2 four 1

Early Tuesday morning D and I set out on an early ride to Auburn. I dropped him off around 0645 at the end of the Foresthill bridge and he was off to ride his road bike 14+ miles through the steep winding roads to Foresthill. I on the other hand was on a quest for trail. I was meeting a friend who was going to ride on horseback along side me as I ran down to Ruck-A-Chuck and run back up (around 6 STEEP miles). I have previously worked in Foresthill so thought I was familure with the roads, not this one. It was an amazing road that sat on top of the divide back tracking from Foresthill toward Auburn. This trail that I was about to set on had previously been part of the Western States 100 route. As my friend boarded her horse we set off with her two dogs running in front of me as I made my way down the canyon. It was a easy trip down since it was all downhill to the river, but with every downhill comes a tough uphill! We hit the river after a 45 min run and checked out canyon. Like I always say, worth the pain. After resting for about 10 minutes I started the journey up. Hills are kick in the pants in Auburn! The run up was mostly a run/hike. I set vantage points in front of me and would give my legs all I could give just to get to these points! We finally finished the run and I was beat. The horse was beat, and the dogs were screaming for water! It was a rude training awakening since all of SNER is up hill! I am doing hills 2-3x per week so hopefully this will help!

After a brutal climb Tuesday, I hit the pool for a little xtraining on Wednesday. Last week we had swam 2700 yards and felt pretty good, this week we dove in for 2500 yard and it was killer. We swam at a different pool, one I really dont like because I swear you get a mouthful of natural gas every time you are close to the boiler room. I just could not get into a rhythm, yet I completed the set. The rest of the day was filled with getting approval for a home loan and looking at a house! I can instantly see why people say buying a home is stressful! The hunt continues. Good news is I really can see D and I bonding over this experience...wierd. Tomorrow its out to Cavitt to hit the trails. Going out alone earlier to get good milage in. Hoping for 9 or 10, this weather is such a treat!