opened up just ahead of where I had been and I was almost back to our chalet. Grrr!

    I can't see your picture :(. Too bad, it sounds beautiful. We plan to vacation around SW Utah this summer. I can't wait!

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  4. I love 'tag-along' vacations! Sometimes that's I'll I can get! I don't think you're neurotic at all. I think you were attuned to your intuition. Have fun!

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  5. Yay for any sort of vacation and pools :)
    I would be freaked out to go to a New trail ALONE! You are brave. I'd be afraid of getting lost.

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  6. I am a very paranoid runner/person in general. I would have turned around way before you did! I also worry on roads when I am isolated. I stay away from lonely roads.Hotels are the best. Sitting by the pool not cooking, cleaning on your computer while your kids happily swim! Sounds like a great afternoon!

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  7. I am totally neurotic! I am so nervous in new neighborhoods that I'm not sure I would make it 10 feet on a trail by myself. At least when I think about some crazy person snatching me, I run a little faster. (See, I'm neurotic!)

    Enjoy your vacation!!

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  8. Just found out I MAYYYY be doing the Red Rock Half in March. Hubby has proposed holidays to AZ over spring break. Details to follow.....

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  9. Have a great time on the vacation! And, yes, I'm neurotic as well - creepy people, creepy places, all of the above!

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  10. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DONATING! Seriously, you didn't have to and I appreciate it so much. I will do my best not to let you down at Gasparilla! :)

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  11. hey! I found your blog through Amanda =)

    I'm doing a big bondi band fundraiser; all the proceeds go to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It would be really awesome if you could let your readers know!

    Here are the details...
    1) The bands will be $8 including shipping so cheaper than ordering straight from the site! However, if you order more than one, you will get a discount! The more you buy, the bigger the discount!


    2) Rebecca (the owner) is sending us a big assortment of the more popular styles but head to www.bondiband.com and let me know which one/ones you want! You can order any of the guys or girls headbands (solids, patterns, phrases, symbols, etc).


    3) E-mail me at KatyeRunninAround @ gmail.com with your order! I will give you a total (including any discounts). I will be able to accept checks and paypal (I don’t want anyone mailing cash, too much risk)4) I will ship your order =)Any questions let me know! Please advertise this fundraiser on your blogs! EVERYTHING goes to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Sounds RELAXING. I say if you feel sppoked get out of there, always follow your instincts even if you fall short on your miles for the day :)

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  13. I think you just have to follow your gut.

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  14. I think you just have to follow your gut.

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  15. hey! I found your blog through Amanda =)

    I'm doing a big bondi band fundraiser; all the proceeds go to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It would be really awesome if you could let your readers know!

    Here are the details...
    1) The bands will be $8 including shipping so cheaper than ordering straight from the site! However, if you order more than one, you will get a discount! The more you buy, the bigger the discount!


    2) Rebecca (the owner) is sending us a big assortment of the more popular styles but head to www.bondiband.com and let me know which one/ones you want! You can order any of the guys or girls headbands (solids, patterns, phrases, symbols, etc).


    3) E-mail me at KatyeRunninAround @ gmail.com with your order! I will give you a total (including any discounts). I will be able to accept checks and paypal (I don’t want anyone mailing cash, too much risk)4) I will ship your order =)Any questions let me know! Please advertise this fundraiser on your blogs! EVERYTHING goes to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society!

    ReplyDelete