So much happens in a week!

So...as I'm in the last few weeks of work, I haven't had time to write! Running, retirement parties, BBQ's, Phillies Games, West Virginia....I know, life is tough!

Here are a few updates!
Last Thursday-Remember we were running hills?
I show up and Marty says he wants to run this long hill 10 times. In one hour. Plus do a short loop each time to cool down between. (Have I mentioned he is either crazy or a slave-driver? Perhaps a tad of both?) I vote we'll do 5 in an hour's time (my car is parked right there, so he can stay all night...!). I, on the other hand, have to go home and pack for West Virginia! We get ready to run up the first time and Marty breaks out to a full sprint. My run looks more like "The Little Engine that Could" and he waits for me at the top. Or, the middle. I don't think we quite got all the way UP the hill. But, who's counting? We  tredged up there 5 times in over an hour. There's always next time!

Backpacking AND Running? Hmph
I am packed for West Virginia to go backpacking with a crew of 12!! Such fun! I'm following Marty's training plan, which meant that I had to fit in a 1.5 mile run this weekend. I was perplexed that after hiking with a 40'ish pound pack, I'd have to run. Hmph. So, I decided I'd leave the wine at home to make my pack lighter. Didn't make a difference as I carried Jose's big bottle of wine instead! But, I am NOT complaining, because once at camp, I was a happy camper to have it! (Did I really just write that?)

Our first day backpacking was supposed to be under 10 miles (I don't pay attention, it was 8 or 9), but we decided to break camp early to get a better spot for a larger group. While I wanted to put off my run another day (I'm lazy!), finding camp early meant the second day would be a longer hike, so I decided I'd get it over with! While my co-packers were supportive, no one wanted to run with me? So,  I snap on my running shoes (yup, carried them in my pack!) and off I go! The scenery is amazing. The solitude is nice (briefly, anyway as ya'll know I don't need all too much of THAT!). I cross a few creeks and feel great running! I decide to turn around at 40 minutes as there is a big hill at the end that will account for more time. Once I'm on my way back, I no longer feel the runner's high as I realize I had felt SO good because I had been running down a slight decline the entire way! Which, now of course, means I'm slightly uphill the ENTIRE way back. Needless to say, I was quite happy we had that wine now! And, wasn't it well deserved?  :)

Thanks to Christine, Ed, Charles, Colleen, Mindy, Andrew, Amy, Rachel, Jose Angela, Tom and Sammy (the dog) for not thinking I'm crazy! Backpacking (just like kayaking has been) will probably be on hiatus for some time as I gotta RUNNNNNNNNN!

THIS was my trail run in W. Virgnina. How can you not LOVE that? Beautiful with tall trees and rhododendron everywhere! (Yup....had to look up how to spell that one!)

More to come.......!