Yesterday morning I participated in a preposterous event.  At least preposterous to a person who is adverse to shopping.  I succumbed to the lure known as Black Friday.

Let me preface this by saying that I was already awake.  3 o’clock rolled around and I was wide-eyed and alert, ready to take on the day.  This is not unusual for me because my sleeping schedule mirrors my 80-year-old lady urinary habits.  At some point in the past few years, I lost the ability to stay awake past 11 p.m.  I’m usually lucky to make it to 9 if I’m being honest.  I don’t remember the transition, just one Saturday night struggle to stay awake for SNL.  I made it.  Then promptly fell asleep at the first commercial break.

Turning it in before the sun sets leaves me restless come early morning.  Also known as bedtime for college students.  I feel privileged on the few mornings when I can sleep until 6 a.m.  And so without the need for an alarm clock to hit the stores, I thought, why not?

I did not intend to wait in any lines.  There would be no Target trips, no Wal-Mart fiascos.  Just a stop off at Lord & Taylor where the first 500 guests received $20 off a purchase of $40.  I’m pretty sure I was guest number 7.  Except the coupon applied to nothing actually for sale in the store.  In the end, I did manage to save some cash while avoiding the crowds, leaving me content with the fact my Christmas shopping was complete.

But it left me with a few unanswered questions.  Like who exactly was lining up at Old Navy at 3 a.m.?  The most expensive thing in the store is about 25 bucks.  What kind of cash were these folks expecting to save?  The local news informed me that others had lined up Thanksgiving morning – yes, morning – outside Best Buy.  At least there was actual dollars to be saved here.  But what kind of person thinks a 40 inch plasma is worth missing a holiday for?  More importantly, am I the only one who is now fascinated by Best Buy employees?  I compare them to the Buy More employees on the NBC show Chuck.   Every time I enter the store, I am under the assumption at least one of them is under contract with the United States government.  It is one time in my life I hold my tongue in spewing excessive jokes related to Dick Cheney.  Because although they may be hilarious, I’d rather not be shot in the face.

This morning, I was yet again awake at the early hour of 4 a.m.  I tossed around a bit, patiently waiting for the sun to rise so I could hit the trails.  I was intent on heading back to new trails of yesterday in order to learn the route while it was fresh in my head.  Lacking any sense of direction, I felt this was an important step to ensure I only spent half of my run lost in the middle of an unknown forest.

These new trails lacked the woodsy feel of my home base training area.  On one side is a river, which is nice, but the other side is backed up to houses and the occasional office park.  There are countless signs telling me I will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law if I chose to meander over the rusty chain-linked fence into the desolate concrete area serving as a parking lot to 1,000’s of miserable cubicle workers.  Although the signs served as good reading material, the threat was unnecessary, as I’ve done enough cubicle time to stay on the proper side of the rusty fence.

The starting point for the trail is actually in the parking lot of a hotel.  After a half mile in, you run under a highway overpass where the sound of heavy traffic erases the normal eery quietness of the forest.  I spotted none of the usual deer that I see in the state park.  I did, however, spot what appeared to be a few members of an inner city gang.  Hunting is not allowed, so the adrenaline rush I get from seeing a loaded riffle was absent from the run.  Although, the aforementioned gang members most likely had weapons in their possession though they appeared to be the type more apt to fight with machetes.  There were not even any mountain bikers to contend with besides one dude who was standing next to what could be classified as a bike.  Smoking a cigarette.  I’m still not sure if he was a recreational cyclist or simply a man trying to endure the struggles of life on his only mode of transportation.

As per usual, I did get lost.  Except there was enough trash littered on the side of the road acting as markers, allowing me to Hansel and Gretel my way back to the hotel parking lot.  At one point I spotted a Tide bottle nestled right next to the riverbank, with what appeared to be some suds.  Who exactly are the unfortunate folks washing their clothes in this polluted river?  I almost felt ba but maybe their poor financial position can be attributed to the fact they spent their money on Tide brand laundry detergent and didn’t stick with generic.

I managed a good 8 miles at about 7:45 pace.  Nothing too crazy but I was factoring in a long run tomorrow and the hope that I could finally manage to make it to Weekend Update tonight on SNL.  But when I returned home I realized it was a repeat.  And silently cursed myself for not running farther.

Ruta de trail running nocturno, 8 km, 100% vereda y campo a través,  Zapatillas Inov8 FlyRoc 310

He de reconocer que haber bajado el pistón me está sentando fenomenalmente bien. No competir y no tener ninguna carrera en mente en el futuro más cercano me está ayudando a recuperar sensaciones que hace tiempo no disfrutaba.

Para ejemplo la ruta de anoche, en compañía de las otras dos luciérnagas, Vanesa y Guillermo, que es quizá la más técnica y espectacular de las que hemos hecho hasta ahora.

Primero tomamos la vereda del Cerro de las Pipas, que sale del aparcamiento del Canal de la Espartera, siguiendo en buena parte la acequia del canal. En un momento dado, y viendo que en la oscuridad nos habíamos saltado el arranque de la vereda de la Boca de la Pescá, nos lanzamos campo a través por una endiablada torrentera, con una pendiente de más del 30% hasta encontrar la vereda previamente perdida en la mitad de su recorrido. Finalmente, alcanzamos los casi 1500 m de altitud de la Boca de la Pescá, desde donde se divisaban a lo lejos las luces de Granada y casi todos los pueblos de la Vega Sur.

El descenso lo hicimos por una vereda pedregosa y técnica que desciende de nuevo a casi el 40% hasta la misma toma del canal de la Espartera, y que nutre a la Central Eléctrica de Dílar. Desde ahí de nuevo seguimos la acequia en dirección contraria, para acabar en el arranque de los arenales del Cortijo Parejo, donde los ladridos de los perros nos dieron el susto de la noche.

Por último, solo quedaba remontar de nuevo, esta vez por la vereda del Cortijo Parejo, que corre paralela a la pista forestal del Hervidero, de nuevo hasta el aparcamiento. En total, 8 kms de puro trail, con la adrenalina que añade a una ruta, de por sí técnica, la oscuridad y el frío de la noche en las estribaciones de Sierra Nevada.

