Part 2
My thoughts also went back to a number of years ago , while
running between the 14 1/2 and the 15
mile marker on the Western states trail. At that time, I was running toward my
home in the early afternoon sometime in the fall. The trail turned sharply and
my thoughts went something like this “ what is a cat doing on the trail?” Then,
before me, I saw a lioness and her two cubs. I immediately stopped. I looked at
my obstacle, and wondered if I was the prey? To test my hypothesis, I slowly
inched forward. As I did that the lioness did the same. I stopped. Quickly, one
of the Cubs ran toward me and down into the gully. Thank goodness, the gully
was in front of me. I was scared.
I thought, I better retreat. I backed up slowly still facing
my adversary and was soon out of her sight. I looked for a tree limb for my
weapon. I found my weapon , turned around and began to run away or in other
words, to backtrack. I knew about the
flight or fight response and chose to flee. I quickly realized that my
breathing was shallow and my running speed severely compromised as I frequently
looked behind me and on the hillside of the trail. I didn’t know if she was
following me. In fact, for the next hour or so, I retreated while continuing to
scan for the enemy. I did not see her again, and only when I was real close to
home allowed my club to fall by the
wayside. Believe me, I was terrified all the way home. I did feel relief when I
came into my home and locked the door
behind me.
When I arrived at the kill spot Saturday, all I found were
the remains-the bones of that deer. I must admit that my senses were alert
during the rest of my (Maine Bar) trail
run. I ran well and once again attributed it to the temperature, my cross
training and my conditioning. The first week in October, I intend to run a 35 km race. I should do
well.
Last Thursday’s TV guest on “It Has Nothing To Do With Age
Or Gender ” was Keith Nesbitt of the Auburn City Council. Keith is bringing the
Krazy Man to Auburn, the endurance
capital the world. In 2014, the plan, at the moment, is to have a two day event
in September. On a Saturday, the intention
is to have: 1. A mile or so swim. 2. A 30 to 40 mile bike ride. 3. And
roughly a half marathon trail run. After Saturday’s event, the participants can
attend the Black and White Ball in Auburn. On Sunday, the plan is to:1. A
mountain bike experience maybe to Michigan Bluff 2. An endurance ride back to Auburn.
Nothing is in cement that the moment, according to Keith.
This two-day event could be completed by a single person( the Krazy Man ) or a
five person team. Any perspective sponsor or volunteer can contact Keith at
530-320-2325.
In the meantime, don’t forget to keep moving, smiling, laughing,
deep breathing and bonding.
0 comments:
Post a Comment