Before The Deluge

Big Ditch Access

2012-02-19T14:36:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a regular squall of a day. Rain coming down, bouncing off the street and roof. There were some good running options, but since I'm not running well, and because I had work to do, I decided to take the morning and head up to the Chuckanuts. I was out for 2 hours-plus, and got drenched, despite being under the trees. Good to see WTA working on the Fragrance Lake trail, despite the weather. And a lot of faces I didn't recognize seemed to be scoping out the Chuckanut course. By the end of the morning, all I wanted was to be dry and inside.

On Sunday, I discovered the Big Ditch Access, south of Conway. This is a DNR site--Discovery Pass required--with wetlands reaching out to the sea, with views of Whidbey Island and Camano Island. Very cool to be discover wild places near home. Big Ditch Access is off the Conway to Stanwood road, at a junction with railroad tracks. There's a sign, but it's not all that clear.

And this isn't a real great place to run, but it is wonderful quiet spot to stop, observe, and reflect. Acres of marsh and cattails, with old logs and snags, here and there. I guess a whole lot of cattails are edible. The roots are "nature's spaghetti," so I've heard. And then there were eagles sitting on poles, hawks on logs, ducks in the slough. Shotgun shells here and there--obviously a place favored by bird hunters.

Snowy Owls

2012-02-14T20:53:00.001-08:00

I've been looking for snowy owls all winter, and finally made it to Boundary Bay in British Columbia on Sunday. Snowy owls everywhere--25 to 30, easy to be seen, just hanging out on logs. All I had was my phone for a camera, so the photos leave something to be desired. News of the irruption was a birder thing originally, but now has become an international story, with this being the biggest southern migration since 1998.

Directions: Going north, take Ladner Trunk Road exit, roughly 10 minutes past border. Take Ladner Trunk north to 72nd St., left turn, drive to the end. Lots of people checking them out. They've been camping out there for a couple months. The birds I mean, not the people. Occupy Boundary Bay, big white bird style.

Here's an article for the Seattle Times by my friend Mike, plus a couple more bad pics from me, just to prove I was there. Nothing proves presence like bad photos.

First Half Half Marathon

2012-02-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

I had to be in Vancouver, British Columbia this weekend for work, and so I went ahead and registered for the First Half Half Marathon. This is one of my favorite half-marathons—this was my third time, but first since 2005. The event always sells out in hours, with over 2000 registered.

Not a lot has changed—still a spectacular circuit of Stanley Park’s seawall, with great views of the city, the bridges, birds, and tankers in the bay. I saw two eagles fighting over a fish during the run. The seawall is paved, but the views feel like trail. Stanley Park is perhaps the best urban park in North America, maybe the world.

We had a light drizzle, but that kept the temps down, and I suppose it was ideal racing conditions. Fortunately, I wasn't racing. I took a bunch of pics starting out, and picked it up a bit after running under Lion's Gate Bridge. More than anything, I wanted to remind myself what the 13 mile distance feels like, enjoy the views, and feel ok afterwards. Success as far as that goes. I'd like to get healed up and in better shape--one week at a time on that, for now.

Scotty v. The Waterfall

2012-02-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

The waterfall won.

These are some of Rich W's photos from our Annapurna Circuit trek in Nepal last September. He's got some amazing photos--better than mine--and this is a particularly funny and memorable sequence.

Narration:

The waterfall goes directly across the trail. It's a little hard to see here, but there's a pretty decent drop on the left. I started off walking the edge, to avoid the falls. But the footing seemed sketchy. So, with no good explanation in retrospect, I move away from the slippery edge, but then directly into the waterfall. That thing hit me SO HARD. You can't even see me in the one photo, except a bit of my backpack--I am in the waterfall. I got drenched. My pack got drenched. The force of the waterfall almost knocked me over. When I popped out, this nice guide decided to point out the rocks that I should cross on. Then he gave me a hand.

Life is good! ( :

Padilla Bay

2012-01-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Last week we had our first big snow storm of the winter and 2012. Schools closed all week. I get a kick out of watching the evening news when big weather events happen. They make such a big deal about it--reporters in the field measuring ice depth, the smiling anchor, and then the weather expert "explains" it all. It just really makes me smile.

I didn't get out that much. Gym is my new friend. Actually, that's not too unusual for me this time of year. I'm taking it relatively easy until I feel whole, and I expect I'll do less longer events than in the past few years. There's something in me that just doesn't want to rush to register for anything right now.

I did make it to Padilla Bay on Saturday. Padilla Bay is an estuary, sitting between Mount Vernon and Anacortes, near the junction to Whidbey Island. A beautiful flat two mile trail cuts through the flats, along the water, and is a great place for bird watching and a good little run, even if the wind is blowing at 40 mph, as it seemed to be on Saturday.

Saw a flock of herons on Whidbey Island on Sunday, at Cornet Bay. There must've been 12 or so, all together, sitting in a couple conifers. Ran Nookachamps in the afternoon.

Wiley Slough

2012-01-09T15:56:00.000-08:00

In my continuing search for snowy owls, I happened upon the renovated Wiley Slough area on Fir Island in Skagit County this weekend. No owl sightings, but the Slough was a find in itself.

The Wiley Slough is an estuarine area on the South Fork of the Skagit River delta. An estuary is a place where saltwater meets freshwater. Typically a very active ecological zone. Good for birds, salmon and other things. And interesting to me. I'm excited to go back, as I can meander in such an area for hours, and this is pretty near home. Padilla Bay is another local example of an estuary--they are just really special places.

The Wiley Slough has been the focus of a great deal of restoration work over the past ten years or so. Lots of stakeholders involved, including the Skagit Watershed Council, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Skagit River System Cooperative, Seattle City Light, US Fish & Wildlife, and Audubon groups. I'm not sure of the whole scope of work, but from my vantage point, I discovered some wonderful new trails to explore.

Notably, this is an area for bird hunting, so be ye advised should you go. Heard a fair amount of shotguns, but saw more birders. The Slough area is easily accessed with a left turn on the Fir Island Road, a ways past Conway. Discover Pass required. It wasn't too muddy.

While out that way, I also tried using my phone to film some snow geese at the Hayton F&W Reserve, also off Fir Island Road. This is not a great video, but it gives some indication of how these birds flock en masse in the Skagit fields this time of year. And that they are loud. This winter, I have watched staggered V formations of snow geese, stretching out in the sky for nearly a half mile, flying above the flats.

Winter Birds in the Skagit

2011-12-31T19:26:00.000-08:00

After kicking around Blanchard Mountain this morning, I went looking for birds. The Skagit valley in winter is a great place for birding. I've been way into it this month. This morning I saw at least 30 eagles, a few peregrine falcons, hawks, and some amazing flocks of little birds that shall remain nameless, for now. I saw at least 7 eagles in two different trees.

I wish I had worthy camera gear. I realize these photos aren't much--but they help remind me of what I was doing in this here and now. All sorts of people were out on the side of the road, with good camera gear, taking pictures of eagles. Today I was in the flats near Edison, but there are a lot of places to go. I try to stay near the rivers, as that's where the birds seem to hang out.

I was really looking for a snowy owl. I've never seen one, but I understand a few are around here and there. In the summer they live up in the northern parts of Canada, but every few years they make it this far south in the winter. I guess they tend to hang out in fields, and can be mistaken for other white birds, like the snow geese. No luck today, but the search will continue.

I loaded the Audubon bird guide on my phone this week. It has a function that allows persons using the app to report sightings, and then the sightings are mapped. Pretty cool, especially when it comes to trying to locate a rarer bird like the snowy owl.

Best of 2011

2011-12-28T17:50:00.000-08:00

Time to reflect!

It’s been a hard year of running for me, as I never really seemed to put things together, due to hip and hamstring issues. I might be getting old. If so, I’ve always said the joy of getting old will be figuring out how to manage such things. I will always find a way to get outside, and am thankful for every opportunity.

But then again, I didn’t give myself much rest, and there were a few points in the year where I ran ok, by my limited and very personal standards. AND, I did more long races this year than ever before--—15 in all, and that doesn’t count non-events, which are often more interesting anyway. Too many events maybe, and too long. But the offerings are so good in the Pacific NW, so what do you do?

So, I will say, emphatically, IT WAS A GREAT YEAR, despite the injuries. Many thanks to my great friends, who help me get out there, keep me inspired, and made it so.

AND NOW, introducing my top ten list for the last year--

10. Vancouver Fat Ass 50k. This will get a laugh from Rich if he reads it, but this really was a great day, touring Stanley Park, Pacific Spirit Park, and along the Vancouver waterfront, with perhaps the best weather the event has seen in nearly 20 years. We ran awful—truth, we walked--but the skies were clear, the mountains were out. We got an early start on the year and day, driving north before the sunrise, and then getting lost in Vancouver, and then hanging out afterwards with the great peeps of Club Fatass.

9. Maple Pass. This is a relatively simple hike, near Washington Pass in the North Cascades National Park. Maybe 8 miles. Joined by Deb, we stomped around in the snow on cliffs above Lake Ann, and caught the famed larches at their golden peak. One of the best places to see larches, I’m told—and I’ve always wanted to be here at the right time. This year I finally was.