Ruta interactiva

just finished up a fun shoot with Sonya, a fellow geologist and great friend, at a nearby park.  we struggled with a very uncooperative sky and lighting, but overall went well.  more images to come soon…

METHUEN — Mary Jo Coady walked into her daughter’s bedroom Sunday afternoon and noticed a familiar image on the bottom of an iron sitting on the floor.

“I see his eyes, his nose, his whole face and I was like, ‘That’s Jesus looking at us,’” Coady said.

My third place finish may have resulted in personal disappointment but if you ask my mother, she would tell you it was a more impressive feat than a black man getting elected president.  To appease her utter fascination with my ability to place one foot in front of the other, I went to purchase the local paper showcasing the results.  The above quote made the front page.  It even included a picture of the iron.  The now sacred iron that reaffirmed the faith of a local woman.

I attempted to reaffirm my faith in running with other people today.  The prospect of running on new trails enticed me to run with a friend who was in possession and holding hostage the location of these foreign trails.  The steady rain coupled with the fact I had been awake since 3 a.m. made a running companion seem appealing, and I went for it.

I sadly regretted this decision 3 miles in, as he was running behind me, yelling at me to slow down.  Or attempting to yell between labored breaths.  We were going a steady 9 minute pace.  I may as well have been crawling on my hands and knees.  Which I ended up doing at mile 5 when I had to carry him on my back a solid mile through muddy trails.

Ever since college, I do the majority of my runs alone.  I don’t even run with an iPod.  I run in the complete silence of my own head.  An undertaking that would result in mass suicides if these thoughts were heard by others, for they would induce sudden insanity in many and complete bewilderment in all others.  But where many find clinical psychosis, I find peace.  Or at least a mild form of entertainment rivaling a mediocre conversation had amongst strangers at a cheap strip club on amateur night.  Known from personal experience of course.

These runs of solitude allow me to run at the pace I feel comfortable with on that given day.  It varies, but it is always where I want it to be, with no restraints.  No verbal assaults to slow down.  No physical threats to shoulder me off make-shift bridges.  Both of which I received today.

Sometimes, however, you need a change of pace, a way to lighten my mood and erase the previous days disappointment.  Or more selfishly, a chance to scope out some new running trails.  The wild runner within my walnut fueled body – making steady progress on the demolition of this bag, watch out Biggest Loser contestants! – found frustration in the pace.  I would steadily increase and my worthy running companion would yet again ask to slow it down.  Chit-chatting my way through the entire run, able to vocalize my normal skull-confined thoughts, the time flew by.  My cordial running partner did not feel the same, and immediately suggested I go ahead and add on while he called it a run.

This is where I wish I could be normal.  Even see jesus in home appliances normal.  So I can call it a run myself, tell him 50 minutes was plenty of running time, and head on home.  But insanity is rampant in the mind of a lonely runner, and I added on 10 minutes.  At about 7 minute pace.  As fast as my legs could possibly carry me through the muddy trails.  Only then could I call it a run.

Because instability has a tight grasp on my every decisions and all my actions.  Because I don’t see the images of deities on burnt toast or on calcium formations under bridges.  The closest discovery I made to the one found by this Methuen native was finding an animal cracker that was fused together at the ass with another cracker.  Which I now clearly view as a missed opportunity of making the front page.  But I digress.

It’s been said that our inner convictions are what gives these external images meaning.  Part of me hopes not.  Because having my ass fused to a lion’s ass is going to make even running at 9 minute pace difficult.

Editor’s note:  The hospitable running partner mentioned above did not in fact need to be carried at any part during the run.  Yes, he suffered two blackouts at various intervals but he finished strong.  If you can call projectile vomiting after the run’s completion finishing strong.  Also note, he was doing training runs at 6:15 pace just last year, although has since suffered a severe case of laziness induced by his jealousy of my own running talent.  We will run together again because despite the fact he is slower than my grandmother – who needs the assistance of a cane to walk – he is good company.  That and I’m pretty sure he’s holding some more trails hostage from me.

After an awesome adventure run down the Carmel River last week, I returned to the Ventana Wilderness with Holly, Gary, and Jim to see the famous Sykes Hot Springs. The Pine Ridge Trail to Sykes Hot Springs is one of the most popular destinations in the Ventana and without the cumbersome brush and routefinding issues characteristic of most trails in the region, this trail is like a highway. Since the hike to the hot springs is nearly ten miles one way, most people do it as a backpacking trip. The Pine Ridge Trail begins by skirting on the hillside above the Pfeiffer Big Sur Campground and then ascends above the rugged Big Sur Gorge. The vegetation alternates between shady old-growth redwoods in cool canyons and drier ridge lines composed of madrone and oak. There are often great vistas of the wild and scenic Big Sur River canyon below and the Santa Lucia Mountains above. In particular, there are grand views of the rugged Double Ventana Cone. Since this section of the Pine Ridge Trail is entirely on a north facing slope, the route is almost entirely in the shade this time of year due to the low angle of the sun.

The Pine Ridge Trail descends down to the Big Sur River for the first time near Sykes Hot Springs, which are located about 500 meters downstream from where the trail crosses the river. From here, you can either use a use path to skirt above cliffs and stay dry or cross the stream a couple times. The hot springs are located in an amazing setting perched above the cascading Big Sur River and surrounded by a lush redwood forest. It’s a remarkable place to take a soak and relax. There are three small pools: the upstream pool can fit two people, the downstream pool is basically a one person bath, and the pool about 50 feet up the hill is the largest and can hold four visitors comfortably.

Big Sur River by the hot springs

Terrace Creek Trail, Coast Ridge Road, Map, and more photos after the jump!

