Apparition

I saw one today. Let me explain.

I feel at times like I live in a parallel universe. My weekends in Louisville gives me my fitness fix. I can literally choose from a menu of activities and friends to do them with: running, biking, hiking, swimming, anything..and I have the support and companionship of a fellow athlete. This is important to me as I bear down on my Chicago marathon training and as I get ready for my Yosemite vacation. (more about that in future posts). Although Louisville is not a training-mecca like San Diego, Portland, Boulder, or other places that I jones for, it suffices for me quite well. Appalachia on the other hand puts me in a deep exercise-funk. The average BMI here I'm sure exceeds 35.

I did my run today and picked up a female friend at the campground at mile 1 of a planned 8 miles. . She was smiling, invigorating, and could run laps around me. She was wonderful to have as a companion. I offered her water, but she was reluctant, but still stayed at my heels and smiled the whole way. At mile 5 I pulled a calf muscle...pity me. But was able to shlog my way back with her to the campground to her companions. I was saddened to hear from the ranger that she's a stray. She followed me as I hobbled back up the half-mile hill back to my car. I was sorry to leave her. The picture shows her in my rear-view mirror.

But, I digressed. On my way home from morning rounds later, with my leg aching, and feeling even more down than ever, I ran across a group of bikers on KY 23. They were serious..I can always tell by their pace-line and looks on their faces. Their bikes were primo. At the end of the group was a stunning brunette, long hair flowing from her helmet, deeply tanned, and fit, cut, muscular arms & legs. She was smiling as she rode. Where did they come from? How can I hook up with them ? or her?