This morning I was unable to get out early with
my pack of Nibley Runners. My NERC friends went early also. 


Today, I was on my own.

I left my house about 7:40 am, parked at the top of Hollow Road, and my plan was to run 4 up and then 4 down.

Hollow Road was pretty peaceful this morning. I passed a group of 5 cyclists, one of which had a flat tire. Bummer.







Not alot of vehicle traffic on Hollow Road this morning, which is a good thing. I did come upon 6 wild turkeys. I wondered if I would scare them, or if they would chase me?  Luckily, they decided to cross the road just in front of me.






As I turned off Hollow Road to start my uphill battle in the canyon, I was met by the the Greek Goddess Zephyr. Goddess of the West Wind. And boy was she MAD this morning! I couldn't believe it.  I passed Dan going down, and he gave me the "thumbs up" and I heard him yell, "Stay Strong!" For every one step forward, I was pushed 2 steps back. I had a hard time catching my breath too. I felt like I was standing in front of one of those wind tunnels that scientist's use! At times I had to turn my head to the side just to suck in some air!

I got to one of the turnouts up the canyon and actually yelled, "It is SOOOO WINDY."  




My struggle up the canyon was soon forgotten as I looked at the beauty around me.  The sun was just peaking over the mountains. The leaves are starting to change color. The river....oh how I love the sound of rushing water.  I passed many a friendly runner coming down the canyon. I also passed alot of road kill! 2 porcupines, and 2 skunks. Luckily I was not one of them today.

About mile 4, I saw a dirt road off to the side. Decided I would mix it up a bit and try running up the road. Maybe I could get a little taste of what those that did the Bear Lake Monster last weekend ran. WARNING. This was NOT a good idea!  Son of a NUTCRACKER! I only went .5 up and thought I was going to barf! I was trying to power-walk it. I was leaning way forward, and got a little dizzy too. Wow. New respect for those that do trail runs.  You are AMAZING.

Today I rad 9.2 miles. My time was 1.50, which averaged 11 or 12 minutes per mile, and I am OK with that!  Not my best, but considering that Zephyr was against me, I did pretty darn good!