8. Lost Lake 50k+. My third year now running this Alvin special (with all the more thanks to Skagit Runners, including Terry, Shawna, Joe, and Kevin.) This is old fashioned ultrarunning in the Chuckanuts—small crowd, big hills. Rich and I took off at the early start and were leading for a few minutes. It was epic. Rainy day, and one very muddy climb on the backside of the lake. Didn’t race well, but ate well afterwards. Thanks friends.

7. Seattle Arboretum. Some runs just turn out special. They don’t have start lines, finish lines, or times. One day, early in the year, I did my old training run near the University District in Seattle. I ran this run most days when I was in school, and finally returned, more than a decade later. It was like meeting an old friend.

6. Deception Pass 50k. This was the race I really shouldn’t have ran. My leg hurt. I was maybe an hour slower than what I would’ve been earlier in the year. But the course!! Beautiful! Cliffs, bluffs, bridges, saltwater, sand, old growth…all thirty minutes away from my doorstep. Had to do it.

5. Sauk Mountain. Another perfect day in the right spot. Stomping knee deep in fresh snow, just east of Concrete. Clear day, views of the San Juans Islands in the far distance. 8 eagles circling above me, as if I were a meal in the making. Mountain all to myself, the Skagit River valley below.

4. Gorge Waterfalls 50k. Probably the most gorgeous 50k event I’ve ever done, with so many, waterfalls, gushing, full-tilt, and views of the Columbia Gorge from cliffs. I didn’t really start running seriously until mile 15, because every turn had a cliff or waterfall I had to stop, gawk, and photograph. We actually ran behind one waterfall. Giddyup.

3. Knee Knackering 30m. This North Vancouver tour of the Baden Powell has a lot of tradition and love from the Vancouver running community. I’ve wanted to do it for years, and finally got around to it. I ran on a bad ankle, which was just silly, but still worth it. This course is tough. Great hanging out with Mike, Marlis and Steve beforehand.

2. Bull Run Run 50m. One of the older 50 milers around, put on by the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club. Blue v. Gray. The trail takes you through patches of Virginia bluebells, across the first battlefield of the Civil War, and into some classic hardwoods forest. Running through the woods, I heard the crack of muzzleloaders in the field nearby. The aid station around mile 31 had pizza. Muddy this year. My sister and her soon-to-be husband came out and supported me.

1. Annapurna Circuit. Some call it the greatest trek in the world. I don't know about that, but it was a special time. I have wanted to do this for 15 years, and for once, I made a dream come true. And with friends! Seth, Rich and I spent roughly 11 days circling through the Himalayas in Nepal. Our high point was nearly 18,000 feet, but it was the rivers and gorges, the suspension bridges, and the people, villages, and religion that made the adventure. Not much running, but truly an amazing time on trail.

There isn't a lot of science to the list--just my favorite memories. The list leaves off many other remarkable days. My 4^th White River 50m, which I ran horribly. After Knee Knacker, I've never been the same. My favorite race, the Baker Lake 50k, 36 hours after flying over the North Pole from Nepal. Also not a good showing. That was so hard I sort of want to forget it, but not really.

There was the slow meander up Park Butte in the snow, and the early snow trip to Big Beaver Valley. For good measure, I include a pic above of a trip to Sahale Arm in the North Cascades. Described by some as a holy place. I like it. Then the road runs, like R&R Seattle Marathon (crowds) and the Seattle Marathon (9th in a row, second worst weather year I can remember). The timed runs-- Watershed Preserve (12 hours) and Invest in Youth Run (6 hours). If I had a wait list, Orcas Island would probably be first in line--yet another amazing Rainshadow production.

Now, for 2012. Already thinking, planning. The songs may change, but the band will stay the same. I'm not sure what the year will hold, running or otherwise, but I am hopeful.

Chuckanut In December

2011-12-17T18:22:00.000-08:00

Someone has put Christmas decorations on the trailhead to Fragrance Lake, at the start and at the top. Today was a great day to be on this trail, with clear skies and 40 degree temps. I did Fragrance to Chinscraper, and then the ridge out to Fairhaven.

The views from the ridge were about as long as I've ever seen them. There's something about clear winter air which allows for great star viewing at night, and long views in the day. Mt. Baker and Shuksan were very visible, as was Lake Whatcom and Lake Samish. I tried hard to see the tall buildings of Vancouver, squinting, but it seems like a low hanging cloud blocked this view. The North Vancouver mountains were clearly viewable. I think I'll go up there with a spotting scope one of these days.

Driving to the trailhead, I saw 8 bald eagles sitting in trees off of Chuckanut Drive. A large flock of snow geese in a field. A few swans.

Deception Pass 50k

2011-12-10T20:06:00.000-08:00

The Deception Pass 50k and 25ks are new races put on by Rainshadow Running aka James, Candice and volunteers. Total winners. They’ll probably sell out on the first day next year. How cool is it to finish up a 50k, along a beach, to the sound of the tide coming in? Or run on a bluff, above the Pacific, or alone on single track through old growth forest? And here, all in the same day.

Deception Pass is the most visited state park in Washington, sitting on Whidbey Island near Oak Harbor and the Whidbey Island Navy Base. I felt like I had to do the race, despite a messed up hamstring, since the race is only a half hour away from my home, and I had a really good sense of what to expect of the trails.

The 50k consists of 7 lollipop loops on cliffs above the sea, beachside trails, through old growth and second growth forests, with trips each way across the famous Deception Pass bridge. The cool thing about the lollipops was I kept seeing some most excellent people, running ahead of me most typically. Lots of hellos and best wishes, coming and going.

The 50k and 25ks are on the same course for the first half--mostly ocean viewing on the west of the bridge, with a stiff climb around mile 13 straight up over Goose Rock. The 50k then adds a double loop trip around the Hoypus Point National Forest lands, out past Cornet Bay. Woods, ships, and another bay.

Most of the course is quite runnable, if you're healthy. A bit rocky and rooty, here and there, but basically fast single track. Elevation gain was probably b/w 4000 and 5000 feet, maybe. I thought it was kind of similar to Chuckanut in terms of effort exerted.

I should’ve ran the 25k, in light of my lame hamstring, but that was a lot like trying to practice restraint at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Basically, I exercised poor judgment, deciding to see the whole trail and course, figuring I’d get through it, one way or another. And I did, but it seems the hamstring issue is not going away—I’m going to need to do something. The scenery and friends more than made up for my struggles, though I miss running easy.

And, so great to see so many friends on the trails. It was truly a happy, supportive scene. Joe, Roger, Eric, Laura, and SETH!, volunteering. Many many others running. Like the shirt too. Patagonia lightweight capilene.

I need to get a new Ipod Shuffle—lost the last one in Nepal. All day I had Taylor Swift’s “Why you got to be so Mean?” stuck in my head. Not good. I tried a couple times to get some Pearl Jam going, but every time, “Some day, I’ll be, living in a big old city…”.

The day started with a lunar eclipse on the way to the run. Pretty cool to watch the full moon disappear, as I drove out to Whidbey, coffee in hand.

John, Boston, and Cancer Research

2011-12-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

John Schick is a friend and frequent runner/volunteer in the Bellingham running and triathlon community. A wonderful guy. This winter, John is raising cancer research funds for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in conjunction with his training for next year’s Boston Marathon. John is specifically dedicating this effort to his father. His father was diagnosed with cancer this year.

I too have had persons close to me diagnosed with cancer in the last few years. It is a terrible thing on so many levels. John has looked into the Dana Farber Institute, and speaks highly of the organization. 100% of the funds raised go directly to research.

Please consider making a donation in this holiday season. Here are some of his links, with more information:

For John’s donation request letter:

https://sites.google.com/site/johnsbostonletter/

John’s blog:

http://runningboston-john.blogspot.com

Seattle Marathon

2011-11-27T19:07:00.000-08:00

Rain and wind this year. Lots of rain. Lots of wind. It never really stopped--just modulated. Not too cold a rain—maybe 40s, but there were times when the wind made it feel a bit colder. Wet clothes didn't help things. Running back from Mercer Island on the bridge was probably the worst, though Seward Park and the last couple miles get honorable mention.

I just kept going. Not fast. My left leg and hamstring continues to slow me down, and is pretty much my running story for the last half year. I’ve been laying off, either too much or not enough, I’m just not sure.

I hit the half mark around 2:03 and finished at 4:20, so I suppose that means I didn't go out fast, and then I fell apart. Usually the split is 5 to 10 minutes. My head wasn't really into pace--I was more focused on pain management. Sometimes I could put aside the hamstring, and then other times it felt like my other leg was compensating too much. A bit of knee pain on the other leg. I had stamina for the distance. I say that, but then things really did slow down over the last six. The Madison-Arboretum 1-2.

All that aside, the rain was the real story this year. Sort of a pineapple rain. I was soaked by the finish, and quite cold. I thought about putting on a jacket a few times, but didn't. My gloves got soaked--I carried them for a while, then tossed them. My hat was more appropriate for skiing.

This was my 9^th Seattle in a row, 11^th overall. Every one of them has a different story. I’d say this was the 2^nd worst weather I can remember—2006 I think wins the Umbrella Award, by a snivelly nose. I was a little torn on whether to start this one, but I thought I’d regret not giving it a go, and that I could make it one way or another. That’s about how it went, I suppose, and no regrets---I'm happy just finishing. That said, there are pros and cons to having a streak going. I now have a year to think about them.

