I saw some Hoka prints in the dirt, and as I caught up to their owner running uphill, I said "Hey there", and then a louder "Coming up behind you!" when I got closer, at which point she jumped because she was listening to music and was out of it. I don't intentionally scare people, but I don't always realize I have to shout to get someone's attention until it's too late. I will admit to finding it somewhat amusing.
Mustang Trail is one of the prettiest trail getaways nearby, but you do have to work for it by climbing almost to the top. The huge rocks, Ponderosa Pines, steeps, and cliffs across the valley make it just a great trail. It rolls up and down and winds in and out of about 5 or 6 ravines before climbing up to the top of Belcher Hill.
The miniature canyon at the back of the park, followed by a grind uphill:
Coming down off Belcher Hill. I passed the Hoka girl again here, going the other way:
Heading out towards the Rawhide Trail:
I think there are 5 minor hills on this road before you get to the north end of the park:
I got these deer up from their nap as I ran by:
Ralston Butte from the north side of the park:
The descent on Longhorn. I like this outcropping with trees on it, after which the trail drops steeply down towards the plains, like a rocky water slide:
Distance was 13.26 miles, time 3:11 (moving 2:38), elevation gain/loss 2,858 feet, avg. pace 14:28 (moving 11:56), and best pace 7:22.
I've stopped posting monthly summaries, but this month I ended up with 235 miles/26,0000 feet, which is a monthly distance PR for me. It helped that Strava was having a monthly distance challenge, and while looking for names I recognized, I noticed I blew by none other than Bryon Powell to get to 218th of 13,402 runners. It was nice to have a springtime when I was not injured and could do whatever I wished, and interesting adapting to the practice of running by default and only resting as necessary. My body handled it pretty well, other than needing some extra stretches here and there. I took a couple of days due to some patellar aching, but it did not return after that. It happened after I ran on a muddy day, and I think it just threw off my running form.
