Long run Sunday

     It just hit home that my marathon is only 7 weeks away and that I'd better start at least doing the long runs on my training plan even if I play the rest by ear.  So the dog and I headed out at first light trying to beat the heat and the horseflies, which drive her insane.  I was cognizant of the mountain lion in the valley just 2 days ago so knew to stay away from trails at dawn.  We stayed on the main sidewalk following the street which loops our development.  Lo and behold down at the entrance to our development, we picked up a yearling coyote, who stuck to us like glue.  I'd change directions and it'd follow right along. If you know my dog, you know that hundreds of thousands of years of evolution have bred in her a hatred of coyotes causing 80 pounds of dog to pull towards the coyote while I pulled the other way.  I stopped and yelled at the coyote and clapped my hands.  It just sat on its butt 20 yards away and taunted us.   
      I know it was the bait coyote for the pack and that if Charleigh got away from me she'd soon become breakfast buffet.  3 mountain-bikers stopped to see if I needed help.  That darned little coyote just sat there and looked at all of us.
      So the bikers went on their way and I walked while dragging 80 pounds of dog in the other direction all the way home where I ditched her.  I ate breakfast, grabbed a handfull of gels, 2 liters of water, my music, and headed back out.   I finished it!!!! 19 miles total which ended up being in the heat after all. I survived.