On the return trip, I diverged from the Pine Ridge Trail at the Terrace Creek Trail junction. I took the Terrace Creek Trail up to the Coast Ridge Road, which was taken down to Highway 1 and section on the highway back to the trailhead. This return route adds about 2.5 miles, but it’s worth the extra mileage and elevation gain in my opinion. The Terrace Creek trail is steep and entails over 1,400 ft of climbing in less than 2 miles, but the forest service crews recently completed a thorough overhaul of this trail. The fantastic job of the crew drastically improved the tread and removed all brush and impediments. The Terrace Creek canyon is one of the highlights in my opinion. Featuring numerous small waterfall steps, the creek is aptly named, and features a spectacular grove of old growth redwoods with a plush carpet of redwood sorrel and ferns.  While the climb up to the Coast Ridge Road is unforgiving, the reward is a spectacular 360 degree view from the top, including Ventana Double Cone, the Santa Lucia Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the Big Sur coastline. From the highpoint, the well-graded Coast Ridge Road is taken down to the Ventana Inn and Highway 1 with sweeping views of the ocean and coastline accompanying virtually the entire way. The final 1.7 miles is along the highway, but it is all downhill and took me only 10 minutes to run. Total mileage for the trip was nearly 22 miles.

Gorgeous views from Coast Ridge Road

Upper Hot Spring Pool

Historical fires stormed through most of the Ventana Wilderness in 2008, but crews have done an amazing job rehabilitating the trails and removing deadfall. It was also amazing to see the resiliency of the forest. In particular, it appeared that few of the naturally fire-resistant redwoods succumbed to the flames. While the outer shell of the trunks was often black, the trees seemed healthy and new growth was emerging from everywhere. A ranger I spoke to said the fire was long overdue and it was beneficial and necessary for the health of the forest. Only eighteen months after the fires, the scars are already fading.

Another great trip to the Ventana Wilderness and I look forward to more in the future!

Map of the route (click for larger version)

Ventana Double Cone from the Coast Ridge Road

The Big Sur River Canyon (the red trees are madrones adorned with copious red fruit)

Manuel Peak and the Big Sur Valley

Lush forest along Terrace Creek

Large redwood with rock wall background

Redwood Sorrel

Small waterfalls along Terrace Creek

Enter the inaugral Great Glen Death March HERE!

Take part in the ultimate 100km 24hour endurance event crossing Scotland from West to East on the scenic and challenging Great Glen Way

Run or walk from Banavie to Inverness to complete the route in under 24 hours.  The event will start at 21:00hrs on 3rd April 2010 and travel through the night, therefore ALL entrants must carry a fully operational headtorch and ensure they have sufficient food/water to allow them to complete the challenge.

Entry will include the provision of a unique high visibility souvenir vest which MUST be worn throughout the event.

The event is open to entrants aged 19 years and over, you must be physically fit and although water and some sports nutrition will be available, entrants will need to be self sufficient in coping with everything that a remote mountain region can throw at them.

Full details at:

http://www.ultramarathon.org.uk/deathmarch.html

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

I was blessed to be off work today so I took full advantage. I slept until 7:45 (that’s late for me) and got the day started with some pumpkin oat bran.

Complete with some raisins AND chocolate chips…because I just couldn’t choose.

In lieu of coffee (because I’m out at home), I had some stash green tea

In one of my favorite mugs!

Although now it reminds me of the poor chicks in Food Inc. Moving on…

Since I knew I was going for a run today, snacking was crucial. For a pre-run snack, I went ahead and “tried” one the dessert I made for tonight.

I’ll post more about that later!

Then, we hit the trails at Seneca Park for an awesome, fun and challenging 5 mile trail run! The trail itself was 3.1 miles so the rest was around the track and back and forth to the car.

I was a little nervous on the trail, but thankfully I did not fall! And I liked being unfamiliar with the course because I couldn’t tell how far we were going which is a good thing since I like to psych myself out. There were some really challenging hills on the course too, so this course was great for me – I stink at hills. I can’t wait to do it again!

My legs were feeling it by the end of our run, but they felt GOOD. We stretched and then headed back home where I proceeded to inhale this banana with PB.

Then I soaked in the tub for a while, listened to some indie rock on Pandora, and then finally got an appetite for lunch.

I started with some salad + hummus:

Then I heated up leftover brown rice, stir fried veggies and black beans from leftovers this week.

I think this dish was inspired by Heather’s husband CD who likes to refuel with stir fried veggies too! But I can see why he eats it – it hit the spot and was perfectly filling too!

I had a few chocolate chips after lunch

I watched some Dr. Oz since I’m never home to watch his show usually Cutie Bob Harper was on there too. Yay! Then I felt like I needed a nap, so why not? 

I slept for 2 hours!

I’m getting ready for girl’s night potluck now but I felt sort of hungry so I snacked on some mixed nuts to hold me over.

And now I am feeling some more tea (it’s getting cold here) so I think I’ll get to that. See ya later!

Have you ever ran on a trail before? What did you like or dislike about it?

21jun09.  Arranca el Circuito Alpino: Completan el MAM Pedro, Andreas y Sergio.

 

Completar tres maratones alpinos en menos de 5 meses.

 

ultraoxigenados y paqueteria tras el MAM09

Salida de corredores en desbandada a las 8. “Calentamos” en un par de km antes de encarar el primer subidón, estrechísimo sendero por un tramo casi vertical. A partir de ahí, se alternan los tramos de pista con los de sendero técnico entre rocas y aliagas. Grandes vistas a las sierras malagueñas, primero hacia Alhaurín y al coronar la primera subida: ¡el mar!

Bajamos hacia la costa por un espectacular tramo técnico, rápido y disfrutón. Desde los altos de Mijas rebotamos para la segunda subida: Desde 500m sobre el agua hasta más de 1.100. Hasta aquí he ido empujando a ritmo de 160 latidos,bien. Sigue el subidón y en llegando ya al ecuador de carrera, salta el primer aviso de calambre. ¡Que rabia!

En fin, toca bajar el ritmo en la segunda mitad a unos 140 latidos para que no se monte ningún músculo. Y asegurar la meta para acabar como “Circuitero 2009″.

Arañado pero no hundido, salgo del penúltimo sendero de vuelta a la pista en el km30 de carrera. Estamos a 930m de altura y “solo” queda dejarse caer 600m. de desnivel. Son diez km. de pista y uno de sendero que van pasando y por fin, cruzo meta en 5h49m. Puesto 148 de la general en este Jarapalos. Como curiosidad, hago idéntico tiempo que en Galarleiz

Acabo molido, pero sano. Y recontento por haber gozado de una verdadera -y dura- carrera de montaña al borde mismo del mar.

