And the days keep flying by..

I had two more donations from very supportive, sweet friends in the last few days. Thanks Brianna and Timothy!

Since I last wrote, I have been riding ALOT. Last Thursday and Friday I did about an hour each day on the trails, and on Saturday, went for just over four hours doing trail, arena, and then trail work again. By the end, my legs were near numb and both me and the horse were covered with sweat. He slowed significantly that day, and when I rode the following day with his owner, she noticed that he was slightly swollen in his right cannon (the part of the leg between the hock and the knee).

I was afraid it may have been from pushing him too hard, but his owner assured me that it was probably an old injury flaring up and he should be in good enough shape that nothing I threw his way shouldn't be too difficult. We wrapped his legs, and decided it would be best not to have him ridden for the following week.

We are keeping our fingers crossed that he will get better by the end of this week, and the weather holds. If not, there will be other endurance rides next year.

I went to a party this weekend, and there is now no denying I'm not as in good shape as I was last year. I could barely fit in my dress (which was loose on me last year), and comparing pictures from last year's party to this year - I have very obviously lost the tone in my arms.

Truth is, last year I did a lot more running, and a lot more climbing. I hated running, and only did it to not be a complete embaressment at the mud runs I was so fond of doing that year. I climbed a lot more because I had membership at a gym much closer to me. I quit going to that gym after it became far too crowded, and joined a gym on the other side of town.

The climbing I can't really bump up, especially with riding so often and the cost of gas, but running I should easily slip into my schedule. I just need the motivation! So, I started running with a friend of mine, and we will try to do it at least twice a week.

I jogged with my friend for around 3 miles yesteray. It was suprising that I could even go that far in all these months of not doing ANY running, but I think the cold air helped. It was absolutely wonderful running in it, and I nearly forgot the pain in my creaky joints. This might not be too bad!

If this weekends race doesn't work out, I'm going to go play in all that wonderful snow that has piled on our local mountains in these last few days.

Return from the island life..

I am so lucky to spend my last week and a half in such scenic places!

Sunday I attended the San Diego mud run, but as a cheerleader and photographer, rather than a participant. I just couldn't spend the cash on the run, and I don't think I was in proper enough running shape to really be able to enjoy the 10K. It was a blast to watch, and I think I did a good job at cheering my friend and her friend on the run.

Monday and Tuesday I travelled to about an hour north of Mono Lake, and worked in the Eastern Sierras. Our work site was at about 6000 ft. Minimal work had to be done, as it turned out. We did two short uphill hikes to winterize snow gages, and then about a half mile stroll through the area to get some overall pictures. The fall foliage has come and gone, and snow is already present at 5000 ft and above. It was fantastic to work in REAL fall/early winter weather. Can't wait till it hits SoCal!

Wednesday through the following Wednesday, I spent on Santa Barbara Island, in Channel Islands National Park. It was a rollercoaster week - filled with some heavy-duty work, and heavy-duty relaxation. During work hours, I hefted 48lb + packs several times uphill, for about a quarter mile. My legs have never felt such a burn, not felt so solid after a week! I got a proper arm work-out too, planting, augering planting holes, and several hours of sea-kayaking in white-cap conditions. I even braved two swims in the now-frigid water. I also did some hiking, traversing the whole island, and exploring the canyons and cliff-sides. In the "off" time, I read, slept in, and drank lots of tea and beer. It was a wonderful mix.

For the next few days, I will focus on getting as much riding done as possible. I will try to ride for an hour at sun-up, and an hour around sun-down, for the next few days. The endurance ride in only a little over a week away!!

ps. I decided I'm not going to sell the kayak. It proved its worth on SBI, and I hate to let it go now. Oh well!