Slickrock in Moab, Utah was like running on concrete. Concrete that was uneven, off camber, steep up, steep down, or any combination of all of those. Oh, and a total kick in the Hokas. I hit the trailhead bright and early in order to beat any crowds there might be on a random Thursday in October. Watching the sun rise over the fantastic rock formations was quite a sight. The route is clearly marked with paint on the rock, and even after the season, quite easy to see and follow. Ostensibly, this and my subsequent runs are supposed to be preludes to race day next weekend, but I truly suck, and the views are too spectabulous not to stop and take photos. Race day on the 16th is going to be a suck fest if I try to run fast even mildly competitively. So I am going to adhere to my own advice and “Run when I can, walk when I cannot, and enjoy my time on the trail.”
More highlights were meeting up with an old college roommate and a brother. Timing was good as my old roomie is on his way to a new place as well. Best of luck, Keith! I hope my brother is on his way to a new place too. Not geographical, but physically, and mentally. Best of luck to you too, Mike! I hope you can get there – and stay!
Meanwhile, enjoy the photos of beauty and fun I simply could not capture with a camera.