Today was my last run with Amanda. I drove across the valley to where she's staying (before they move to Virginia) and we ran on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, up against the foothill. I'm not gonna lie, it was hard. It's the kind where it's lucky if you can keep it under 10:00 m/m without twisting an ankle. Steep up and down hills, dirt trails, sand & rocks. But what a way to break out of a rut (mentally and physically). Amanda was telling me that's how Cross Country was back in New York...all trails. And it reminded me of all my East County San Diego trails (minus the jackrabbits and rattlesnakes). It was fun to run those up and down hills together in the really early morning light. I will miss her. She is the toughest, strongest, strawberry blond, tiny girl I've ever known. If you saw her on the street, you'd think she was adorable, and you'd have no idea how tough she is. Those are my favorite kind of people, the kind you wrongly underestimate. It's been a pleasure to know her. Maybe I'll have good reason to go more often to the East coast, or heck, I may just move there in the next few years. I came home and threw in an extra 3 on the flat trail. I always feel guilty running without the dogs, so I thought they needed a few miles too. It was all slow running (the whole 8 averaged 10:00 m/m). But I have a lot of miles to run this week, so taking it easy and breaking it up today was a good opportunity. Farewell Amanda.... | 