 

*Esperanza y Ana completando los 26km de marcha (D+1.500m)

Al final hemos sido 58 los que nos hemos ganado la camiseta roja salomon del “Yo completé el Circuito Alpino 2.009″. Absolutamente recomendable este Circuito, creo, por variedad de carreras, buen ambiente y gran trato al corredor.

Since I plan on doing my traditional Thanksgiving road race in order to justify binge eating throughout the entirety of the holiday, I set out to do an easy 7 miles in an attempt to keep my legs fresh.  If legs can be fresh so soon after running a marathon.  After 26.2 miles of pavement, I can’t seem to bring myself to run on the roads and have constricted myself to trails.  This comes at the joy of my shins and the frustration of my bum muscles.  ”Bum muscles” being the proper anatomical phrase to classify those bands of fibrous tissues.

I fell asleep last night convinced I would awake and face the pavement.  But loyal to my woods, I disobeyed my plans and hit the trails.  The perfect place to practice my vocals.

And practice I need because I have a shockingly horrific voice.  As in if I ever was paid enough money (4 bucks) to audition for American Idol, I would be guaranteed a spot on national television were my abhorrent voice would be ridiculed by Simon.

There I was.  Mile 3.  My bitterness was complimented by the cloudy skies and incessant drizzle.  In order to improve my mood, I began busting out Jordin Sparks, Battlefield.  Except I don’t know the lyrics to the song Battlefield.  Instead, I simply know, “I never meant to start a war.”  That is all I know.  On repeat.  With the word “Battlefield” thrown in for good measure.

Now I should preface this story with a note that I see things.  LSD-type sightings.  I no longer do a double take when I spot an armless man peddling down I-93.  A unicorn grazing in my backyard?  I turn my back and walk away.

So when I am running through the woods, I keep my head straight at all times.  Neckbrace style.  Turning my head instills unneccessary fear, and all of a sudden thoughts of creepy white men with unshaven facial hair and a complex for pre-pubescent boys following me start racing through my mind.  I never look behind.  Works great.  Unless a creep is legit following me.  Then I’m screwed.  Or unless I’m attempting to string together the lyrics of Jordin Sparks at the top of my lungs as two ladies are fast approaching.  Giggling to themselves over the horror that is flowing from my mouth disguised as song.  I thought I saw them and like always, I thought it was one of my drug-induced visions.

It was not.  I apologized profusely.  They merely continued laughing.

7-miles later, I was on my way to pick up my race number and score a size small T-shirt.  Size small I acquired but when did size small become the equivalent of men’s extra-large?  I could fit 4 of my running selves in this shirt.  I’m paying 30 bucks to run this race, and you can’t even provide me with a proper fitting shirt?  It is not like I am signing up for a hot dog eating contest or standing in line to purchase some NASCAR merchandise.  (Yes, I did just label all NASCAR fans as obese.  I’m not judging.  The scale is.)

I inquired as to why the smalls were suddenly so large, when I know for a fact they were smaller last year.  Her face remained stone cold perplexed.  Leaving me to further inquire as to the average size of runners.  I know there are runners of many shapes and sizes but a large portion do have a healthy body weight.  Especially the ones out running on a national holiday.  And so, I stood there spewing my anger on this woman, much to the displeasure of two men behind me.  Who could be classified as those types of runners who do not appear to be runners.  As in the extra-large would probably be a little snug on these fellas.

I feared I offended them.  But normally I offend people by mocking the lord jesus christ and personally I think insulting their body size is a step in the right direction.  So I continued in the right direction right back to my car.  Because at the end of the day, just like Jordin, I never meant to start a war.

Not a lot of training has been happening lately. I completed my first ultra (just a 50K) a little over two weeks ago and twisted my ankle on an easy three-miler four days later. I haven’t run since. I’ve got my range of motion back and could likely run with little discomfort. However, I work from 8-5, which leaves very little daylight outside of work hours. I hate running on indoor tracks more than roads, and treadmills even more than indoor tracks. I know I need to just suck it up and do it for a couple months. I’ll do it tomorrow.

Ladies and gentlemen, the stories you are about to hear are all true.  Please assume the person I am referring to is not myself, for I fear you may judge my gracefulness.

Go ahead and believe, however, that I did run about 14 miles yesterday.  The distance and mileage pace are estimates.  Minus the first and last threes miles, which were at 7:20 and 7:15 pace, respectively.  My legs felt good, the air was crisp, and the woods were mine for the taking.  Well, I had to share them with about 200 bikers who apparently decided yesterday was THE day for some mountain biking.  Not cool, bikers.  Not cool.

This is the part were we speak of myself as though I were someone else.  A line that sounds like I pulled it from some emo song, only I do wash my hair and I am not nearly as melodramatic as those 17 year olds.  Agnsty teen I am not, complete and utter klutz I am.  I lack the ability to stay on my feet for any signficant amount of time.

As a child, I managed to fall off the playground spinning wheel or roundabout or whatever it is supposedly called and got trapped underneath.  While it was still spinning.  In high school, I broke my leg in four places in a pit of sand.  In middle school, I strapped on roller blades and literally shot myself down the side of a paved mountain road that jetted out into oncoming traffic.  My only device against getting crushed by automobiles was listening for the sound of them approaching.  I did not get hit, but I did roll over a stick and slide painfully across the pavement.  In order to disguise the hideous road burn from my mom while simultaneously sporting a bathing suit, I threw my body into an over chlorinated indoor poor.  I can vividly remember it felt exactly like I was repeatedly stabbing myself with a serrated kitchen knife that had been dipped in anti-freeze.

Just the other week, I was out for a motorcycle ride with my dad – yea, that’s how I roll, bikergirl style – after a 20-mile run.  After running said distance and then sitting the bike in a straddled manner for so many hours, my legs had tightened up.  This did not stop me from attempting to run inside the house, up the front steps.  I did not realize their exhaustion and rigidity until I was mid-run.  As my legs tried to desperately tell my brain that no, they were not in fact ready to climb stairs, it was too late.  In my head, I visualized the face plant I was about to experience.  This was immediately followed by the face plant.

