2021 began with a huge loss. A very dear friend had been missing since Christmas, so the East Bay running community went on a search for him, and by mid-month we all learned he had passed in the waters of the bay.
There is so much more to say, and I will someday. For now, I’ll say this, Lucas had a huge heart and loved adventure. If he had spare time, he would grab hold of the opportunity and be on a trail or mountain somewhere, without skipping a beat. I honor his spirit, and hope to embrace life in a similar fashion.
On the other end of loss, there was this new life growing inside me… making me very sick, and stopping most of my efforts for a good run. However, I did get outside and moving throughout the month. Above, my Aunt and I are basking in sun in South Lake Tahoe where she lives during a nice cross country ski weekend.
Skiing ended up feeling great- the smooth motions were much more bearable for my nauseated state than running, and I delighted in the snowy Sierra landscape.
The trip was also a welcome bonding time for my partner and I after the engagement, and we relished in our time together just the two of us, with the ease of travel and connection.
Mid-month, I went on a short solo backpacking trip up to Berryessa Peak not too far from where we were living in Davis. I hadn’t backpacked since October, and it the January blues pushed me out the door.
Aside from first trimester woos, the trip was lovely and magical. It began in true Lucas Horan memorial style with breaking park rules and jumping fences.
Even though it was a brief overnight of just 13 miles round trip (with 4,000 feet of elevation gain in 7 miles though!), it was healing to my soul to be alone in the wilderness. My night was spent on a ridge line overlooking scenic Lake Berryessa, and I enjoyed snuggling up in my sleeping bag in chilly January temperatures.
I awoke to clear skies and a desire to explore.
The hike to the top of Berryessa Peak was no small feat, but did offer sweeping views of the lake and mountains around Napa county. The trail was narrow, the climbs were brutal, but the rewards of feeling my body move through the wilderness were 100% worth it.
Days later was a memorial run and gathering on the top of Volmer Peak for our dear departed Lucas. Again, words cannot express the deep loss, and it feels odd to write about this run as part of my ‘flights’ since it was so difficult to say goodbye this way.
The month was capped off with a quick trip to the Sonoma coast for rest and rejuvenation after a busy month of work and school all while balancing the early pregnancy fatigue.
Nothing compares to the California coast for healing and peace.
To end January’s recap, we had our 12 week ultrasound mid month, and wow! Little bit looked like a human!!
Flights of a hummingbird 