Privileges

The definition of privilege, per Merriam-Webster (on-line):

a right or immunity granted as a peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor

I feel privileged and grateful about several things, but here are two big ones relevant now:

1. Having just finished a 12-hour shift, I am thankful for the privilege of not having to exercise my privileges of examining and treating patients in the emergency department for the next thirteen days.
2. I am thankful for the privilege of being able to run 100 miles from Wrightwood to Pasadena this weekend, my fifth 100 mile run this year, and my 3rd in six weeks.  A privilege granted to me by my body, my mind, and my family.

Life can be very good.

My lack of self control-- Jed Smith recovery run

What was I thinking? I left my call room in the "Hotel Fremont" intending to put in a quick one hour recovery run (also ran to the BART station 40 minutes yesterday), to then shower, nap and then be rested for my 2nd straight 4 pm to 2 am shift.

I have no self control. Even 2 days after an intense 50k race.

Decided to run up Morrison Canyon Road. Hadn't run it in years, especially since I figured out my long (3-5 hour) mostly trail commute to or from Fremont. If I have time to run right before or after a shift, why run roads?

Surprisingly nice, one of the best dangs for the distance in the East Bay. Very narrow, lush, parabolic-shaped farm hills on both sides, cows and horses, fairly steep incline before emerging onto the Vargas Plateau, the land bank on the left eventually to become another East Bay Regional Park. No through traffic, and too steep and narrow for the residents to go over 30 mph, so for a danger rating I give it 1 skull-and-crossbones (versus 5 for nearby Niles Canyon Road).

Saw the fence and signs to stay out of the land bank. Good boy that I am, I kept it legal. Coming back down, again saw Vargas Road heading down to the left. I just HAD to take it down, all the way to I-680, as well as explore another side road, before heading back up to the intersection and then back down Morrison Canyon Rd.

run map

No self-control. Went over two hours. There goes the nap. Hope my shift isn't too bad.