WELL-FIT Spring Stroller Jogs and a Mountain Mile Run!

Finally Spring has really arrived. The grass is green, the trees are almost completely covered in leaves and the flowers are blooming! Everywhere! It’s the best feeling getting out there in the sunshine, the Spring warmth and hearing the birds singing. I love how the scenery is awake and everything is so alive! Although that does mean I’m attacked by bugs and mosquitos and picking off ticks from myself and each one of my family members, Spring makes me happy! 

Running by this lilac tree is a Spring bonus! The smell is sooooo perfect!

The sunny warm weather definitely gives me an extra spring in my step! I’m ready to go for some extra long runs. I do have Kali with me everyday, all day long, but that doesn’t stop me from running! She just gets to be pushed in the stroller. She enjoys it for a while, but then wants to get out and spring around herself!

I try to time our stroller jogs with her nap-time; she gets a good sleep while I get a good 4-5 miles in. Most of the time I’m able to do so at a pretty good pace.

But, if she wakes up, she likes to sit up, and see what’s all around! And it is beautiful where we go! There are usually a lot of walkers on these country roads because it’s just so attractive and peaceful.

My decent pace can get interrupted as we sometimes have to stop to see the “kitty cats” which are actually cows.

You can see Kali waving to the “kitty cats”. I have no idea where/how she decided cows are kitty-cats.

And on this particular run, we pass by some of the most beautiful fields, homes and horse farms.

Then there are the days when I finally get to run without the stroller! These are the days I love! I get to stretch my stride and since I’m always on flat ground with the stroller, I run some hills! And there are some damn good hills around my home! One of my favorite is in the middle of a five (5) mile run. It’s a nice steady run with a downhill followed by some rolling uphills to get to the 1.5 mile mark. There, I can make a decision; I can keep the run with rolling hills but overall somewhat flat by going left…

Or I can go straight, and begin the climb that will continue for the next mile. I’m at about 450ft elevation now, by the time I get to the top I’ll be at 1039ft!

I go straight of course! I set my goals piece by piece; I will run to the end of the fence up there…

I make it! It’s steep! Take a breather…

Now run to the flag…

Made it. Breathe. Still going up!

Run as hard as I can to the mailbox/recycling bucket…

Ok, made it. Breathe, only take 5 seconds to catch my breath, then go. Black mailbox up ahead.

Made it, take a breath, go!

Almost there! Although it looks like it’s a road in the woods, it’s actually residential. I’m not alone. I run by people gardening, hanging out on their beautiful decks and cars are always driving through. One time a car was coming down the road as I was running up and out the window a guy/teen? yelled “You are outta ya’ damn mind runnin’ up this mountain! But keep goin’!!!” I’m sure I look and sound like I’m about to keel over, but I regroup and do keep going, always making it to the top. There was a time when I finally was able to run the entire mile, non-stop, to the top! There, I bend over hands on my knees to breathe and right there directly in front of me I see semi-fresh bear poop (scat to be a grown-up well-versed in the outdoors) right where I stopped. Yep. Black bear hang out on this road and in these woods (with the mass population of ticks!). This was near where I almost ran into a bear in my car! So with my very loud breathing and feet stomping, I’m sure I’m giving any bear good warning that I’m coming up the hill or around the corner! I do have bear spray in case.

I’m almost to the top!!! Running the rest of the way there!

Made it! I enjoy the view (cloudy today), then I turn around and head back down!

Coming down is easier but you still have to use the downhill smart! And coming back down has its beautiful views too!

So I’m on my way back and I’m enjoying my achievement and pushing hard on my stride!

I’m not alone, you can see another runner ahead!

Passing by more lilac trees, it smells so good!

Passing yet another beautiful farm.

Then I attack the final hill before I take the turn toward home!

At the top I see a friend greeting me as I run on by!

With all the views and the sunshine and even on the cloudy days with the Spring warmth, these photos are a few examples as to why I love to run! Even when it’s hard, it’s great! It’s all so beautiful! I enjoy being out there for a long duration, tackling some miles and challenging myself! And pushing myself to run another race! This hill, along with others, is a great way to get in shape and prepare for my next marathon in the Teton Mountains! Here is a look at my workout recorded by mapmyfitness. I have it on my phone and it’s awesome, I just hit start workout and it tracks my pace, maps the run and records the elevation! Five miles with a 792 elevation gain…

Overlay with my pace, you can see where I slow down!! Up the hill. Decent pace, but gotta get stronger and push it through the Summer!

Look at Jackson Hole marathon elevation course. The entire second half is a climb, not as steep as my mountain mile, but it’s a long climb at an elevation already at 6000′!! Getting a bit nervous, but I can do it if I just train well! Training to be very well-fit AND nutritiously well-fed!