weekend stuff

on saturday i drove to santa cruz to run a 35km trail race that
started at the beach, then did several loops through the forest of
nisene marks state park, and ended back at the beach.

the course was absolutely beautiful; winding through oaks and
redwoods, up and along ridges, and back down into the canyons. the
only sour note was running through a cloud of pissed-off yellowjackets
and collecting 5 stings. it had been quite a few years since i'd been
stung, and i forgot how much it freaking HURTS!

other than that the race was great. i took it easy for the first
28km,a nd then ran my guts out for the last 7km, i finished in just
under 3:30, which was good enough for 5th out of 19.

sunday was all about fun; started off the day going to the beach with
h., her dog, and a couple of other friends where we walked around,
threw logs for the dog, and the dog found a decomposing leatherback
turtle carcass to roll around in.

after the beach i went to see the last giants game of the season. i'm
not really a baseball fan, but i do like going to games. there's just
something about $7.00 beers and sunshine that i like.

after the game s. and i rode over to golden gate park to see dolly
parton play a free show. she was amazing and so was the show, despite
some problems with the sound.

the crowd that turned out to see her was huge and enthusiastic, and
everyone seemed to have a really good time.

it was a good weekend.