Good to see so many friends on the course! Terry, Kevin, Adam, and Sara pacing. Dr. Rob in the Interlaken. Keri and Abby off and on throughout. Bryan running strong. Many others. Hit the Essential Baking Company in Fremont afterwards with friends for some high quality tomato soup.

Baker Lake Trail

2011-11-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

Snow really fell in the high country this past week, with the North Cascades Highway shutting down for the season. I could see it in the foothills from Mount Vernon, and so on Saturday decided to head east, with no clear intention, except to find the white stuff and maybe run or snowshoe.

I ended up on the familiar Baker Lake Trail, near Concrete. The drive up to the lake was relatively clear, with a bit of ice and snow on the side of the road. Frozen ponds, white mountainsides. I suppose I was hoping for more snow, but I could’ve found it if I just went up a bit.

The trail itself is clear, except for patches of snow here and there. Snow was melting off trees as I ran. I looked up for cougars and porcupines. The log over Anderson Creek had a good bit of snow and ice on it, with a few fading mushrooms too. I’ve crossed that log in the dark on icier nights—a little sketchy. Fantastic views of Mount Baker on Saturday, with the good red light of a falling sun. Four cars at the trailhead.

For a first, I dropped down into the Maple Grove campground to check out the digs there. That would be one great place to camp out on a Friday night before taking off on a run Saturday morning. The lake is right there, and so is the mountain. A starry night would be hard to beat.

Seattle Marathon next weekend. Not too thrilled about it.

Mushrooms on log crossing in snow

Anderson Creek crossing

Stump critter

Maple Grove campground view

Mount Baker view from Baker Lake

Fresh snow on hillside trees

Peak at the end of Baker Lake

Fowl Run 2011

2011-11-12T15:39:00.000-08:00

I ran the Fowl Run 10k in Mount Vernon on Saturday. We had great weather, despite predictions of misery. Just a little cold, calling for gloves and hat.

I know the course route well, as I sometimes run it on weekends. I've also ran the race a number of times, albeit poorly. Beginning at Mount Vernon Christian School, the loop includes an out-and-back along the Dike Road, and then a return to the school via Britt Road. The roads parallel the Skagit River and acres of farmland, with views of the foothills and Mount Baker on a good day. Today you could see snow in the hills, and the farmland soil looked cold.

There was a stiff headwind along the Dike Road. It was one of those blustery days that brings out the birds. As I ran, I frequently found myself looking up at formations of trumpeter swans, snow geese, and pipers. An eagle swooped ten feet above me, before landing in a tree alongside early on along the Dike Road.

I ran poorly, struggling with my continued hamstring tightness, and some out-of-shapeness. I finished in 52 minutes and some. I am not too troubled, as I knew going in that my hamstring wasn’t going to allow any real leg turnover. I really just planned on jogging, but I pushed a bit later to keep a 9 min pace. I think I'll go up to the WWU track once a week, as winter comes in. Yoga seems to be calling my name too.

Many many friends in attendance! Either to run, volunteer, or both. Heather and Skagit Runners did a great job putting on the event, of course. Our Skagit club is sooo solid--thank you! I ended up spending a good hour afterwards just hanging out with friends, eating pumpkin pie and hot apple cider, and catching up. A good vibe, and a very nice way to start the weekend.

Post-race awards, with random drawings for turkeys and pumpkin pie

Sauk Mountain

2011-11-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

I had a fun snow day on Sauk Mountain today. Sauk Mountain is just east of Concrete, Washington. I parked about a mile below the parking lot, and hiked to the trailhead through 6 inches of snow or so. No cars have recently driven all the way to the trailhead, though they've come close.

The views on the way up the road were amazing, as I could see Mount Eerie, Orcas Island, and Blanchard Mountain, looking down the Skagit River Valley. Mount Baker was evident, but hidden behind clouds. The valley with all its yellow, green and red colors cut a striking contrast with the fresh snowline on Sauk.

I followed a coyote’s snow prints up the trail. As I climbed, I started seeing raptors circling. At one point, I had nine large soaring birds, mostly eagles, circling right above me. I think a couple were falcons. I think they were just catching good air off the mountain, but it was getting a little personal and spooky.

This was a simple but terrific day. I wasn’t up for the Ron Herzog 50k, or I would’ve been down that way. Hope it went well--a good day, for sure. I’ll make a point to go back to Sauk Mountain this winter with snowshoes. The road to the trailhead would make a pleasant climb. I hit Annie’s Pizza in Concrete on the way back and am now settled in for an evening of classic college football. Go Huskies!

Also of note—on Wednesday night I made it to the Skagit Alpine Club’s meeting, finally, where Jennifer Hahn spoke on foraging in the Pacific Northwest. A terrific presentation about edible seaweeds, chantrelles, nettles and other such things. Wild foods are a really hot gourmet topic these days. One thing that sort of surprised me is that you need permits for foraging in national forest lands, as well as harvesting seaweeds.

Park Butte

2011-10-29T20:21:00.000-07:00

I headed up to the Park Butte lookout on Saturday in Mount Baker Wilderness and Recreation areas. The trailhead parking lot is shared with Railroad Grade and the Scott Paul trails. It’s about 50 miles from my door, somewhere up above Baker Lake.

The lookout is maintained by the Skagit Alpine Club. I’ve been a member of the club for a few years, but haven’t attended many meetings or been all that active. Hopefully that will change one of these days. That said, I’ve always wanted to check out the lookout I keep hearing about. Today was a great introduction, and I may be back soon for a snowshoe overnight--it seems very doable. The lookout is first come, first serve.

The trail was relatively empty, with snow near the start, and increasing in depth as I went higher. It's a pretty easy trail, really. I think the lookout is at 5300 feet or so. The hike is 7 miles, roundtrip. I wasn’t in a hurry, only running for a small stretch on the way back. I spent a lot of time looking at trees, snow, and clouds. This was my first snow hike in a while. It felt great to be out, just leaning on the hiking poles, kicking snow. A very simple morning.

I never got a good view of Mount Baker, but the clouds were really interesting. They were just moving all over the place, in different shades and shapes. The sun wanted to break through, but just couldn't get there.

The snow was probably a foot deep near the lookout, with a well worn path to go through. It wasn’t sketchy, but I wore yak trax and carried poles. There won't be many more hikes like this, at least without winter gear. The fresh snow didn't obscure all of the fall colors, leaving the occasional red and yellow on white.

Ran into Steph Abegg at the lookout, a climber and nightsky photographer who I heard speak at REI a few years back. As it turns out, she’s been in recovery from a very difficult climbing accident, and this was her first snow hike in over a year. She has an amazing website, where she documents her story, and where you can also see some of her terrific North Cascades and night sky pics. Recommend, highly.

Good day. More pics here.

Hope to run a bit tomorrow. Considering Herzog next week. Put in my registration for Deception Pass. A little leary of all the miles coming up, with my hamstring and all. In some ways, I'm my own worst enemy.

Corn Maize

2011-10-24T17:31:00.000-07:00

I’ve never been in a corn maze. Until Sunday. Made it out to the maze at Schuh’s Farm, on Memorial Highway, outside of Mount Vernon. Honestly, this particular maize was not too tough. No 911 calls required.

Those poor people.

Sort of a dud of a running weekend for me, unfortunately. I registered for the Lake Padden Half Marathon many months ago, but somehow forgot to consult ye olde calendar. As it turned out, I had to be up at WWU for a volunteer meeting. Sorry to miss the mud, fun and friends. I managed to show up in the afternoon, and got to help clean up a bit, but splashing around on the back trails would've been fun. Al, Dean, and the crew did a terrific job putting on that event—that was obvious. It was great to see so much community support.

Healing the hamstring remains key, but I want to get out and hit a trail soon. Possibly Herzog or Mudfest. Maybe Sauk Mountain. Time to find the headlamp too. AND, I should get a bit more pro-active on this stretching stuff.

Fall is here.

Maple Pass

2011-10-15T23:00:00.000-07:00

Went up to Maple Pass in the North Cascades this Saturday on a clear blue day. This is a hike well known for its gold larches in the late fall. Full parking lot--everyone had smiles.

We hit it just about right, with many many larches turning gold now. The snow level is at about 6000 feet. Getting to see the larches against the fresh snow is pretty special stuff. The views of Cutthroat Pass, and other valleys and mountains, dusted with snow, were similarly fantastic.

Not a long day, and it was just hiking. I need to crank up my running, but I still have issues with tendons/ligaments behind my left knee. Taking it easy seems smart, and hiking doesn't bother me.

Annapurna Circuit

2011-10-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

The Annapurna Circuit is a horseshoe shaped trek through the central Himalaya of Nepal, covering somewhere between 135 and 185 miles depending on who you believe. I would lean toward the latter figure, but I don't know. The high point of the trek is Thorong La Pass at 5416 meters (17769 feet). The trek ascends the Marsyangdi River watershed, and then descends through the Mustang Province and the Kali Gandaki River watershed. The Circuit is one of the most amazing places I've been.

