The Three Coconuts

Being a triathlete in Live Oak would be a very lonely proposition if it weren't for each other. Most people here (and I guess many other places) don't know what triathlon is, and certainly don't seem to understand it when we attempt to share our enthusiasm. Let's just say it's good that most days we like each other and enjoy spending time together. I did a hard long run earlier this week which left me really devastated mentally and physically, especially when I tried to add on a little 70 mile bike ride with Blain where I just wanted to be left beside the road for the vultures... but we aren't going to go there. Today was Blain's long run day and I volunteered to keep him company while Tyler enjoyed her last day of sleeping in before the fall semester starts. Okay maybe a small and ugly part of me wanted to watch him suffer some after the aforementioned bike ride... but that wasn't meant to be as the day dawned cooler than normal and just perfect for a combo run and photo session. It was so pretty I had on my happy face and decided to share what a run around "our" block looks like. One warning: our block is roughly 15.8 miles long.

My fine ride for the day... It's Greenie, first bicycle as an adult.

In the driveway, leaving home.

Turn right at mailbox, run to neighbors fence where we keep stick stashed, pick up stick to beat off nasty neighbor dogs... got lucky on way out dogs didn't come out. Most important, deposit stick at end of fence... you may not be so lucky on the way back, they smell tired sweaty human flesh.

First 2 miles on soft dirt road. Then fun to watch shadows as the sun rose behind us.

We woke up a fat white pony.

A dock without a lake, it was a lake when we moved here but mother nature changed her mind.

Long highway run.

Turn at cactus.

Cross over the I-10 the first time. I always think the drivers wish they were out for a run or a bike when they see me.... I know when I'm driving, it's what I think.

Pass soybean fields. And the old house that used to have the 3 legged dog that chased us on the bikes. We had the best sprints there... honest injun, that dog could run 21 mph.

Still running, another left turn.

Watermelons that fell off the trucks during the past harvest. Seeds take root and leave new vines and surprises in the woods alongside the roads.

Still in America, this is significant... the last turn for home occurs only after passing thru Mexico.

Over the old stone bridge.

Through the water sprinklers at the church for a quick cool down. Then turn at pasture with big red bull, who was hiding in the shade today. Into the home stretch now, about mile 11.5 this red bull means time to pick it up.



Back over the interstate.

Mile 13 is a welcome site. Yes, I encourage grafitti and vandalism in the name of training. Tyler and I marked this route.

Yippee, we're in Mexico (flag not flying, because no wind). But that means it's time to turn for home.

Back on the dirt road.

Pass the piggies. Goats were being shy today.

Pick up Stick, beat off dogs (Pitt bull stays behind fence when you carry stick, Dachshund shows no common sense. Without stick, Pitt will eat you. Both have been maced enough to develop immunity.) Don't forget to stash your stick for the next runner!!

Pass the donkeys and horses.

Home and shoes off. Thank goodness for injinji toes socks, no blisters. A good run (2.09 total with 8.05 per mile average) and not a bad way to start the day. Think of all you missed by sleeping in.

Time to eat!!! Tyler and Mimi have been cooking.

First ham and eggs, then spoonbread. Hope you enjoy sharing our morning.

Aloha,

The Three Coconuts