Smoky in California

California is on fire. Here in Northern California we have been living for several days in a smoky, smelly environment. There are health alerts all over the news telling everyone to stay inside and to not exercise in these conditions. They use words like carcinogens, respiratory failure, asthma, and lung problems. It's scary to say the least. Needless to say, running has taken a back seat.

Western States 100 was canceled due to the fires and smoke. I think it was the first time it was ever canceled in over 30 years. I hear that the conditions in the Sierra's are just terrible. The air quality is just horrific. With everything going on in our world right now, it makes you wonder what is going on. I hope the parks surrounding my area of town stay okay. Everything is so dry and our creeks and lakes are low too. I feel so sad for all the animals right now that are running from the flames and the heat of the fire.

On a different note, I went to the gym today and worked out on the elliptical machine for 45 minutes. I did a little upper body work too. It feels good to be in the gym, I should do it more often. I ordered a coolmax sheet (bag), from Backcountry.com and got it today. It is the first item I have gotten for my Stage Race in January. I figure if I start getting things now I might be a little bit more organized come race time.

"Goal-setting is not a mind game. It is a process of developing the internal willpower to accomplish what you have set out to do." Joan Benoit Samuelson