Most guides provide a 16 to 21 day itinerary for the trek, but friends Seth, Rich, and I fastpacked it in about 11 days, out of necessity. More time would’ve been nice. It seems most Circuit trekkers are younger, just out of the military or school, with little money but plenty of time on their hands. The trek is very popular for 20-something Israelis, Swiss, and Germans. We of course have jobs to return to. So we typically stayed on the trail for 10-12 hours a day, and usually exhausted ourselves by the time we found our evening accommodations. One of my favorite memories is of Seth, completely passed out on his bed in Chamche, headlamp still on, shining at the ceiling. That's just how it was some nights.

I'm going to try to briefly describe our time on the trek here, and then include a bit on our planning details. We took plenty of pictures. I've posted some below, but for more, please click here. Also, for Seth's most excellent writeup and pictures, click here.

The Trek

The first half of the trek is defined by the gradual but steady ascent towards the 17,761 foot Thorong La pass. The trek follows the Marsyangdi River, beginning low amidst rice fields and other tropical vegetation, and then steadily climbs through subalpine and alpine ecological zones, deeper into the Manang Province. On the way up, you pass through Hindu and Tibetan Buddhist villages, with periodic views of the Annapurna Himalayas. The late monsoon season left our views wanting, though from time to time we got lucky, and stunned, by the magnificence of the Himalayas.

Mani walls and prayer wheels mark the road. And make no mistake, the trail is often road, though I may call it trail here. Long suspension bridges above whitewater gorges are hourly occurrences. The butterflies and birds of the Himalaya are stunning, in their different colors and variety. And the terraced agriculture…gorgeous. We shared the trail with locals and their cattle, “Namaste” being the common greeting. I was struck though that many locals seemed jaded to the tourists.

We moved fast, typically trekking separately but checking in with each other at pre-designated villages. We seemed well matched in pace and disposition—we were friends going in, and certainly all the better of friends coming out. I think three people is a good group size for this adventure. I had my days when I wanted to be more alone, and other days where I wanted to move faster, but basically we were able to watch out for each other, and be good company when we stopped, even if exhausted. Our stops were marked by the routine of setting up the water filtration system, ordering garlic ramen soup and/or dal bhat (rice, lentil soup, and curried taters), and then looking at the map to figure out where we were, and where we were headed.

We had our gadgets. Seth carried a Spot and various phones, including a satellite phone. Seth is the wizard on global phone services. Both Rich and Seth listened to lots of music; I managed to lose my shuffle somewhere along the way, but was fine with that. I never heard a song, except the ones I sang, which seemed to keep my friends at some distance. We all had cameras, of course, though nothing heavy. I kind of wish I'd bought something newer. I was able to text from time to time, at .50 a text via AT&T. We were usually able to charge batteries at lodges, sometimes for a small fee. Occasionally we were able to find a lodge with internet. I definitely missed being “connected,” in a way that I would not have fathomed a few short years ago.

We took the recommended day of rest in Manang, where we got shaken by a 6.9 earthquake atop the Yak Hotel, a building of questionable construction. Manang and its valley is a really gorgeous little spot, where a lot of trekkers land for a few days, with lots of day trip options. I climbed up to Praken Gompa for a puja ceremony before a lama, in which the lama put a small multi-colored string around my neck and said a few words for Thorng La. Small donation expected, which I unfortunately forgot. Rich and Seth climbed above Gangapurna Lake, to get a closer look at a massive glacier. On the second evening I caught "Into Thin Air" in a basement projector room, with tea and popcorn, on yak fur covered bench. While in Manang, I also picked up a hat, sunscreen and gloves--plenty of supplies available. The rest day was one of my favorites.

At the lower elevations, I contended with sun, getting quickly burnt by the intense ultraviolet rays of the high Himalayas. At the higher elevations, the altitude was a constant challenge, but I never experienced mountain sickness, perhaps due to taking Diamox from Manang on. We ascended a little quicker than typically recommended, gaining more than a 1000 meters each day after Manang. I think we all did well enough, though we had a rough night of sleep at Thorang Phedi, elevation 4450 meters. We also had to persuade some Justin Bieber wannabe kid there that we really were told our room would be free. He wanted no part of that, which was sort of amusing.

On the morning of the seventh day, we crossed Thorong La Pass at 5416m. A great feeling, as we’d spent a week thinking and moving towards this pass. The Pass was unfortunately fog covered, so we didn’t get the great views of the grand peaks there, but the fog and light snow created its own marvelous landscape. I relied heavily on two trekking poles to get me up that hill. One step, two step, three step, rest. Repeat.

Once over the pass, the trail descends 2000 meters within hours into the arid Mustang Province, a dramatically different landscape, resembling the high Tibetan plateau of China. Those trekking poles were real lifesavers on that descent too, which turned into a bit of a muddy mess.

By early afternoon, we arrived in the town of Muktinath, at 3800 meters. Muktinath is a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, as one of the few temples to Vishnu, the Hindu god, and a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Prayer flags filled the hills and lined walls; ammonite fossils and scarves were for sale in the streets; and pilgrims were making the climb to the temple, with robed monks everywhere. We kept moving, making it all the way to the tiny village of Khinga.

Up early the next morning, we began the second half of the trek, descending through the Kali Gandaki watershed, through the arid Mustang province, and by and through towns such as Kagbeni, Jomsom, and Marpha. The morning was spectacular, with blue skies, views of Dhauligiri (7th highest peak at 26,795 feet), Annapurna 1 (10th highest peak, at 26,554 feet) and other snowcapped peaks, with the dry Mustang hills and plateau cutting a distinctly different view to the north.

Our trail was typically dirt road, which we shared with Jeeps, and this was at times a real downer. Many have already given up on the Kali Gandaki side of the trek due to the construction and use of roads, choosing to Jeep out, or catch a plane out of Jomsom. It is sad, for the trekking crowd, as road development threatens the near-future of the Annapurna Circuit. Ultimately, I expect new trails paralleling the road will be constructed, and we saw some of this happening. Still, now is the time to take this trek on, before further development occurs.

Our afternoon in the upper Mustang was marked by a fierce headwind, which we hiked directly into. I mean fierce. Just when you think you’ve got the hardest part of the trek done, the elements throw something new at you. I just kept plugging away, but that afternoon was a grinder, with the wind and occasional Jeep buzzing by. The Kali Gandaki watershed reminded me of Alaska, with its huge valley walls, and the river spread wide across the valley floor. Evergreens began to come into the picture again towards day’s end. The next day was a relatively short one downhill to Tatopani, where I bonked a bit, probably just worn down after so many tough days, though sun and humidity are no friends of mine.

Right about when you figure you’re supposed to be done with all the hard work, the Circuit ends with a kicker called Poon Hill. On Day 10 we climbed about 2000 meters, step by step, to Ghorepani, beneath Poon Hill. That was one tough day--6000 feet of climb with a pack on, probably our biggest single day. Ghorepani had perhaps the best lodge on the trek, with great tandoori, a big fire, and Madonna on the stereo. Some beers were poured.

The next morning we got up at 4:30 AM and climbed Poon Hill, elevation 3200m, in hopes of taking in the whole Annapurana Range. No such luck—score one to the fog. After a hearty breakfast, we headed down the other side of the hill, descending another 2000 meters, and in my case slipping and falling three times on steps, which just happened to have streams flowing down them. The trek finished at Nayapul, elevation 1070 meters, where we caught a cab to Pokhara, beginning our slow return to normal, as we know it to be.

We did the Annapurna Circuit during the tail end of the monsoon season. Chancey move. We lucked out though, as we rarely had much in the way of rain or adverse weather. The downside was we probably saw less of the high, snowcapped Himalayan peaks than others may see in October, because of a lingering high cloud cover. However, the trails were far emptier than in October, and things couldn't have been much more green. We found the lodges jealous for our business, offering us free nights to stay as long as we promised to order dinner and breakfast. The typical cost for this package was 1000 rupees, or roughly $12.50 USD. We saw some weird price variations along the trek. For example, a pot of tea cost twice or three times as much at the higher elevations. The menus were almost always the same--I think I ate dhal bhat for 10 days straight in the evenings.

Well, this has been fun to write up. It was quite the adventure—everything I hoped for, and without a doubt one of the greatest trips of my life. Perhaps the best part of the experience was sharing the adventure and trail with Rich and Seth. Here are a few other facts, which I’d like to be able to recall later, and which may be of interest.

Our Itinerary

Arrive in evening at Besisahar (820m)-hike/ride to Khudi (790m)
Day 1: Check in at BhulBhule (840m), finish in Chamche (1385m) Total: 22km
Day 2: Thanchowk (2570m) Total: 21km
Day 3: Lower Pisang (3250m) Total 24km
Day 4: Manang (3540m) Total 16km
Day 5: Rest in Manang, with climb to Praken Gompa
Day 6: Thorung Phedi (4450m) Total 15km
Day 7: Khinga (3355m) Total 20km
Day 8: Kokhethanti (2525m) Total 35km
Day 9: Tatopani (1190m) Total 23km
Day 10: Ghorepani (2750m) Total 17km
Day 11: Finish at Nayapul (1070m), after Poon Hill (3200m) ascent Total 14km

The kilometer distances are completely unreliable, but these were provided by Nepal's Annapurna Conservation Area Project. I’ve seen different distances online, and I’m pretty sure Rich’s Garmin shows a much larger number for the total trek. Distance is kind of irrelevant in the Himalayas—ascent and descent figures are more meaningful, generally. You just don’t move far or fast when you’re traveling above 10,000 feet, especially with a backpack.

