Heat and hills and bears, oh my!

My running life has got a little off track this week. I was at the lake because my parents were both on holidays. Usually I love running at the lake but lately there has been a lot of talk about bears and even a few sightings. It's got me really scared!

But...after skipping my long run and spending far too much time snacking and sitting on the beach I decided to brave the roads.  I bribed my mom and our friend Darlene to come out and act as bear patrol for me.

By 9:15 when we got to this enormous almost hill, it was already very hot and sunny. I swear this hill looked a lot bigger when we were driving up to it. I guess it's the best a prairie girl can hope for.

I did a quick 1/2 mile warm up and followed it by 7 hill repeats. I was happy that my pace stayed constant throughout (oh yeah, my Garmin came back to life). Darlene even joined me on the hill for while!

On my way down the hill for the last time I was wishing I hadn't forgot my Gatorade when I saw my dad approaching in his huge yellow truck, with my blue deliciousness gleaming out the window!! He drove all the way there just to bring it to me. I owe you one dad!!

This weekend I need to get in a 10 miler and am trying to figure out a safe way to do it at the lake. Maybe I can arrange some sort of bike relay for my family and they can switch off protecting me from the bears.

Anyone else afraid of wild animals while running? What do you do to stay safe?