Call of the Wild

This post is in response to the sudden spike in coyote attacks on humans and dogs. The incidents that were reported did not happen in the Bay Area but I see these animals frequently on many of my runs. The one on the right I spotted while running the Bobcat trail in the Marin Headlands. She was kind enough to let me snap a few pics before running off.

During my first 50K in Woodside, CA, I encountered 2 coyotes at the top of our first hill. They started howling together as if to greet me and wish me well on my journey through their hallowed woodlands. I was alone at this point of the race in my usual spot of 5th or 6th, behind the lead pack of runners and felt uneasy in this dicey position. The coyotes let me pass without harm and continue on my way to place 11th overall in my first ever ultra! On other occasions I have had coyotes run in front of me for surprisingly long distances along the trails, like they were guiding me to make sure I stay the course and don't get lost. My animal spirit... or shaman? Perhaps.

We have forged a friendship with these furry creatures here in Woodside and I myself never feel threatened when I come across them. But like any smart trail runner, I respect mother nature and the dangers that are veiled within her beauty. We live for adventure!