November Leaf Shuffling

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I use a remote/online/phone coach who trains several ultrarunners. He put me in touch with one of his other clients who was going to be visiting SLC so this other client and I could talk trails for him to run while visiting. He is from NC, closer to the ocean, so you'd think the altitude (and very low humidity and cold) might get to him a little bit. He flew in to town last Monday and we went for a great run in the foothills. Nothing like soaking in the enthusiasm and joy of someone who is grateful to be running in a new place (and really freakin' excited about it). The altitude didn't seem to phase him. It was all I could do to keep up with him on the downhills.

Fast forward to Saturday, when he wanted to go for a ~2 hour trail run. Oh, and he was going to bring along another guy who he met at this class he was attending in SLC. Other guy is from NJ and not a runner, but he is young (20-something) and an elite rower (as in Olympics-level elite). It was snowing and these guys only had shorts (but they did have jackets and gloves). No worries. Off we went on a beautiful snow covered trail. The guys couldn't get over that the snow was not slippery to run on and the fact that it was snowing and they were out running in it. There was a lot of man giggling. We all had a great time and the young non-runner guy had no problem popping off an 11 mile trail run in the snow at altitude (the longest trail run he'd ever done). Ahhh, youth.

Not that I really need reminding, but it was a reminder to be thankful for what I have, where I live, and where I run. I enjoyed sharing my trails with someone new. I usually run alone (mostly because I haven't been successful in finding a compatible trail running buddy), so it was a real treat to run with other humans who were very much in the moment. To witness the joy and enthusiasm of these guys was priceless. Here is a picture from Saturday. Look at those smiles! (Yes, I am short, but they were both tall so that makes me look extra short.)

Back to running with me, myself, and I today. We had a lovely little jaunt. Perfect fall evening.