Sometimes slow is OK – a run around the lakes!

I can’t believe its already Wednesday, omg! I haven’t even had a chance to update y’all on the happenings.

I’m currently in Tahoe and will have some fun runs and adventures to share…but first, I wanted to share some reflections from my amazing weekend and of course my weekend trail run adventure!

The majority of our Saturday was spent running the trails. It was a gorgeous day and even better scenery – it was so beautiful that it would  have been a crime not to stop running mid trail just to soak it all up. In fact, it was perhaps the best reminder I’ve had in a long time that it’s OK to slow down once in awhile. We ran about 12 miles at a very enjoyable pace and gave ourselves the luxury of stopping for photos, views, and even a little lakeside meditation. It’s been a long time since I’ve taken a run slowly and it was a nice reminder that we all need to slow down sometimes and just let everything soak in.

The things is, I’ve just started running with a watch – maybe about 5 or 6 months ago – and I find myself thinking much more about pace, mileage and this, that and the other. Always pushing, always challenging, always go, go, go. And while that’s great for training purposes and improving race performance, it doesn’t have to be that way on every run. Especially when you have the time to really just be outside and enjoy your surroundings. Stopping and soaking up views is totally necessary…and totally encouraged! I think its probably what I used to love about NOT running with a watch – I always had the freedom to just run – I never had any idea what mile I was at, how long it had taken, or what my pace was so I didn’t (and couldn’t) stress about it. All I could ever do is run. And enjoy myself. And enjoy my surroundings.

So I think that part of my running goal for 2015 will be to get back to basics. To run the way I love to run. And make runs all about the adventure, the enjoyment of the outdoors and the chance to experience new things (both mentally and physically). I’m going to continue wearing my watch but will make my runs less about the watch and more about the experience. I guess I’m getting all yogic on my running – going to live in the present! 😉

Anyway, the weekend recap: Friday, we saw Inherent Vice, a hilarious, confusing movie that I’ll probably have to re-watch more than once to fully understand. We woke up Saturday a little later than usual and then headed out to Lake Lagunitas for a 12-ish mile trail run around the lakes.

It was a beautiful, perfect day on the trails and we were lucky enough to find some incredible view spots. Some that were so beautiful, they required a little #stopdropandyoga action.

 

 

We ran around Lake Lagunitas and then up, up, up (seriously a nearly vertical climb)

 

…and around Cataract ridge (holy amazing views!) to Cataract Falls….

 

And then eventually we made it to Alpine Lake, one of our very fave spots. We sat for awhile just to take it all in and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Of course I had to take my shoes off and dip the toes in….brisk, baby! 😉

After spending a little time enjoying the peace and quiet, we ran along the lake until we got to a fire road that takes you back towards the Lake Lagunitas trailhead. We made it back to the car, pit stopped at the Fairfax natural grocery for some fluids and a snack and then headed home to get ready for dinner with friends at Zero Zero (delicious mushroom pizza!!).

Sunday, I got to take advantage of my Christmas present (thanks Casey!!) and headed to Half Moon Bay to experience the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay spa with my girlfriends. We soaked up the sun on the beautiful patio, enjoyed massages and the hot tub and then had a little wine on the terrace before heading back to the city…back to real life.