Friday, (new shoes?) and Happy New Year

Ok, I'm about to head-out on my little new year's eve run. I'm so fired-up for a killer 2011. On that note (not that I need them) I'm going to buy a lighter trail shoe.

I'm thinking of trying the Montrail Masochist, the Inov-8 X-Talon 212, or the La Sportiva Crosslite.

Hmmmmm.

So, I forgot my Garmin but had the Highgear, re-set the altitude and hit the trail. Accumulated reads 2512 ft. I ran up and over Cowles Mt., then ran and summitted Pyles Peak, returned, then hit a single-track that goes down towards Santee, and then back up to finish back to the car. My lungs are toast. I found snot where snot should not be allowed.

Mileage was ~10 miles.

Looking at the backside of Cowles, on my way to Pyles.


Getting closer to Pyles, looking back, Cowles in the distance.


On top of Pyles. There's the trail going back.


Yum.

Late Wednesday

Full day of skiing. Wet conditions, meaning a frozen rain that just wet everything. Like a baby.
Never been in those conditions. Haven't skied too much southern California, but it's probably typical. Got in some nice runs solo, with wife after a beer break (terrific draft selection: I had a PBR).

But the best part is watching the 6 soon to be 7 year old learn how to negotiate the snow. The mountain has a GREAT children's program. Jack is loving the snow board (I hear you if that's not old school enough, but he it's too fitting) and he gets to hang with a bunch of other kids and get schooled by a cool young instructor.

Lots of ale.

Wednesday

Fresh snow is falling outside the window right now. Full day of skiing on tap, then one tomorrow.
Glad I'm not super gung-ho on skiing (though I do enjoy it a lot): $$$$.

Yesterday I ran 2 miles. Yip. De. Doo.
This morning I ran 5 miles in the hotel gym.
Now coffee.
An hour or so, we'll be skiing.

Yesterday was a beautifully sunny half-day on the slopes.
Tomorrow's forecast: sunny.

Fresh snow sandwiched between. Very grateful for all that I have and get to do.

Keep running!