Franz - the praying mantis!

 

This praying mantis (Gottesanbeterin) has been with me now for over 10 days. It keeps moving around on my front porch - but always only a few feet. Every morning when I leave home it is there, and when I come home in the evening it is still sitting there waiting for me. Not sure if it is a male or a female, but I named him Franz. Little things like that make me happy! They keep reminding me of the important things in life and why I came to the U.S. in the first place ...

Chino Hills Trail Run Series 50K

Despite a lower back injury, I finished within the cut-off time of 10 hours. I walked most of it, but it was totally worth it. I saw many fellow trail runners and made some new friends. On the way back, I had a little "dance" with a baby rattle snake. It struck twice, but I was faster! Carmela and Asa who were right behind me and watched it happen, told me later that the "babies" are even more dangerous! Well, that's part of trail running and luckily nothing happened. Carmela, Asa and I continued and we crossed the finish line together.

Total Elevation Gain: 4,846 feet

Distance: 50 km / 31 miles

Time: 9:22:40 hrs. 

Place: 23 of 31 finishers

Fred and Yen (the Race Directors) presented me with a special surprise at the finish line.