Partial Gear List

Originally, we planned on running the Circuit. I think I was the one to flinch at this, when it came down to packing gear. I found it very hard to plan a run from so far away, with limited information and support. In particular, I was concerned about going too light in gear for the higher elevations. In the end, we went with light packs—maybe 20lbs.—but I carried enough clothes to stay warm and dry, whatever conditions we hit. Our plan ended up doing longer days and staying steady. If I was to do it again, I could lighten the load some more, particularly on clothes. However, when you don’t know what to expect, I think there’s a lot to be said for bringing the mountain etiquette and being safe. I kept coming back to the fact that elevations above 12,000 feet are not something to mess with, especially in monsoon season.

Here's a partial list:

REI Flash Pack 65 (too big, but was on sale, and is "ultralight")
Patagonia Nano Half-Zip
OR Gore-Tex Lite Shell
Montrail Mountain Masochists shoes
Three short sleeve tech shirts
Running sleeves
Midweight half-zip Patagonia
Long sleeve Chuckanut Patagonia shirt
Pants
Two pairs of shorts
Two pairs of Patagonia bottoms
Anti-chafing underwear
Several pairs of trail running socks
Hats (cap and cold weather)
Running gloves
Sunscreen
Fleece sleeping bag liner (no bag)—blankets available in lodges
Electronics and charging gear
Camera
Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork Trekking Poles
Platypus Water Filter system

Money

I budgeted roughly 2000 rupees a day ($25 USD), which allowed for contingencies, candy bars, the occasional hat purchase, et al. I was in Nepal for roughly three weeks and exchanged $700 USD, which covered the trek, travel to and from Pokhara (shared car and flight), nicer meals in Kathmandu, and some souveniers. A person could certainly get by on much less, though 700-1200 rupees a day seemed typical for the lodge and meals. We felt like we saved money, once in Nepal, as compared to how much I might've spent at home on typical things.

Insurance

An American Alpine Club membership ($75 USD) comes with $5000 Global Rescue insurance. Estimated cost of a helicopter evacuation is $2500 USD. Great organization. We also spent a night at the Kathmandu Clubhouse as AAC guests of the MountainFund, for $15 each. I probably should’ve bought flight insurance, as I heard tales of lost luggage, particularly with Jet, but I never got to it, and everything turned out fine. I did check my backpack in a bigger duffle bag, with a lock on it.

Permits

Seth’s friend Dorjee Sherpa and his company, Himalayan Windhorse Adventure, took care of picking up the trekking permits, saving us at least a day or two once in Nepal. I think the cost was around $50 for the permits. Dorjee also provided information on cost expectations and stood ready to assist us as needed during the trip, which was a nice safety net. Dorjee was great, as was Seth a facilitator.

Transportation

Rich and I searched Kayak.com for fares, including fares from Seattle and Vancouver. We ended up landing a $1450 fare through CheapO Air, flying on American Airlines and Jet Airlines. At the end of the trek, we flew back from Pokhara for $92, which I had to pay in cash.

We split the cost of a private car to get to Besisahar, and I want to say that total cost was roughly $100 USD. Our cab fare from Nayapul to Pokhara I believe was 1500 rupees ($20 USD). Kathmandu cabfare was 500 rupees ($7.50 USD).

Return to Nepal

2011-10-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

In 1998, I visited Nepal for two months on my first real trip abroad, as sort of a culminating experience to several years of hard work in school. The trip was amazing. Everything was fresh--I was a novice to such travel, and I couldn't have picked a further place to go. I made my way up to Everest Base Camp, and also spent a great deal of time in other parts of Nepal, like the Chitwan, Pokhara, and Kathmandu. I got to know many people from Nepal and other countries. Truly one of the greatest experiences and times in my life.

However, due to the unfortunate theft or loss of my money belt in Lukla, some of my plans for Nepal and India were left unfinished. That belt of course had my life in it—all my money, my cards, my passport. The situation was a disaster--every traveler's nightmare.

I spent a week or two piecing my identity back together. There were consular interviews, Interpol interviews, faxed communications with the folks, secret passwords and wire transfers, and lots of credit extended to me by kind Nepali people in the meantime. It all worked out, but for a while there I was a complete wreck. Add to this that I got bitten by a rabid dog on this trip, and had to self-administer six rabies vaccine shots. These were the best of times, these were the worst of times, as Dickens said.

One of my plans for that 1998 trip was to trek the Annapurna Circuit, a world famous trek around the Himalayas in Central Nepal. It is said by some to be the greatest trek in the world. Unfortunately, I just didn’t have enough time left to undertake this adventure, which was estimated at 21 days. I had to be content to leave Annapurna for some eventual day down the road.

Thirteen years go by.

I am older, and find myself in a different place in life. Physically, mentally, professionally, personally, socially. Priorities change. Technology. History.

Nonetheless, I always thought someday I’d return to do Annapurna.

Then, over the last few years, rumors occasionally caught my attention, suggesting that parts of the Circuit are in jeopardy, due to the construction of roads. And then more recently, I read somewhere that some major road would be finished in 2012. If I am to believe what I read, there is a "Now or Never" thing going on, and I should be paying attention.

So, at some point this year, I got a little more serious.

Maybe it was when my friend Larry told me, “Do it, Scott…nobody will do it for you.”

Or maybe it was that ongoing internal discussion--Why should it be SUCH a big deal to get away for a bit? The expense? Not THAT bad.....The time? OK, that’s tough, but really, one extra week?....And don’t Europeans do this sort of thing a lot? And with my age, shouldn't I be making this a priority now? Go see the great paintings later in life...climb the mountains now.

By early summer, I realized I’d be discontent with myself for a long time if I didn’t seriously try to knock this one off the list sooner than later.

So, I talked to my friend Seth, who was already in Nepal. We talked about running the Circuit, and we initially agreed to do this, although I struggled with this idea later. I talked to friend Rich about going, and he actually was willing and had the availability. I went to Kayak and started searching airfares, and the numbers and timeframes became more real. I talked with work, and work was graciously accommodating of the extra time. It all somehow came together.

One of the funniest moments in prep was after a week of watching a certain airfare, having a conference call with Rich and mutually hitting submit with our credit cards. On CheapO Air. We were very excited...."We're doing it!" After that, there were the emails, the phone calls, the communications, the miscommunications.

What to bring? What shots to get, and how to get them cheaply? How big is your pack? Right underwear for chafing? Insurance? Hiking sticks? Sleeping bag? Visas? Pillow?

So, on the tenth anniversary of September 11^th, I found myself meeting Rich at 7 AM at Sea-Tac Airport, with backpack, ready to set off on a 40 hour journey to Kathmandu. Our flight: Sea-Tac to Chicago to New Delhi to Kathmandu. Two days later, we meet Seth at the Hotel Marshyangdi in Thamel, change our dollars for rupees, and then soon head off on our eight hour drive across Nepal to the start of the Annapurna Circuit trek.

I'll write up the actual trek in a separate post, soon to follow. But for me, a significant part of the trek was just getting to the starting line. Not the easiest thing to do with such a big trip, in my rather established life. Another big part of the trek for me was just taking in the changes to Nepal and myself after all this time. And the hills. The hills were still big. But like I said, I'll write about that with the next post.

India

2011-10-03T14:54:00.000-07:00

Last month I traveled to Nepal to hike the world famous Annapurna Circuit, a life intention of mine. The flight to Kathmandu included a 13 hour layover in New Delhi, India. Traveling with friend Rich, we decided we’d obtain tourist visas for India, so that we could have a look around New Delhi in between flights.

Sometimes you just get lucky. As it turned out, American Airlines would not have let us board if we didn’t have visas for India, as this was the terminus for their 13.5 hour flight from Chicago to New Delhi. Disaster averted by chance.

To be clear—our trip would’ve ended in Seattle if we hadn’t happened to acquire the tourist visa. Score one for hiring travel agents. We didn’t use one, instead conducting our travel planning with CheapO Air. Seriously—the company exists, and in fact got us the great price of $1450 for our roundtrip flight to Kathmandu. But we never heard about the need for the extra visa--presumably a travel agent would've pointed out the need.

So…we land in New Delhi, India, half a world away. We clear India Customs. It is evening, and our plans are humble. An excellent plate of chicken tandoori and chicken biryani will satisfy—we just want to eat real Indian food in India. So, we leave the airport, bags in hand, and that’s when we meet Malik, our cab guy.

Malik is not actually a cab driver. He claims to own nine cabs, and also claims friendship with the Traffic Police. He says not to worry, he’ll take care of us, come along. Things are moving fast, so we say ok. He asks if we like to disco. We say no—we just want to eat a good meal of Indian food. Off we go.

Malik sits in the front seat, and directs the driver to take us somewhere in New Delhi. The roads are absolutely crazy. Cars cutting in front of others, pedestrians walking everywhere, the occasional sacred cow in the median. We take it in, cracking up.

We arrive at a restaurant called Laissez Affair. Sounds French, but Malik says it is good. Rich and I are troubled though when we’re told we can’t take our bags inside—we’ll have to leave them outside in the cab. We never planned on leaving our bags out of sight. I think we were both hoping more for a chance just to walk down a sidewalk, pick a restaurant, and eventually return. We didn’t anticipate middle men.

