The blossoming trees are a sign that the pollen season is upon us. Last weekend during our long day on the trails in the NW corner of the state, I really noticed my eyes start to sting whenever I stopped. What with that and the flies, it really encouraged you to keep moving as much as possible! This morning I spotted an article about a study in New York that says children who live in tree lined streets have lower rates of asthma. The reasoning…

They believe more trees may aid air quality or simply encourage children to play outside, although they say the true reason for the finding is unclear.

During long races when you are breathing through your mouth for hours on end, dust can be a problem. Not only can it work its self in to the recesses of your shoes to create delightful blistering, but afterwards you can find your self coughing up crud for days afterwards (apologies to the squeamish readers!) I’ve been told that Western States and Wasatch can both be dusty courses, so this is something I may need to give some thought to. Exactly what I’ll do, to try and alleviate the problem, I’m not quite sure at the moment. Dust in my shoes shouldn’t now be such a problem as my Dirty Girl gaiters arrived this week. Haven’t tried them yet, that will have to wait until the weekend.

Home’s a long, long way from us
I feel a dirty wind blowing
Devils and dust

Bruce Springsteen, from the song Devils & Dust