Mentor Led Run

Picture of group from Novato mentor led run weekend before last.

Huge snake that I saw while exploring trails on my own. The majority of his body (including head) is already in grass. I think this is a King Snake, but I was staying far away.

I have been actively exploring trails close to home over the last weeks. I was shocked to find there are literally miles and miles of trails almost in my own back yard. I discovered the Sugarloaf Open Space, Shell Ridge Open Space, Diablo Foothills Regional Park and Mt. Diablo Park. and on and on. I got maps and went out on my own. I was a bit frightened at first and it has all culminated in my ownership of my very own pepper spray:) I saw a snake (ugh, see pic abvove) coyotes, deer, eagles and all sorts of other scampering little animals in the grass. Obviously, I prefer to run with someone else but I am proud of myself for venturing out into unknown territory on my own.

This weekend I led a run in the Sugarloaf open space in Walnut Creek. It was an approximately 12 mile run through the open space and included beautiful views of Mt. Diablo and the surrounding hills and trees. I had to leave early for the run and mark the trails with flour for my teammates. Two of the people in my mentor group (Margarita and Shaleni) helped me out with carrying the flour and keeping me company on the run. We had a great time and the run went off very successfully (i.e. no one got lost)!