And yesterday, I was trail running.  After almost being smothered by about 27 mountain bikers, a dog attacked me.  In a friendly manner.  I tried to be a good sport about it as I could feel the blood trickling down my thigh.  I mean, it’s not the owners fault she cut and then filed her dog’s nails to resemble razor blades.  I can’t blame her considering she had no idea it would result in what appeared to be my addition tape for a slayer movie.  Courtney Cox isn’t the only one signing up for Scream 4, people.  My right thigh also has a casting shot now.

This is when I rationed that everything would be fine because my pace was back to its normal, faster clip and I felt terrific.  Minus the trickling blood.  I was ready to go 18 miles.  Ready to take back my long runs.  Then I hit a rock.  And I was down.

It was not the usual trip and fall, where you have a limited time span to tuck and roll your body.  Those few fleeting seconds where you can somehow gain some control over your body through the panic of the inevitable impact.

Oh no. This was just down.  No fleeting seconds.  No nothing but rock and dirt and roots in my face.  To the witness of 4 bikers.  After the fall, I did have my transitory seconds.  The .32 seconds where your body knows an injury has occurred but the pain has yet to register.  And so I partook in .32 seconds of prayer.  To make-believe jesus.  That none of my running parts were harmed.  Then I abruptly resumed running to the horror of 4 bikers who started following me, asking if I needed a lift to my car.  Because falling on my face isn’t embarrassing enough, yes, please can I just climb onboard your handlebars, that would make me feel oh, so much better thank you.

My knee was tender but besides that I felt pretty good.  Until I got back to my car and realized my entire right arm was covered with trail burn.  And I was sporting a bump that looked like a golf-ball sized tumor jetting through my forearm.

The point of this post:  Trail running can be dangerous.  I could stick to roads.  Or even carriage trails.  But I enjoy the trails covered in rocks and roots and mountain bikers coming head-on.  I enjoy pummeling through the woods way too fast despite the fact I can’t master walking in 2-inch heels.  I look back and laugh at the time I was doing such – trail running not sporting heels, though also funny – after a solid 3 days of rain.  The makeshift plywood bridge I was approaching was slick.  I knew this but did not slow my pace.  Instead my legs were swept from under me, as my body slammed down on its side and my kneecaps slapped together painfully.  Agonizing? Yes.  Hilarious?  Even more so.

Or the time I fell down the side of what could be classified as a cliff.  I ran 12 miles after this fall without moving my right arm the entire time.  I was certain I broke my elbow.  The only emotion I felt was relief.  Relief that it was my elbow and not my leg.

I pride myself on being good with pain.  It allows me to run faster than my body would otherwise permit.  It allows me to break my leg in 4 places, go home and eat a sub, and then ask my dad to drive me to the hospital.  Trail running is dangerous but it’s also entertaining.  To both myself and anyone else on the trails there to witness me.

Ladies and gentlemen, this post is for you.  Go barrel through the woods after a rainfall.  Fall down and bloody yourself up for your own entertainment.  Because even if you don’t find it hilarious, any bikers in the immediate area will be sure to get a kick out of it.  And they also deserve to have a good time.

With my ultramarathon training in full swing, I figured it would be a good idea to do some 400’s. 

However, unlike most runners who head to the track to run 400m reps, I headed down the Great Ocean road to Lorne for repeats of a hill that climbs 400m vertical.  Starting at sea level the ‘Five Mile track’ climbs, and climbs some more, up to 445m, over 5.45km (See map with profile).  There is only 3 little portions of respite as you make your way up, but when you’re doing repeats it makes no difference, as you have to run it all in the end.

My goal for the day was a 5hour run, and gain as many vertical meter as possible, with 2000m as a goal in the back of my mind.  Seeing as there is no real mountains near by (I mean 1000m+), I would have to do repeats of the smaller hills, and basically spend no time on the flat.  Ideally I would love to run up a huge mountain and finish at the top, but not even Australia’s highest mountain would provide more than 3hours of running. 

So straight out of the car and up it was, and up, and up.  With a hill like this, in the steeper sections it’s hard to control your heart rate, because if you go too slow, you’re basically not moving… and that just takes the fun out of it.  Before I knew it I’m holding 85-90% of HR max and there was no real chance for recovery until the top, which at the pace I was running was 39min (bottom to top).  On the flip side, once at the top there was a whole lot of down.  Even though my heart rate was able to come back down to a comfortable level, running downhill is just, and if not more, taxing on your legs. 

A full lap ended up taking 1hour10mins, a little longer than I had expected, but I would keep going up.  At the end of my third repeat, 3hours30mins run, I met up with my housemate (Troy) and we spent 30mins running along the Lorne foreshore to take me to 4hours.  I was smashed, blown, gassed, bonked, whatever you want to call it, but I was done.  At 4hours, 1500m vertical and the same in descent, with an average HR of 168, I had equaled my longest run, but increased the vertical gain by 500m. 

More long runs needed, more fuel pre run needed, but otherwise I’m happy with my progression, especially with the humid conditions.  I love my new Salomon shoes (XA Pro 3D Ultra), specially made to run off road, I have never experienced grip and comfort like it.  I also enjoyed running with my new NathanSports hydration vest (HPL #020), so snug to wear, with nutrition at my fingertips.

I now have a benchmark and some figures for running up some decent hills.  I intend to head back up the ‘Five Mile track’ a few times, with 6 repeats somewhat replicating (I think) what I may have to endure at the Bogong to Hotham.

In the end it’s all good training!

On a side note, I have to let you know how proud I am of my Mum….  She ran her first 5km race today!  27mins 30sec… that’s 5.5min/km pace… Not bad for a 55yr old woman that’s only been running for 6months!  Wooo!

I’ll keep you posted,

Ryan

http://www.bogongtohotham.com/

Garmin Connect – Activity Details.

There is the link to my first trail run, which I experienced in its full glory today!  (It looks best in satellite view.)

I applied for a spot on Team Luna Chix and met with the ladies this morning in Mill Valley (Marin County). It was a great meeting – the ladies are super friendly and motivating – and after, they took us for a wonderful run in the Tennessee Valley out to the beach and back.

What a view! I didn’t have a camera with me but let me just say it was gorgeous. The trail itself was really pretty, too. It was single track and I wish I had worn my new trail shoes! (For some reason, silly me didn’t ask what kind of run we’d be doing.) I really felt it in my knees and other areas – trail running requires more lateral movement and use of the balancing muscles.

