Random Shots of Beauty (Extended Salinas Valley Edition)

I keep meaning to write something about my upcoming Leadville race – it seems like kind of a big deal, after all - but there’s something about the prospect of doing something that simultaneously inspires and terrifies me that’s temporarily leaving me at a loss for words.  I’m working on it, I promose.

In the meantime, let’s do an extended Random Shots of Beauty post, featuring scenes from my warmup run prior to this morning’s Salinas Valley Half Marathon.  Basically, I did this again plus a few extra miles – but the difference this summer was that this morning’s run was the first time I’ve toured the Salinas Valley on foot in several weeks.  That’s another long story as well – one I may revisit at some point here.  For now, enjoy some photos (and click to enlarge any of these):

A long glance down the valley from a high point at around mile 7 on the course …

A pair of dilapidated farm buildings …

A gradual descent and climb that leads to …

… another cool abandoned structure on the fringe of a vineyard.

A little farther down the road, a nice reminder of just how inconsequential a morning run is in the grand scheme of things, and how fortunate I am to be able to enjoy it.  Count your blessings, people.

And finally, some big ol’ bird - maybe a hawk, maybe just a turkey vulture; I honestly have no idea - flying above another winery when I eventually made it back to my car about six hours after leaving.  After today’s run, it’s time for me to take flight into full-on taper mode.

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Also, check back for the Honey Stinger contest winners tomorrow night.

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