Things then get a bit more interesting when Malik insists on sitting with us at the dinner table. He says all he wants is a Coke and white rice, but of course we offer him some of our good eats, which include some truly top notch biryani, a complex blend of lentils (dal), a bit too-dry chicken tandoori, and some interesting accompaniments, like pickled onions and lime sauce. No real complaints about the meal—it was what we were hoping for.

Malik though turned out to be a most interesting dining companion. He shows us pictures of his wife on his phone, and then shows us a picture of him holding his pistol, which he seems proud of. We’re not sure what the intent is, if any, in showing us this picture.

Afterwards, Malik wants to show us more of the city, but we’re wising up to the escalating costs. We insist he take us back to the airport. He tries to charge us $120 US for the cab ride. We object, strenuously. Finally, I say, “C’mon Malik, we fed you dinner.” We pay him far too much, but are happy to be done with it and back at the airport.

The next seven hours are spent walking around the airport, up all night, checking out coffee options, lounge options, India television. Costa Coffee sure looks a lot like Starbucks, est. 1971. On the tele, we note that one Indian politician, accused of corruption, is admitted to the hospital for “feelings of uneasiness.”

And that was India.

Baker Lake 50k

2011-10-02T05:21:00.000-07:00

Tough year for me at the Baker Lake 50k. I sort of expected as much. I just got back from Nepal, after a 36 hour series of flights, including a 15 hour flight from New Delhi to Chicago over the North Pole. Ordinarily, I would not have tried to run a 50k so soon, but this is Baker Lake, my personal favorite. I figured it’d be a bit of an experiment, and was sort of looking forward to the unique challenge my circumstances presented.

I was hoping trekking in Nepal might help in preparation—the high altitude acclimation, the hours on the feet, bit of weight loss. As it turned out, the experiment failed. Jet lag, the scratchy throat and fever, and maybe the lack of recent running experience trumped. Turns out running with serious jet lag, on a 12 hour time difference, is silly. Live and learn.

Things actually went pretty well going out. The trail is quite familiar, with single track, old growth, and views of Baker Lake. I was breathing a bit hard, but stayed steady within sight of a group of friend runners. I made the turnaround point in about three hours, which is pretty typical for me.

Unfortunately, the legs fell off on the way back. Sent to the chop shop. They locked up with lactic acid, to the point that I couldn’t run. At all. Cramping, severe dehydration and tightness. I can’t remember a bigger crash in a race. I was resigned to walking great portions of the trail.

The trail seemed to go on forever. I just tried to make “relentless forward progress,” as they say. I went from shooting for a reasonable finish time to just longing for soup at the finish. An increase in rainfall on the way back made things all the more fun. I was a wreck at the finish, but was greeted by friends, soup, and hearty campfire.

I love this race. Amongst other things, it signals the real start of fall for me. At only an hour away from home, I typically run it, and then come home for hot drinks, pizza, and football. My time this year was disappointing, but I won’t read too much into that, especially considering I was fine going out.

Great to see so many friends out there. Some running a 50k for their first time, or maybe for the first time in a long time; others knocking out yet another year on the Baker Lake trail. Special congrats to Charlie for setting a course record with the win. Good times driving to and from the race with Rich and Cosmo. And of course, thanks to RDs Dave and Jeanette for doing such a great job in putting on such a great "grassroots" event.

Overcast day with rain in the afternoon--good running conditions

Co-RD Dave Dutton

Preparations

2011-09-05T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Nepal trip is fast approaching, and I am now in preparations mode. I've wanted to trek the Annapurna Circuit for roughly 13 years now, ever since my last trip to Nepal, when the second half of my travel plans got waylaid due to the loss or theft of my moneybelt and passport in Lukla. There's nothing quite like being half a world away from home--without any identification, credit cards or cash--in a country where you don't know the language. My parents love telling this story about me.

I'm headed over with a couple good friends, also ultrarunning trail fools. Our plan is to go fast and light, making tracks as best we can, and basically fastpack the loop through the Himalayas in about half the standard trekking time. The Circuit is set to see some changes, as a road is being built into a remote section. When I learned this, I realized I'd always regret not pushing to get over there now.

My research on this trip is weak. There are so many details I'm not sure about, and haven't had the time or inclination to really figure out. I do know the Circuit is very well traveled, with tea houses all along the way, and so the trek will not at all be like going deep into the North Cascades. I've seen a few different numbers as to the distance, but I think 130 miles is in the ballpark. These are a different type of miles, of course, with a few days at the higher altitudes.

Nights will be spent in guesthouses, with dinner of rice and lentils, aka "dal baat", at a price of probably $5 to $15 per night. I'm probably on the high side with that cost estimate. The greatest expense is getting there, and finding the time to get away from day-to-day life here in the States.

Altitude will be one of the big challenges, with a high point approaching 18,000 feet. A different culture and language to contend with, and admire, as the case may be. I'm not sure where things are politically in Nepal right now--a Communist movement was starting the last time I was there, and I think they took power. I'm really looking forward to the trail, which will include deep gorges with waterfalls, long bridges, terraced agriculture, and the highest mountain range in the world. Also, there's this one place in K-du which makes really good tandoori. I'm hoping it is still there.

Visas are acquired, both for Nepal and India. Had to send the passports to the U.S. consulates; took some time, cost some money. We'll be lucky to get some naan in India, with only a 12 hour layover there, but who knows when I'll be back in that neighborhood again, so it's worth having that door open.

I joined the American Alpine Club, as they have an arrangement with the Mountain Fund for members to stay at the Kathmandu Club House, and support their worthy cause. AAC also offers a bit of rescue insurance if things go too wrong. Both organizations seem really great.

I've talked to my doctor about vaccines. Fortunately, last time around I took care of Hepatitis A for life, and so the only one I needed to update was Typhoid. Water quality is pretty bad in many parts of Asia, including Nepal. The last time I was there I shaved my head so as to avoid getting sticky hair from washing in brown water. This time I have a little less hair, and so I'm a bit reluctant to get rid of what I have. I also have some altitude sickness pills, which I don't know what to think of.

Electronics. Last time, in the late '90s, this wasn't even a consideration. How the world changes. I'm not sure how cell phones work, either in the city or on the Circuit. I bought an extra battery for my camera, and an extra film card, but I don't know about charging them. I will probably buy a disposable camera, just in case. This blog may be offline for a little while. Or maybe I'll email a post or two. However it goes, so it goes.

This weekend my mind has turned towards the backpack. We want to go light, and I will, but "How light is right?" is the question of the hour. I know people obsess about such things, but I won't have a chance to do that. I picked up two different packs at REI's Labor Day Sale, seen in the picture above, and have loaded them up. It looks like I'll be going with REI's Flash 65, described as an ultralight pack, but with twice the volume capacity of the one by Deuter, and at close to the same weight. I've also picked up a few other things, such as some Black Diamond hiking poles (an essential, I think), a puffy, and a water filter. If I had a little more confidence, I might go without certain things, but a middle ground seems right.

So much to think about, so much to do.

Cascade DNS

2011-08-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

Beautiful August weekend in the Pacific Northwest. I was supposed to be running Cascade Crest today, but I chose not to start. My left hamstring and the tendons behind that knee do not seem up to it. I left the decision a bit open until the end, but it's kind of the obvious smart move. For the last four years I've spent this weekend over in Easton, either volunteering or running, and so it is a bit odd to stay home.

Lots of friends are up at Cascade today. My best to all of you, running or volunteering.

This morning I went up Chuckanut, hiking, just to kind of stretch things out. A big owl swooped me, and then perched in a tree, checking me out. The picture above is not so good--bad lighting--but if you look closely you can see the flash caught the eye of the owl, so that it has red eye.

Sahale Arm

2011-08-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

Finally, I got out again, on a perfect blue Saturday. I went up to Sahale Arm in the North Cascades National Park, one of the great day hikes in the U.S. I didn't really want to run, but I did a little bit, and carried a small pack, as a bit of practice for Nepal.

Sahale Arm is an 11.4 mile round trip from the parking lot, climbing up to 7800 feet. I believe Harvey Manning or Ira Spring considered it their favorite hike in the northwest. It was crowded, with an army of Subarus in the parking lot. Besides being a great day hike, the trail to Cascade Pass is the launching point for all sorts of mountaineering trips, with numerous jagged peaks within relatively short hiking distance.

I first saw snow near Cascade Pass, and then up on Sahale Arm there were a few snow crossings, but no problems really. Doubtful Lake still had significant snow in the lake, reaching out to the island. As I mentioned, lots of people out on this beautiful day.

Climbing to Sahale Arm Glacier camp was a bit of work. Nothing too bad, but I was working the hiking pole. I seemed to move faster than most, even though just hiking, which was a good sign, considerng my recent leg troubles. The weather couldn't have been more amazing, 80+ degrees, not a cloud in the sky, but the sun actually got to me after a while. The views were always good, but particularly exceptional from Sahale Camp, where the waves of mountains give visible definition to the name "Cascades." I like where I live.

I managed to blister my heal, breaking in new shoes, probably with the wrong socks. Duh, ouch. Sandals today. No bears, but I saw a mountain goat near the camp--picture below, such as it is.

More pics here.

