Things Are Getting Better

After many months of no running, I’ve slowly been able to return to 30 minutes every other day or so. If you follow my insomnia cure referred to as Greg’s Running Adventures, you will know that I have been whining about plantar fasciitis for a year now. I’ve talked about all the exercises, stretches, ointments, therapies, shoes, inserts, diets that I care to think about.

Hopefully all that is in the past, but I will just say that I’m not 100% yet, but things are getting better. I went for a three mile trail run this morning and enjoyed some gorgeous weather and took in some nature.

Several months ago I wrote a post about a shrub that was covered in white blossoms. I didn’t know what it was called, but suspected that it could be Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa). 

A reader confirmed my notion. This morning I saw the bush again, but it only had one flower and many pink feathery plumes. I couldn’t believe how different it looks after the white flowers go to plume.

Autumn is a great time of year to run. After sweltering all summer, the air finally turns cool and crisp. Leaves change color and drop to the ground so winter’s snowfall will not accumulate on the trees and bring them down. (I learned that from reading Bernd Heinrich’s The Trees in my Forest.) We have very few trees in the desert, but the ocotillo leaves are yellowing and ready to drop.

Lechuguilla or shin dagger is still in bloom and I enjoyed watching a bee pollinate the flowers that line the long stalk. I bet you are wondering how I get any running done while observing all this excitement in the desert. Well, the answer is that I hike a bit before and after my run so I don’t miss anything.

Madeleine, future trail runner?

In other news, (much more important than running), Maddie turned one year old this week. I can’t believe a year has already passed since she arrived into this world. Her baby babble is as cute as ever and she is one step away from walking. Mommy and Daddy are busy keeping her out of everything (especially Mom). Her favorite pastime is pulling pots, pans and tupperware out of the kitchen cabinets. 

See you on the trail.

Stinging Cevallia

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