Whose Paw Print?

Sometimes when I'm sick I have the good sense to stay in bed and rest.  Sometimes I don't.  Yesterday was the latter.  But, how could I pass up the only opportunity to run with Katherine all week?  So, I took some sudafed and stuffed my pocket with tissue and waiting for Katherine to get me at 6:45am.  We were originally going to go up to Red Pine, but the avalanche danger was super high, so we opted for life and headed to Corner Canyon instead.  It was raining and windy when we arrived.  We headed up Clark's which was pretty rough going and very sticky.  Luckily the downhill down Canyon Hollow was outstanding.  I actually felt pretty good for having a nasty cold, and as always fun was had by all!

Taking pictures through a zip lock baggie.

We saw these prints, which prompted me to look up cougar prints.  These were most likely dog prints.  They were fairly large, but you could see the claws.  Cats prints don't usually show claws.  

Cougar identification information

Sick?  Who's sick?

Another beautiful day in the Wasatch! 

5.2 miles

1:16

14:36 average pace

Don't tell dirt, but I think I love snow

Dear Dirt,

I miss you dearly.  You are irreplaceable.  You are my best friend.  I love you very much. That said, I need you to know I've found someone.  Her name is snow.  She's very very beautiful, but as cold as ice.  I could never love her the way I love you, but in your absence I really needed a friend to turn to.  Don't be upset with me.  I really do wish for your swift return.  But for now, I will let myself love snow.  Just a little.  

Yours Always,

Renee

Corner Canyon was amazing today.  It was sunny, and just absolutely stunning out.  I really enjoyed the quiet and solitude.  The trek up was very slow, but I bombed the downhill like nobody's business.  I'm feeling really strong and great running these days!  

I plowed lots of first tracks.

By the time I got back to the car, it was dumping!  

Snow! <3

4.76 miles

1:02

13:01 average pace 

Sunny Saturday

Last week Round Valley was so fun that Katherine, Lindsay and I decided to go check it out again.  Yesterday was cold, but much warmer than last week.  Not sure where my mojo went, because I felt like a slug for most of the run.  Luckily, with these ladies running is always fun!

Lindsay's turn to get in on the tire swing action!

Shake that thing!

We opted for Matt's Flat.  However, Matt's Flat is not flat!

The sign told me to go slow, so I obliged.  

Hey!

My girls!

Go, Speedy K!!!

Some photos from Katherine.  Her Nokia has really great resolution.  I'm a little jealous!

I don't even remember why I was laughing so hard.  But, does it even matter?  Joy!

Umm... Yeah.

We actually do run!

Then I came home and made these blueberry protein pancakes.  Mmm!  Where's the peanut butter!?

5.7 miles

1:28

15:26 average pace

Round Valley

Today's run was a brutal shove back into winter running after ten days in Florida.  It was 13º (feels like 6º whatever that means!?) and windy.  Yeah, it was cold!  Katherine and I went to check out Round Valley in Park City.  I have been hearing a lot about these trails and after seeing recent pictures of pristine groomed trails, we decided it was time to go!  

7:15am, and oh so very cold!  Here we go!

Freshies!

The trailhead.

The sun was very welcome and warmed us up considerably!

We didn't make it far before I decided to go back and get this little beauty out of Katherine's car.  Bank robber or trail runner?  

Here are some photos that Katherine took:

It's not a party run until Renee starts dancing!

 Tire swing!?  Yes, please!

 Are you ready for this?

Here is the map of trails.  We went on Hat Trick, Fastpitch and Land of Oz. Round Valley Winter Trails

Despite the cold, it was a wonderful run.  The company was stellar, trails were great and the air was clean.  Who can complain about that?

5.87 miles

1:20

13:37 average pace