Wedding in Virginia

2011-08-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend took me back to Virginia for my sister’s wedding, and a brief hot August visit with the family. I am thrilled for my younger sister and her new husband, a very nice gentleman. The wedding was a sterling affair in a nice country club in Haymarket, which just happens to be near Bull Run, where I ran a 50 miler earlier this year.

The trip was a whirlwind for me, a test of endurance really, coming off strep throat. I took a redeye flight on Jet Blue Friday evening, and then returned to northwest on Monday. The flight path was abominable, though the best price, connecting through Long Beach, California. It took something like 14 hours, door to door. I liked Jet Blue, as they had real-time Direct TV in every seat. I watched NFL football traveling each way, and managed to knock out a book too.

August is really not the best time of year to visit Virginia. Weather was hot, humid, with occasional thunder and lightning storms. The evenings are wonderful though, with the sounds of crickets and frogs outside, lightning bugs too, and the air just seems to relax a bit, after a tough day. The day of the wedding, the possibility of more storms was forecast, but fortunately never materialized. The wedding itself was beautiful. Great to see the family, even for such a brief time.

Regarding running, I am reminded of when the great Kenny Rogers sang, "I need to drop in to see what condition my condition is in.” I haven't ran in two weeks, due to a hamstring injury, strep throat, and travel. It's been a tough time. Somehow or another, I’ve managed to do 10+ events this year, and I know I need a break. Moreover, my hamstring is bugging me bad. Even now, sitting here, I can feel tightness behind my knee.

As for the fast-approaching Cascade Crest, I’d say I'm doubtful, but I'm still chewing on it a bit. I'm more inclined to focus on getting healthy for Annapurna in September. Still, the race is paid for, gorgeous and amazing, and so I'll leave it on the stove for now.

And, is summer gone already? What happened?? I’ll probably do something interesting this weekend, perhaps Sahale Arm, just to try to find the high country.

Strep Throat

2011-08-09T21:03:00.000-07:00

At this moment, I am watching Rambo: First Blood 2. John Rambo: "To survive war, you have to become war." I've been watching a lot of television this past week. I had never heard of this show, Matchmaker Millionaire, but I've seen my share of episodes now. Also, it seems like America's Got Talent is on every single night. That's some high quality programming. I like those dance people who glow in the dark like a Lite-Brite Board. Professor Splash is a nut.

I have strep throat, as might be discerned by the title above. Came down with it maybe on Tuesday or Wednesday after White River. First it was just a swelling of the gland. A perturbance. But then on Wednesday afternoon it got so I couldn't focus, and I probably had a fever. It felt like I had broken glass in my throat. Couldn't eat a thing; drinking water hurt. I went to the doctor the next day; diagnosis made; antibiotics prescribed.

I got better, but the antibiotics didn't work as well as expected. After a tough weekend, I went in to the doctor again on Monday. Finally, I got the right medicine, and now seem somewhat whole. I've lost about 9 pounds this week. Probably wouldn't hurt my running to stay sick another week, at that rate.

What a weekend of great weather and outdoor doings to miss though. Rich and Mike doing a ring-around Mt. St. Helens on the Loowit Trail, always a dream of mine. Scott K. summiting Rainier. Terry and company putting on God's Country 50k out in Anacortes. I saw Joe and Shawna made it up Thornton Lake.

Me meanwhile, I know Matchmaker Millionaire. Also saw Up and The Eagle, fwiw. Up is cute. The Eagle--not so good.

It is interesting though, to sit in a doctor's office. You fill out the paperwork, show them the benefits card, make the co-pay. You sit in the lobby, with all the other sick people. Then they call you to a room, and shut the door. All this sterile stuff everywhere. Blood pressure, ear temperature taking machine. Eventually the doctor.

My point is, going to the doctor's office is sort of a stop and look around thing for me. Getting sick doesn't have to be a negative. It helps remind me of how good it is to be healthy. I hope I can stay healthy and continue to do those things I like to do, and adjust in a graceful manner as I age.

This past weekend was also my Aunt Carol's 70th birthday. She is world class--the best. An amazing woman, she contracted polio as a child, and danced her way out of it, and dances even to this day. She helped raise me. We had a good chat, and this she said and I want to remember, "It's not enough to be busy. You have to make every day important."

White River 50

2011-07-31T13:39:00.000-07:00

The weather for the White River 50 was amazing. Summer visited the northwest for a day, and I was there. Clear skies, with movie star views of Mount Rainier from Suntop (Mile 37) and around Corral Pass (Mile 16 or so). In the morning, the sun bouncing off the mountain forced me to squint. In the afternoon, the mountain looked as if it were something not of this world—just spectacular. These were the best views I’ve ever seen of Mount Rainier when doing this race. Climbing the mountain is increasingly a priority for me.

The bad news is I had a horrible run. For the first 10 or so miles, I had something going on with the digestive system. But the trouble really hit when my left hamstring started locking up. It’s been giving me problems for the last couple months, and I’ve sort of ignored it, figuring I’d blow through it. It was really frustrating. The hips would not engage, and one leg was working harder than the other, and so it goes. I was resigned to a shuffle/walk for long sections of the race, even though I had more aerobically. I’m going to have to give my body a rest, maybe some professional attention.

No regrets though—terrific trail, a finish, a good day with friends. 4th White River finish. Each has its own special story. This just becomes the injury year, with the amazing views.

I love Skookum Flats. Wait. No I don’t! Why does THIS part of the course capture the White River experience for me? For the uninitiated, Skookum Flats is the last 6.5 miles of trail, along the spooky White River. It is beautiful, rooty, and never seems to end. The White River course, from start to finish, is a classic. But with all the elevation gain and loss (8000+), it is ironic that the Skookum Flats section lurks longest in my memory about this event.

One of the benefits of finishing near the back in this race is the big cheer from all your friends when you finally do cross. That was amazing, to see all the smiling faces of my friends, in that 100 yard stretch. What a lift! And so many friends came up to me afterwards, getting my food, chattering. I love the after-race vibe of White River. Thank you ALL! (:

Congrats to all finishers. It never stops being amazing. Seriously. Running a 50 miler is a big deal. So, in particular, I was really happy for my friends Chris, Craig and Justin, who had never ran this distance, and who all knocked this one out large. They were thrilled, and Craig raised a bunch of cash for the Washington Trails Association in the process. And a special congrats too to Shawna, woman’s winner, another Skagit Runner and friend!

Volunteers—wonderful! THANK YOU! Especially you Rich, Jeff, and Laura. And Glenn is amazing too with his photos—really looking forward to seeing those this year, with the mountain looking as it did!

I got to drive down with Dan. Very glad he was there for me, to drive us home. It’s a good 2.5 hour drive from Mount Vernon. And also of note, I got in some terrific trail time with Scott K going up to Corral Pass. Too bad I couldn’t have stuck around for his tailgate party afterwards.

Neil's 50th

2011-07-25T17:48:00.000-07:00

My cousin Neil hit his 50th birthday this past week, and celebrated in fine fashion, as noted above, exiting from the Bouncy Castle. Huge barbq with lots of family and long time friends at his homestead. An absolutely wonderful time, on a beautiful Saturday.

I first met Neil in the early '70s, on a family trip to the Northwest to visit. He taught me how to catch frogs, jump off houses, and take the training wheels off a bike. He is the older brother I never had, and I eventually lived in his house when I moved out here. We backpacked and camped as teens, as a family and in youth group. Tonga Ridge, Teeanaway, Potholes, Whidbey Island, Crescent Bar, Moran State Park-- lots of marvelous outdoor places, where I sometimes now find myself returning via trail running.

Although I see Neil and others in the family on holidays and other occasions, it's never enough. "Don't forget your family!," my aunt clearly reminded me on Saturday.

I've been climbing Chinscraper a bunch in the past week or two. I think it's going to be an all hills diet for me for the next couple months, with some really big hills lined up for September. My ankle isn't 100%, but I decided to sign up for White River, because....well, everybody plays the fool. I'm sure it'll be ok--10 miles at a time, and a fine barbq at the finish.

Surprise Creek Trail Work Party with WTA

2011-07-17T12:31:00.000-07:00

For whatever reason, I had a tough week of recovery from Knee Knackering. Very tight achilles, still tender ankle. Looking at the calendar, I realized I needed to get my trail work* done for Cascade Crest 100 in late August, and this Saturday was the best window.

In case you're reading this and don't know, many 100 milers require a day of trail work as prerequisite for starting. It's a good thing. I've been putting in a day of trail work every year for the last few years, and it's ALWAYS rewarding.

The Washington Trail Association (WTA), one of my favorite charities, had a work party scheduled at Surprise Creek. I try to do my trail work with them, because they are just so cool. I was excited to check out Surprise Creek, as I hiked this trail over 20 years ago--a couple times--and I thought it would be fun to go back and see what was familiar. Back in the '80s, I used to hike Highway 2 and I-90 quite a bit. As it turned out, I did not remember much, in terms of landmarks. I do recall I liked the hike more than most on Highway 2, that there was a lake and a pass, and there were bugs up high. Also, a day trip to the pass was reasonably tough.

