It started with a relaxing massage around 9:15 a.m. By the time Kathleen left it was about 11 a.m.
I promptly gathered all my running paraphernalia and headed to REI to buy a couple of hand bottles for the run. These are shaped a bit differently from conventional bottles, i.e. more ergonomic, and that's what they proved to be as I found later on.
I reached Rancho San Antonio at around 1:20 p.m. I waited for Anil and Bharti, a friend of Anu's, to show up. Anil had called me around noon and wondered if we could run 47K since I had turned 47 that day. I readily agreed.
The 3 of us started running around 1:40 p.m. and headed up the PG&E trail. The intention was to run part of the way up PG&E, descend on the Coyote Trail, go up Upper Wildcat, descend using Rogue Valley and then head up the Chamise Trail all the way to Black Mountain and back. A half mile up PG&E, just before getting onto the Coyote Trail, we asked a couple to take a picture of the 3 of us.
Bharti proved to be a tough cookie. Never once did she complain even though the trail got very steep in parts.
We soon found ourselves on the Upper Wildcat Trail and then down Rogue Valley. Bharti's Garmin kept beeping, reminding her that she was overshooting her upper heartrate setting. We soon found ourselves climbing the very steep Chamise Trail. This trail must have a 15-18% gradient in some spots. The first mile is steeper than the second mile, culminating in the left turn going up to Black Mountain. Bharti put on her brave face and climbed all the way up to the left turn.
This is where we stopped for a drink and a gel and to decide if we wanted to go the next 6 miles up to Black Mountain. This is where Anil, who is normally game for any distance, asked if we could run for only 20 minutes up the trail! It was about 3:35 p.m. and he expressed the concern that the Park would close around 4:30!!! I was surprised to say the least but decided to go along with his request. He and I ran ahead while Bharti trudged a few hundred yards behind us.
We promptly turned back at 4:00 pm. We made it back to the parking lot by 5:05 p.m. That's when I spotted Anil , Shaunak and Sameer near the restroom. I yelled out to them, pleasantly surprised. that's when the rest of them popped out from behind a car singing "Happy Birthday" at the top of their voices. To say that I was surprised would be an understatement!!
The celebration was short but very moving. Deepa, Shishir, Renuka, Lily, Suchu, Anil, Sahunak and Sameer had showed up, cake and all, to celebrate my birthday. I felt loved and cherished!!
Bharti ended her run there (after 14.5 miles) while Anil and I continued for another 75 minutes for an additional 6.5 miles.
The day ended with a beautiful dinner with two close friends, Samanvitha and Pallavi, in Amber (Santana Row).
What a birthday!
7 comments:
What a lovely way to celebrate your bday! Happy Belated Bday! May you have many more such years of running and massages and good times with friends :-)
madhuri.
Rajeev,
What a nice way for your special day!
Glad to see a lot of your friends coming for you. It must be a unforgettable day.
When I went to Rancho, I used to park outside (Eric's tip). It's free and without the hassles from the park. This only adds some distance, but who cares?
I once drew up an interesting trail 26.2 mile marathon course covering ALL trails in Racho San Antonio. I'll post it later and let you know.
I've got to check the REI water bottles. They look pretty handy. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Happy Birthday!
Chihping
Chihping & Madhuri,
Thank you very much. :) I hope your birthdays this year and every year hence are fantastic too!!
Indeed a very good day! next year we will do a 48k run with the weeklyrun and ultraholics and who ever is interested.
Congrats on your run, another great poem-- keep them coming!
Whoops, happy birthday, meant to comment on Cool.
Mark,
Thanks!
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