I was supposed to run 8 miles @ 11:25 as per the plan, but I ended up running 7.5 at an average pace around 10:30. We all ran together and the girls were nice enough to not pull too far ahead of me (I was trying to take it slow to somewhat follow my training schedule.) and waited for me every so often. Definitely one of my most enjoyable group run experiences.

Last night, I went to step aerobics for the first time in months… it was very challenging in its own way. Can we say more use of those lateral support and balancing muscles? No wonder I’m sore today.I definitely wore the wrong shoes for both events, though.

I have a race next weekend, but you can bet I’ll be back in Mill Valley before the year is out to run that trail in the proper shoes!

Another downside of having no set training schedule:

No longer can I use it as an excuse to blow people off.  I still do and I still will but I just don’t think they buy it like they used to.  Now when I say “I have to run” they assume it means “I want to run more than I want to hang out with you.”  And yes, yes this is probably true but I really do have to run.  For both my sanity and their benefit.  If they want to be around me while I sit on edge, too concerned on when I can tackle my run for the day to listen to their petty conversations about the death of their family pet or impending divorce, then let me run first people.

They just seemed more accepting of this before, with a marathon fast approaching.  Now I just look like that jackhole (totally a word – look it up) who blew them off to go frolic in the woods.

Today I did just that, postponing some plans in order to partake in some selfish frolicking.  I set out for 7 miles because I knew if I planned on 5, I would spent the entire time arguing with myself over doing more.  My legs felt more chipper than they have in the past few days, if legs can be classified as chipper.  Their pep is starting to come back much to my pleasure and I easily ran at 7:50 pace.  Although not enough to drag me from the darkness I mentioned yesterday, it did give me the energy to finally shave my legs.  Which is a good thing considering I have yet to shave them since last Friday.  And I’m still running in shorts.

Some random thoughts for this Saturday:

1) While watching the finale of Project Runway, I noticed judge and known fashion designer Michael Korrs was sporting some shades.  While inside.  Maybe Kayne West can pull this look off but Kayne West isn’t judging a show that requires the ability to see.  How can I trust your opinion Michael, if you can’t even see the clothes coming down the runway?

2) On a recent trip to the mall, I entered Abercrombie in an attempt to find some polo shirts.  Now please don’t think I frequent this store often.  Or ever.  Minus this one time.  I mistakening tried on a polo I thought was black and only upon entering the dressing room did I realize it was blue.  This is because the entire store is lit by what must be a single candle.  Is this an attempt to go green or is their marketing strategy to trick you into buying clothes you can’t see?  Like, well I have no idea what this looks like but it feels fantastic.  I imagine this was how Michael Korrs must have felt.

Not only was I blinded by the absence of light, but I could hear nothing beside the horrifying loud music.  The employee asked me how many items I was trying on.  I never heard him ask this however, and he had to repeat himself three times before I was able to successfully read his lips.

To top it off, the store must pump fragrance through the air vents, resulting in a smell that lingers on you for a solid day.  Two showers later and I still was getting wiffs of it.

I departed the store with nothing besides ringing eardrums, a newfound ability to lip read, and scented as though I had spent the night at a frat party.

3)  My left hamstring has been tight lately, rendering my left stride slightly shorter than my right, resulting in an awkward looking walk.  The other day I got a glimpse of this in the reflection of a store window and it reminded me of Ellen Paige.

Ellen Paige has a certain swagger to her walk.  It almost could be classified as boyish, with a forward tilt to her nonexistent hips. Not the usual ladylike gait we expect our Hollywood starlets to have.  Don’t get me wrong here, I’m a big Ellen Paige fan.  I respect anyone who can have a smaller cup size then me and still maintain that kind of confidence.

Trust me when I say a size A and sexy are not usually synonymous.  Which is probably another good reason I finally found the strength to shave my legs today.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/19351726

Here is a link to a photo of me during the race. http://www.printroom.com/popupImage.asp?img_id=151364184&effectRGB=

I joined Gary Gellin and Jim Moyles for a point-to-point adventure run along the wild Carmel River in the Ventana Wilderness. The route starts at China Camp along Tassajara Road (rough dirt road) and finishes below Los Padres Reservoir. The first 3.5 miles is along the Pine Ridge Trail with great views into the Tassajara Creek drainage and the rugged Santa Lucia Mountains, including Junipero Serra Peak (the highest point in the range at 5,862 ft) and Ventana Double Cone. Evidence of the huge fires two seasons ago was evident, but the vegetation is coming back and I even spotted small pine saplings.

At Church Divide, we turned onto the Carmel River trail and soon after descending from the pass we found the headwaters of the Carmel River. A trickle quickly grew into a stream and by the time we reached lovely Pine Valley, the stream was flowing nicely. The fall colors in this section were gorgeous with maples and sycamores displaying bright orange and yellow leaves. This area is also heavily populated with madrones, which are adorned with so much red fruit that the trees appear red from a distance. At Pine Valley, we stopped for tea at Jack English’s cabin. Jack English is 90 years old and has lived in relative isolation in Pine Valley for over 35 years. Supplies and food are brought to him via horseback. It was great to meet Jack and hear about his experiences and history of the region.

Jack English's Cabin in Pine Valley

After Pine Valley, we temporarily left the Carmel River and climbed up to another pass to enter Hiding Canyon. Hiding Canyon was very brushy with numerous blowdowns and other impediments obscuring the trail for a couple miles. A small climb out of hiding canyon signaled the end of the brush and we were treated to great views of the upper Carmel River canyon. Next, we descended down the Carmel River and began over two dozen river crossings. These crossings are necessary because travel on either side becomes blocked by rock walls that descend all the way into the river. The trail connecting the river crossings is nothing more than a use  path and was often nonexistent due to brush and dirt slides, but the objective is simple, follow the river downstream.

More after the jump!

Pine Valley

The Carmel River canyon was spared fire damage and is lush with ferns, numerous species of hardwood, and even some fir. The setting of crystal clear water, smooth river rocks, and lush forest was amazing to experience from outside and within the Carmel River! The total distance of this section is around six miles. For the last three miles, the trail climbs up and above the river and then Los Padres Dam. At the dam, 0.8 miles remains to the parking area.

