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Eagle's Rest out and back with MrR and Callie Alice

November 30, 2014 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Comments:
Met MrR and CA at the gas station at 0800 Sunday morning. The idea was a nice, relatively easy trail run, with a possible fast finish.

We all piled into my truck, with CA in the back. MrR is a fantastic wing, just because he's a good listener and conversationalist; so I did quite a bit of listening while the two of them talked.

The weather was gray and foggy in the valley, but it was the coolest thing: when we hit the upper reservoir, we climbed *over* the fog and into pure sun! Amazing.

MrR led us up Goodman Creek trail on the route to Eagle's Rest, a 3100' peak: the youngest brother of June and Hardesty. I'd only ever done it once before, since I don't typically like out and backs.

We ran EASY with MrR up front, through the creek valley, then up the gradual climb. Very easy grade: about half the grade of Hardesty, so it felt effortless.

Heard a lot of interesting Callie stories: her degree is in horticulture, so she talked a lot about that, her new job working at an ag wholesaler (who connects local growers to farm & food suppliers in the region), and other fun facts, like how she worked several months on a farm, and was also hired (because of her degree) to be a marijuana inspector for a local dispensary! :-p Learned a lot about her, and it was good to hear her be passionate about her education and career.

The footing was excellent going up Eagle's, and within about 500' vertical things got frosty. Climbed to the top of Eagle's rest to an incredible view of the foothills, all crusted with light snow. So fantastic! Hung out up there for a bit, then began the quick descent.

After a light descent to the dirtroad, I decided I'd push the last 4, inviting Callie and MrR to do whatever they want. Callie snuck right in behind me as I began to bomb down the slick, winding singletrack.

We ran on, and we talked. I felt like it was a good time to connect, so I asked a lot of questions, and tried to develop some rapport: asking her the 'values' questions (answers: trail running, "joy, presence, community"), and other things. It was a blast...til I slipped, fell and sprained my pinky finger! Oops! It wasn't terrible, but...a good sprain.

That girl can RUN the downs, wow! I slowed a bit on the shit-burger ups and flats but otherwise she hammered right along. We did a rolling final 4 in 33 (including the fall and short stop).

It was fantastic to share that with her. It was kind of a special moment, so I hugged her afterward...then waited a good 5-10min for MrR to come back.

After that, we drove back and parted ways.

PM: I wound up reconvening with MrR at a coffee shop, where he talked a bit about his impressions, mostly positive without red flags (other than some serious perceived compatibility issues with her and Eric).

Then, as my computer battery was dying, I shifted around the corner to Tap & Growler. Callie is done working there, but - an hour or two in - I look up, and there she is, with two beers in hand!

And, she sat down! And...we talked, for like, HOURS.

Welp...I guess my "boundaries" notion is going to get tested, because it was a legitimate "hangout", for sure. But I loved it. :-)