Silicon Valley serendipity: surprising Turkey Trot connection!

Coach Rajeev can attest by the dozens of times we met along the local Union Pacific track, by pure serendipity, albeit some high chance back when we were both logging hundreds miles a month. It has been way too long I've seen him on that trail or at races. On my end, I've been absent from this trail for more than a year so it feels good to be back, first last January then this Sunday.

Initially I wanted to run to the top of Black Mountain and log at least 50K but I didn't feel the energy after 7 consecutive days of running, another first, post meniscus injury. I was going to run this 16-mile round trip route but, at the turnaround at Winchester, in front of Netflix' headquarters, I decided to explore further.

For 10 years I thought the track was getting into town and I didn't think of continuing further to see how long I could tag along. I couldn't stop thinking how beautiful a trail we could have along this track, instead of the messy mix of dust, rocks, branches, pine cones, that you have to navigate carefully. Yet, I was able to add 2 miles to the terminus of the lightrail line.

The other thing I'm realizing looking more closely to the map now, is who close of the Los Gatos Creek Trail I was, on Winchester. Just a mere block away, for many more miles of trails. We are so blessed in this Valley!

Back to the Winchester Station where I turned left: I passed a few buses and noticed an old lady on a bench. We exchanged a smile and I continued on Kennedy Avenue to the intersection with Winchester, where I stopped to check on the map and grab a few GU Energy chomps. That's where I heard what I though was "How long have you been running?" But, no, it was that lady asking me "How long have you been running it?" taking about my Turkey Trot tee. And... her Turkey Trot hat!

I replied "16 out of 20" and, to my surprise, she mentioned she had run it many times too, starting with the early editions when there was less than a thousand participants and she was even given a turkey at the finish! She showed me she was wearing one of the recent shirts, under several layers, and that she likes to still run it, when she gets sponsored with a free entry. She had sweet words for the very nice couple who created this event and tradition, Carl and Leslie Guardino. And we talked about Chris too, the Race Director.

When people say "small world" I add, "or rather, connected world!" Indeed, what a chance of me continuing on a new route today, as opposed to going to the top of Black Mountain? Of leaving home late at noon? What a chance of being at the precise time she was walking to the local theater for a senior-discounted movie show? Pure and sweet serendipity!

In other news, with all the rain we got this winter and spring, even last night, the pond near the Seven-Eleven at the intersection of the track and Pacifica, is full again. To the delight of wild geese, ducks and even seagulls (yikes, I feel I'm going to be schooled by Mr Patt on these generic bird names...).

At 7:54 for 20.3 miles, a slow pace for a flat run but still a good workout to keep rebuilding with a 73-mile week and 92 miles over 8 consecutive days. I'll take a rest day tomorrow then more build up in the hills before some tapering for Quicksilver. As for heat training, with the sub 50F mornings, that may have to wait for... race day, oops!