Crystal clear waters

One might expect that this route is largely downhill since it starts at over 4,000 ft and ends at under 1,000 ft. The reality is that there are numerous small climbs on this route with total elevation gain likely well over 2,000 ft. Combine this with the brush and off-trail travel and it becomes a real adventure. However, the reward for this physically challenging route more than compensates. This was my first exploration into the Ventana Wilderness and I look forward to more adventures in this vast area in the future.

Gorgeous Carmel River

Fall foliage and Carmel River

Giddy. Giddy would be the only word to describe myself at this moment. You don’t even need to ask to know it is because I ran today.  That is unless you know absolutely nothing about me.  And it felt oh so good. Think a world free of Jon & Kate + 8 good.

Free from the rigidity of my marathon schedule, I set out on a trail I have yet to explore, eager to get back to my pine-lined paths. Within 2 miles I was lost as per my usual trail runs when I venture to new grounds. But for once, I didn’t worry about my pace or even the mileage that was ticking by. It was one of those perfect fall days, where the crisp air is only complimented by the sunlight streaming through the now naked trees. Maybe it was because I haven’t run in two days or maybe because I just ran 26.2 miles on Saturday, but I felt comforted by a certain ease with a slower than usual pace and the sheer fact that I could run as much or little as I pleased without the normal guilt that follows me breaking from my planned schedule.  I ventured off trail at certain moments, which I now wonder qualifies it to be trail running and instead should be labeled forest running.  Either way, I came busting through to the road, while shedding some minor blood, much to the alarm of some bikers taking a water break.  Ah well.  I slapped a Jesus band-aid on the scratches and chalked it up as a good run.  The band-aids were more an excuse for me to sport something with a photo of Jesus and less so because I needed first aid treatment.  Hey, I just think Jesus is cool.

Point made. Offended by my nonchalant jesus mockery? Too bad.

I kept it to 5 miles at about 8:30 pace. Somehow. Mainly because I want to be able to run tomorrow. And race on Thanksgiving. Just a little was enough. I’ll require more tomorrow. And even more the next day. I’m like the meth addict who works in the cubicle adjacent from yours who thinks they can dabble in a little mid-night party on Saturday and clean themselves up come Monday morning. But before they have the chance they’re back in rehab. Which is a good thing for them because living in a trailer park is never fun.  I’d love to say I feel bad about the inevitable prospect of me lapsing back into excessive, fast-paced runs but I’m just giddy. Eagerly anticipating the arrival of tomorrow. The arrival of my next run.

On to more pressing matters: Recapping my reality television binge.  Quick and dirty style.

Do you think Jillian plucks her eyebrows in a fashion that creates an aura of maliciousness in order to frighten the contestants? I might try that to intimidate other runners.

Amanda showed signs of life after losing a personal record weight loss of 9 pounds last night. But the excitement never reached her eyes.  No amount of make-up, fancy clothing or even Tim Gunn could bring life to those shallow, shallow eyes of hers.

Speaking of Tim Gum, he is one classy dude. The man has got some style. Minus the outfit he put Danny in. I’m not one to mock a sweater vest, trust me, I have an unnecessary amount of sweater vests consuming about 24 percent of my closet space. But I’m not a 300+ pound man trying to rock a baby blue, PGA tournament style one. Mistake. I still love you Tim but if I had a child I would probably tense up if I saw Danny glance his/her way while sporting said sweater vest.  I’ll still see you Thursday night when you can regain my approval as I continue the trashy reality television marathon that is my life, Project Runway style.

Rebecca looks fantastic.  After being kicked off (still silently weeping over it) she participated in a half-marathon.  More impressive than finishing a half-marathon after topping the scales at 302 pounds was her bawling her eyes out at mile 10 and continuing to keep her pace.  Impressive Rebecca.  Very impressive.  But then she went on Jay and revealed she was dating Daniel.  I’m going to be shallow – Amanda isn’t the only one allowed to be shallow here – and say why?  Why Rebecca?  Also, why are you sporting your Body Bug on Jay? I think she may have a slight addiction tracking her total calorie burn that mirrors my running addiction. If that is the case, someone send her immediate help.

Bob couldn’t resist yet another product placement. Like Bob, I also wanted to know why Allen was losing all the challenges when he clearly is the most fit of the bunch.  Unlike Bob, I did not see how this related to earth-friendly ziplock bags. How is that relevent to the show? Like hey America, want to lose weight? Try stuffing your fat-laden snacks in these wind power created zip lock baggies and the pounds will just melt off your body.  Or not.  But it’s green!  Just like NBC!  It’s getting exceedingly pathetic.  Another reason I love Jillian?  She seems to avoid these product placement moments.  I think it’s the eyebrows.  Totally intimidates the producers into letting her do her job.  Which is being a robotic trainer and sporting some ripped arms.

Liz admitted to being just like every other Biggest Loser television watcher out there in her speech last night. She consumed ice cream while watching past seasons. Is there anyone who doesn’t eat while watching the show? I personally save my snack for the start of the program. Nothing makes dessert more satisfying than eating it while watching overweight contestants sweat it out while apparently starved some form of complex carbohydrate and some real sugar. I mean they’re living off Extra chewing gum, Jennie-O turkey breast, and Ziplock bags.

Ok I have to end it here in order to pluck my eyebrows into some menacing arches.  And to research my new running schedule.  Stay tuned as I try to determine what my next marathon will be.  With some shameless product placement thrown in for good measure.

inhale let

exhale go

And run.  Tomorrow.  I resume my addiction.  Because this must end.  This cruel, cruel world devoid of running.

It’s been two days.  I act like I haven’t run in 17 weeks.  I know this.

I’m annoying.  I also know this.  There is absolutely no need to inform me of this already accepted and verbalized fact.  Yet I can’t stop.  I did, however, limit my wordiness in this post.  Solely because I’ve lapsed into a depressive state that inhibits my ability to function properly, let alone string together words to form coherent sentences of any interest.

Keeping me going?  The thought of watching Jillian kick some Big Loser bum tonight.  Trashy, trashy television, oh how you give me reason to breathe.

inhale let

exhale go

I’ll meet you tomorrow.  On the trails.

