Injuried Reserve: Not where I want to be listed!

Hello my trail friends!  Sorry for being MIA but as you will quickly read, I haven't much to post about.

So, I once again find myself on the injured reserve list.  While this is not where I want to be, considering our warmer than normal December weather, it is a fact.  I pissed off upset my bursa sac in my right heel during my last trail race (November).  It was so bad during the race that I ended up walking a good bit as I could not put my heel down.  I immediately called the athletic training room at work so that I could get in and let them work their magic!  So, I have taken this time to focus on cross-training or as I like to call it: anything that helps to reinforce my love of running on the trails!

Cross-training isn't bad.  Not at all.  If you enjoy running in the pool with an aqua-jogger so that you don't sink, it's great!  There is nothing like running laps and sweating in a pool full of water, ha ha!  I have also been able to ride my bike on FLAT terrain.  Let's review, I live in the MOUNTAINS of North Carolina; flat does not exist where I live.  So this translates into riding the trainer.  I am lucky in that I can drive an hour North to the Virginia Creeper Trail and do a 35 mile stretch as time permits. 

My trainer did allow me to run 2 miles this past week to see how my heel did.  That run was pretty close to heaven after 3 weeks off even if it was on pavement!  My heel puffed up I was bummed.  Next day trainer was happy...happy?  Really?  Yes, there was no pain associated with the puffiness.  She sees that as a victory.  So...YIPPEE!  I can run again on Monday, 2 miles and then again on Thursday.  The goal is to go 2 runs with no puffiness and then add 1/2 mile. 

Long story short, I will continue with the cross-training adding my 2 mile runs in a couple of days a week.  I have a feeling Monday's  and Thursday's will become my favorite days of the week!

Happy Trails!
VTG

In the eyes of the beholder

I happen to think that I live in one of the most beautiful places ever created.  I also think that I am incredibly lucky to enjoy being outside on the trails thus being able to enjoy said beauty through a variety of lenses.  My favorite lens being that of the trail runner. 

Why you ask?  Because, not only do I stop to take in the views, but I also look up, down at the forest floor and up the banks when I hear something scurrying away.  The natural beauty has, on many occasions stopped me in my tracks so that I could take a moment to savor my surroundings. 

Today was no exception.  While on the trail there is one section of the Tanawha where you come into an opening that is filled with giant boulders that are all covered in moss.  Now, it is fall and the leaves have all fallen off the trees and the ground is a dull brown...but then you have these beautiful rocks with this beautiful vivid green that just grabs you as you come around the bend in both directions.  Of course, there are also views like this

So my question for you is simple, what makes you stop in your tracks to take a moment? 

Happy Trails,

VTG

Baby steps into blogging

Welcome to Veggie Trail Girl and my first blog post!   Here is what you can expect from VTG.  Trail stories, race reports and food posts... I love to trail run and I love to cook!  Sure, there will be other random ramblings but running and food are my passions.  I will not promise that there will be posts everyday or even every week but I do promise to stay in touch. 

So, here goes nothing as I hit the "Publish Post" button!