re•count•er [ri'kountǝr]

noun
Meeting a fellow Urban Warrior on a long run and then seeing that same individual at another point on your route signifying that they are on a long run too.

This has to be one of my favorite things to happen when I’m running. I’ve now grown accustomed to flashing the “Runner’s Gang Sign” to every runner I meet – even if it means running backward to catch their attention. It’s a movement people!!! “Just Do It!”

As I was saying…I’m trying to be more social when running. We’re a community and we need to stick together. What makes this a special moment is when you get to see that same runner again. They remember you. Whether it’s because of the “Runner’s Gang Sign” or my Lasse Viren appearance (no, I’m not going to post a photo of me), they remember you.

They are not just another once a week runner, they’re on a long scheduled run like you. The fact you met them at mile two and again at eight puts it all into perspective. There’s a camaraderie there as if to say “RMFR you’re doing great!!!” It’s this kind of unexpected support that makes us runners. We understand each others dedication and psychotic AM runs. We know how it feels like pushing up 25% grades and screaming down the same decline. So next time your pounding the pavement or trails, hail your kinsmen because you never know when you’ll meet them next.

Runner’s Unite!!! I’ve added a new page above called “Runner’s Gang Sign” and this is my official call for entries. In my previous posts on this topic – My Campaign for a Runner’s Gang Sign and My Campaign for a Runner’s Gang Sign: Part Deux I called for a rejuvenation in the social aspect of running by trying to create a universal gang sign for runner’s. One that conveys a kinship and motivation to fellow “Urban Warriors”.

This is a call for entries. Flash the gang sign to the course photographers or family in your races. Send me the links or the photos and I’ll post them to the Gang Sign page. Fads have to start somewhere right!!! Check out our first photo in the Runner’s Gang Sign Hall of Fame.

I’ve been struggling as of late so I thought I’d throw a wrench into the workout routine. I went on a trail run. I know for most of you, this isn’t a novel idea but for me I’ve been an “Urban Warrior” since I started running. The crazy thing is, it’s not like I have to go very far to get to the desert and trails – less than a 1/4 mile.

I live on the west side of Las Vegas adjacent to the Spring Mountains and the Red Rock Conservation Area. There’s a lot of construction going on and it’s amazing how easy it was to run up there. There are semi-graded roads that could literally hold four lanes of traffic. This morning, the most they held was myself and a couple of bunnies.

Here’s an aerial of the area (from what I can measure online, it’s about 3 miles up to the first outcroppings of red rock). NOTE: If my family or friends want to know what to get me for my birthday in June, click here or here!!!

I was really hoping for some spirituality this morning taking in God’s creations (being one with my surroundings) and with “God Skys” (right B?) it was looking good from the beginning.

My son doesn't call these "God Skys" but says that people go to heaven by going up the rays of the sun to God.

The climb was steep but I didn’t think about it much. With my mantra by my side and trying to figure out which way to go, it didn’t take too long to reach my destination.

This goes back forever and I can't wait to get a descent pair of trail shoes and an entire morning to explore how far back these trails goes.

The way back down was a piece of cake and took about 15 minutes less than it took to get up here. I “hanked” a left when I should have gone straight and came out 1/2 mile from where I entered. It’s funny how things look entirely strange from a different perspective.

This photo is from my highest point. The red circle indicates the Las Vegas strip. The yellow circle is the Red Rock Resort.

The point of this entire post is that changing things up is good…no GREAT!!! Was I fully energized? No. Was I fully in a meditative state with God? No. Was my running desire restored? You bet your “Slump Buster”!!! Now I’m going to pick up a pair of Nike Air Terra Humara’s tomorrow.