New Balance MT100, REI Trail Running Gaiters

It was a perfect Minnesota fall morning for trail running.  A light rain the previous night had dampend the ground and all of the leaves have left the trees.  The trails in Theo Wirth Park are fairly well used, so they are mostly hard pack dirt.  The mountain bike single-track trails are a blast and make up the majority of the trail mileage.  The cross-country skiing trails are much more challenging as far as the hills go, but are set up for groomed skiing so they are wide and well maintained (boring?).

The conditions proved a great testing ground for my new trail runners: the New Balance MT100s.  We covered a great combination of ground conditions, mud, sand, hard-pack, grass, and blacktop.  The only surface where I noticeably lost my footing was on wet leaves, but spikes are the only thing that will beat a layer of slick leaves.  The low nubs (see pic in previous post) provide ample traction in all directions.  In fact the heel seems to be designed perfectly for braking or controlling descents.

The biggest thing about these shoes is their low profile and minimalist feel.  They feel like a set of cross country flats with a (very) slightly more developed heel.  The low heel provides outstanding control and stability, minimizing the risk of the dreaded ankle roll.  (Just say no to high heels! -I’m talking about running shoes.)  If you are a heavy heel striker, these probably won’t work for you; the NB MT100s are designed for the mid to forfoot striker.

The forefoot of the shoe contains a flexible plastic plate “RockStop” designed to prevent stone bruses, etc.  It certainly performed that well.  In fact, that was probably the biggest thing separating these from a set of cross country flats.  It does prevent some of the trail feel that purists may desire, but the protection may be worth it.  Personally, I hope it breaks in and softens up a bit.

My last set of trail shoes were a water-resistant fabric, so the first puddle that I stepped in surprised me when my foot immediately felt cold and wet.  But the shoes were dry (enough) by the next time I thought about it.  I’m still weighing the water-resistant vs quick dry attributes.

Overall, I’m really happy with the MT100s.  I’m excited to get them really dirty at the Living History Farms Cross Country Race this weekend.

Sorry for the long post, but if you made it this far, you might be interested in the other component of the test run:  the REI Trail Running Gaiters.  Now this is probably over the line of necessary running accessories, but something I thought could be a worth while addition.  My wife likes to call them leg warmers.  Another friend offered to knit me a set of leg warmers.

Anyway, nothing sucks more than a handful of sand, twigs, bugs, snow, grit, tears of loneliness, and other such debris of the trail getting in to your shoe in the midst of a beautiful or competitive trail run.  So I have decided to employ a set of gaiters.

It came down to the Inov8 Debris Gaiter and the REI Trail Running Gaiter.  I chose the REI gaiter for versatility and availablity.  I can also use these while winter hiking to keep snow out of my boots, and they were sold at my local REI.  Depending on the weather, I may pick up a set of the Inov8s for my ultra in February.

The REI gaiters are made of a softshell material that is very flexible and feels great against the skin.  One of my concerns was that this would be irritating on my legs when worn for a long period.  I don’t have any concerns about it now; the material is quite soft and compliant.  They are water restant and breateable, but I think they would be a little too hot in the summer.  I imagine these are going to be awesome in the winter, keeping the Minnesota snow out and the heat in.

Wow, I let this one get a little long.  Thanks for those who stuck around to the end.  Let me know your thoughts.

Saturday morning saw me undertaking the biggest challenge of my training programme for the Kepler – it was time to do The Big Training Run. This run was the peak of my training regime – the longest run that I would undertake prior to the Kepler itself. It represented the ultimate test of the training effort that I had put in over the past few months – it would leave no doubt about my ability to complete the Kepler Challenge.

I was looking to run a distance of 50km. This was further than I had ever run before – effectively my first ever ultramarathon. I had also decided to build-in a significant amount of climb, so that I could test my ability not only to go a long distance, but also to do so with legs weary from grinding uphill. My course took me across the Belmont Regional Park’s Pukeariki – twice. It involved two significant climbs at either end with undulating ridge runs in between – a total of 2,000 metres of climb overall.

I treated this run as a full dress rehearsal for the Kepler. I wore the clothing that I intend to wear on the day of the Kepler. I carried a full pack, with all of the compulsory safety gear that I will be carrying on race day. I was out of bed at 4:45am, ate a full breakfast, and hit the track at 6am on the dot.

Running at such an early time is quite different to my normal routine. My long training runs normally start after 9am. I was surprised at just how different the run became due to the time factor – my time spent on the tops of the ridges was much colder than I had previously experienced. This tells me that I will most likely need to add a second layer of clothing during the ridge section of the Kepler – the wind coming off the snow will be very cold on clothes that are drenched in sweat following the climb up Mt. Luxmore.

The other surprise was how much less water I needed to take in. With the heat of the day yet to make an appearance, the first leg of my run was considerably less demanding than I was used to. This revelation has helped me to realise that I will not need to carry as much water as I was expecting to on the first few  legs of the Kepler Challenge. All good knowledge to have when faced with running up a mountain track – weight carried = effort expended!

At the halfway point I met my wonderful wife Sarah and son Ryan. The re-filled my hydration pack and feed me up on two bananas. I then turned around and headed back to where I had started. This second leg was much more difficult than the first one had been. The sun was now out and the hills were suddenly very demanding. I religiously stuck to my routine of Leppin Squeezys every 45 minutes, five gulps of Leppin Refuel drink every ten minutes, and four Jaybees jelly beans every twenty minutes. It is important to get into a good routine for hydration and feeding – if you run out of fuel on the course you are in for a long, painful day!

I eventually crossed the finish line at Dry Creek. I was feeling surprisingly good – I did not hobble across the line, nor did I collapse on to the ground. To be certain, I was very tired and relieved to be able to stop running, but I also knew that I could have continued on if I had needed to. This has put me in a very positive frame of mind regarding the Kepler – I now know that I have what it takes to complete the Challenge without the need for a helicopter intervention!

My total time was (disturbingly) six hours, six minutes, and six seconds. With 2,000 metres of climb, and 50km under my belt I feel that I should be able to achieve my target time in the Kepler (I am aiming to go under eight hours).