Trail Running Excitement

"To change one's life: 1. Start immediately. 2. Do it flamboyantly. 3. No exceptions."
– William James

 

Last Thursday, I ran one of my favorite 10 mile loops. After about 45 minutes, I saw, on the trail, near Brown’s Bar, a recent kill. Lying there was a deer carcass partially devoured. More than  likely it was by a mountain lion. Needless to say, my senses heightened. And, I became much more alert to my surroundings. I immediately started to scan both sides of the trail while listening for noises. I even started looking over my shoulder to determine if I was being followed. At one time, my wife convinced me to carry a knife. However, years ago, I discontinued that practice.

I thought I ran well on Thursday, but did not give any credit to a potential lurking mountain lion. I gave the credit instead to a  colder temperature, feeling good and to my excellent conditioning. I also wanted to be home in time for my interview with Thom Darden, regarding my mental toughness project. All -American Darden also played professional football and was all Pro for the Cleveland Browns. Thom has  wonderful stories , playing  for the Wolverines and the Browns.  This intelligent football man is still at the top of his game finding capital for companies. You will hear more about him on  later posts.

Friday, I did my cross training with the elliptical for about 45 minutes or so. I’ve been using the elliptical for the last three or four months while catching up on various movies. Watching a movie is a good distraction while using this machine.

On Saturday, I ran Thursday’s loop. Before arriving at the Brown’s Bar  kill spot, I began to think about a  number of possibilities , if I found an unfriendly mountain lion. I thought about different exit strategies as well as looking for a club to defend myself.

To be continued