No Ski But Run

Sadly, we'll be leaving beautiful Lake Tahoe later today. We had hoped to get some skiing in (like I ski) but alas, no snow, although the resorts are doing their best pumping out the fake stuff. I had hoped to spend a day falling down the bunny slope, but you will have to wait for those photos.

I woke up at 6 a.m. Eastern Time today, and am sitting in front of a nice warm fire sipping tea with Nelson at my feet while the rest of the house sleeps. This is my favorite time of day. It's about 30F outside, and feels like snow.

(Mr. Nelson, a fine, fine dog.)

Yesterday, I ran about an hour on my own, out and back. Altitude was not a problem, except for the breathing part. After an hour Bex met me and took me another 45 minutes on a rolling course, and tried her best to teach me how to run. "Match my cadence," she intoned. Many a time she was walking while I was running. That's a real upper, let me tell you. But somewhere in the middle there I got my run on and did as I was told. "Pick it up, you're slowing down!" I think Bex should start a podcast, where she barks commands into her listener's ears. I'd subscribe! I think I did maybe 8.5 miles, but I ran them instead of plodding them. I surprised myself. At one point my heart rate hit 200 bpm. But I felt fine. Except for the breathing part.

(Bex and Mr. Bex, our most gracious hosts.)

As Nelson would say, could he talk, we shall return.

Training at Altitude

We have a winner!!! Technically, it's 21st C Mom, since she guessed California a few days ago. Of course, that's kind of like guessing the East Coast. So 21st and D.C. Spinster can duke it out for the fabulous prize (TBD).

I'm here at beautiful Lake Tahoe with Number One Daugher visiting the charming Bex family. We spent a lovely Thanksgiving crashing the Bex husband's family's celebration, then drove up to Tahoe on Friday morning. It's now about 11 a.m. Eastern Time, or as I like to call it, Real Time, and the Bex entourage, and NOD, are all fast asleep.

Yesterday we hiked up to Eagle Lake, and took way too many photos. Every vista is scenic, and it's hard to resist.

(Trying to get the Christmas card shot just right.)

(Bex in the lead, as usual. It was a big-ass hill.)

(Donner Pass, where we resisted the urge to nibble.)

Today I hav 9 miles on the schedule, and Bex said she'd push me along. I've heard, correct me if I'm wrong, that training at altitude is actually good for you.

What doesn't kill you ...

Pain is just weakness leaving ...