Hills for Breakfast

This morning's run took the team and I through quiet and peaceful wooded areas of the Presidio of San Francisco -- including a long, steady uphill along Lover's Lane.

Let me tell you... these hills were steep!  And while my mind was ready to take them on, my body fought back a little.  Particularly my ankles and calves.  Still feeling the burn from last weekend's Half and Wednesday's timed run at Kezar track.

But through the discomfort and frustration (of wanting to run, but feeling tight muscles), perspective came to me quickly, remembering why and whom I'm doing this for.

I was also reminded of this during brunch with some of my teammates afterward that there is so much more meaning and fulfillment that comes with running for a cause and mission beyond ourselves.

This was the first run in years that I didn't have any music with me, and I could just take in nature in its best form... hearing my own footsteps and rhythm as they hit the trail, the calm wind as it flowed through the trees and the sound of my breath as I took on the ups and downs of the road ahead of me.

Today I logged 4.5 miles and 624 ft of elevation gain, feeling thankful and refreshed!