2.5 hours on the trails today. Got out late in the afternoon, warm sunshine, cool breeze, just me out there, it was fantastic. Took it easy, no watch at all, just ejoyed it and let the legs spin. Last long run before Buffalo . . . .50K/50 mile??? better decide quick.
The BST north of 12th runs right above a grid bolted climbing crag called 9th street. Back in my climbing life I used to spend alot of time there and am, for better or worse, responsible for a share of the grid bolting. I watched, as I ran by,a guy trying a few times to pull through the crux of a short 5.11, each time he would get right there and go swinging back onto the rope. The most vivd memeories came back of warm spring afternoons pulling on stone. As I watched him, and having done the route so many times, I could feel the holds he was struggling with, the two inset crimps, the small nub for your left foot, the smooth stong pull of lat muscles as weight shifted to the left foot, hoping it doesn't blow, and make the long reach up and left to the coarse, inset jug, pull through, clip the last bolt and cruise to the chains. Climbing was such a huge part of my life for so long . .. I guess I really miss it once in a while. | 