The drive up was terrific. I've been sitting on Bruce Springsteen's The Promise for some time now, and this was the drive to finally check it out. The album is an unreleased album from the '70s, with rave reviews. I was soaking it up on the drive to the trailhead, listening to Bruce and the E Street Band, just like the old days when I did this hike before. I used to listen to the Boss a lot on my way to all sorts of places--Yellowstone and the Tetons come to mind. On cassettes, held in wood racks. Clarence Clemons recently passed away--another reason for the renewed listen. Rest in peace, Big Man.

The trailhead for Surprise Creek is about 8 miles east of Skykomish, near Stevens Pass, at a bit of an odd turnoff. We had a small but able crew of Forrest, our WTA trail crew expert, along with Nathan, Craig, Lauren and myself. We hiked in about a mile on a really pleasant trail, with many boardwalks, to our worksite, which was just across Surprise Creek. I carried a culvert all the way in--awkward though light.

We spent the whole day working on a fallen Silver Fir. Most of the morning was spent just trying to cut one section of log and move it about 100 yards. Since we were in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, all our tools were old school--an eight foot crosscut saw, the helpful PV, the pulaskis, loppers, grubhoe, et al. We managed to drop this 750 lb. log in a hole, and then figured out how to skid it out of it. Towards the end of the day, we made real progress with the rest of the tree, cutting it up, skinning it, and moving the logs.

We saw a few hikers go by during the day. They all came back, turned around by the snow. I don't think any of them made it to Surprise Lake, the first of two lakes. There's just a whole lot of snow still up there. I suspect this might impact White River and even Cascade. It's not like it's sunny this weekend.

Knee Knackering

2011-07-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

On Saturday I did the Knee Knackering Trail Run in North Vancouver, a 30 miler aptly described as the “gnarliest” trail run in Canada. I’ve also heard it said that it is the best trail run in Canada, and the "hardest 50k I've done." I’ve known about it for a long time--this turned out to be the year, finally. It was a great experience, despite a challenging day.

The course is a point-to-point, moving west to east on the Baden-Powell Trail, atop and along the mountains that overlook Vancouver--those same mountains which hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. The first half of the course has some very steep pitches, with even some rock climbing, to the tops of Black Mountain and Cypress Mountain. The second half is not quite as steep, but there is still more climbing than I anticipated. It also seems like the second half has more roots and rocks, while the first half this year had miles of snow. They said this was the second biggest snow year ever.

The course is technical. TECHNICAL. This is what they mean by “gnarliest” race. One friend described the course as “a piece of work.” I found it was always something, even in the final miles of the course—stairs, bridges, rock scrambles, roots, rock, ropes, rock fields, rocks. Also, some rocks. I had to always watch my feet. It can be kind of fun, if you’re ready for it, and have the right attitude.

There is also lots of climbing, with over 8000 feet for the day. Roughly the same amount of footage for descents too, but notably, Knee Knacker descents are tough, with non-stop roots, rocks and stairs. Not good for a guy with a weak ankle, which was my situation. And it is on the downhills that I always mess up my ankle. I found myself very protective of said ankle throughout the day, rarely getting any speed going.

The views are extraordinary, of saltwater, islands, big city, even Mount Baker. Hundred mile views, from the top of Black Mountain. Even the finish has a view, of Deep Cove and its pleasant little marina. And the weather was perfect, with blue skies, and enough sun later in the day that I had to pull out the sunscreen. And the volunteers were always so encouraging, and the runners too.

I did not run well. Oh well. I rolled my ankle pretty bad about a week ago, and it is still tender to touch. I also have been really sick—sinus and throat stuff. I left work early a couple times during the week. I had to walk a bunch to guard the bad ankle, and I had no energy to pull from. This isn’t the kind of course for these sorts of issues. But I really wanted to do the race, and I figured I could get through it and take in the Baden-Powell trail and long views from up high. For this, I did endure some moments of misery in the final ten miles.

I spent much of the day in the proximity of friends Marlis, Steve, and Chris. They were awesome and encouraging, despite my tough day, and just brought the right attitude. I also got to hang out with Mike C. on the way to the start. Mike graciously picked up my number the night before, so that I could drive up morning of the race. Not the wisest of strategies, with the just-wrong 1:45 AM alarm, but it worked out well.

Afterwards, I attended the banquet—very worthwhile—and was impressed by the number of 20 and 10 year finishers. Also, I heard there were 250 volunteers for the 200 runners, and they were so supportive during the race. The event is clearly a passion for many. This is a race that’s been around a long time, operates like a well-oiled machine, and has life long supporters. Very glad I finally got to run it, even if I wasn’t up to snuff. I couldn't have asked for a better day to check it out.

A few pics below; more here at this link.

Off The Run, On The Couch

2011-07-05T19:29:00.000-07:00

No big 4th of July runs to report. Last week I was running around the back trails of Lake Padden, and crumbled when my ankle rolled on a half-buried pebble. Total roll, going downhill. It doesn't take much. Then, I got a tetantus shot on Thursday, which was perhaps the wrong time, as I was feeling the first symptoms of a sinus infection. Whatever the case, I didn't feel up to running this weekend, because of low fevers, sinus issues, and the ankle. I did manage to spread three yards of gravel in the front and back, and give the homefront some other much needed attention.

Next weekend I have Knee Knacker in North Vancouver. That should be terrific. A big run at the end of the month. Then, Cascade Crest at the end of August. But looming larger for me is an even bigger plan for the fall. In all, feeling a bit overbooked, and so think I might try to get even more off the race calendar next year, but who knows. Have to avoid hazardous pebbles.

Rock & Roll Seattle Marathon

2011-06-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

I’m so conflicted about the Rock and Roll Seattle Marathon. I love Rock and Roll. Joan Jett said that. I like running with music. I don’t like spending a bunch on a marathon, or running on pavement, generally. I don’t like shuttles or mandatory expos. I don’t really like crowds, but the Rock and Roll Marathon crowd is always a kick.

Despite any reservations I may have, at the end of the day, I always have a good time at the Rock & Roll events. I’ve now done a couple R&R marathons in Seattle, and a couple in San Diego, including the first one. The organization has come a long way since that first one, where they ran out of water at every aid station.

The music: I heard two different bands play “Do you come from a land down under…” One had a violin. They were blasting Boston’s Don’t Look Back at the I-90 bridge turnaround, which I will forever now associate with George Clooney and Men Who Stare At Goats. Everclear was at the finish, I heard, but I sort of missed that. There was this one band in sailor suits with a female lead covering Led Zeppelin’s Rock and Roll. A lot of other great bands, set up about every two miles. The most music is in the first half of the race.

I ran with my friend Keri--running her third R&R Seattle, and I think she got a PR for the marathon, running a great race. I ran sort of easy, but the pounding on pavement beat up my feet by the end of the day. I had a good time taking pictures, high-fiving people, and just chattering. The people watching is terrific.

We had a debate as to which course is better, the Rock and Roll Seattle course, or the Seattle Marathon course. Last time I did the R&R Seattle, I thought it was better, as the mountain was out, and it was a beautiful day. Not so much today, and so now I'm leaning in the direction Keri took, favoring the Seattle Marathon course. I think I go that way because Seattle doesn't require a shuttle bus, which adds a lot of time to the event on both the front and back end. I had to get up at 3:45 to make the race. Too early.

Before the race, I was also unhappy about the "No Exceptions" requirement that persons attend the Expo in person to obtain their number on Thursday or Friday. No family or friends pickups allowed. The Expo closes at 7 PM, which is really tough to get to for someone working on Thursday or Friday (imagine that) in a distant town like Bellingham, especially when they also have to fight game day traffic for baseball in the evening. They made a race day accommodation for me, so props to them for that. I had very real conflicts this particular week for both evenings. But still--a little frustrating.

Weather was overcast for most of the day, with one break in the sun on the bridge. I saw a number of people I know, either running or cheering—congrats and thanks to all. The course itself is not a quick one--there are particularly long uphill stretches on Aurora Avenue around Mile 16 through 20.

R&R was a fine way to get in miles as I train for longer distances for later this year. The event has a really great vibe once out on the course—bands, cheerleaders, Teams in Training, people in their yards with their boom boxes, doing their best Lloyd Doblers for the runners. I’ve always enjoyed the race part of the event. Everything else is a bit of a hassle, but obviously I seem to keep doing it, so I guess these points are tolerable. R&R is also a different animal amongst Northwest races, with so many more participants than other races (20,000+?), and so much on course support. "Cytomax, cytomax." The aid stations are over a 100 yards long sometimes.

Next up is Knee Knacker in North Vancouver. Excited--it is supposed to be a classic, and it has been on my list for a while. I guess it is back to the trails, Canada style.

Counting The Costs

2011-06-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

Ironman New York charged $900 per entry this year, and sold out in 15 minutes. The New York Marathon is now over $200, and maybe one in five get in via lottery. I’m running Rock and Roll Seattle this weekend—they charge $140 or so, unless you register early, in which case you get the “deal” of $90 or so. Sold out months ago. Western States is this weekend too---GOOD LUCK Rich, Monica and other friends—I think that one cost nearly $400. If you're reading this, you probably know about the odds of getting into that one.

On the other end of the spectrum, I ran Lake Youngs Ultra a week or two ago, signing up two days before: $40, which got me aid along the way, a great barbq at the end, and significant goodies to boot. I know the Green River Marathon earlier this month was free, as always, and is rightfully proud of the fact. Lost Lake 50k at $40 is one of the greatest deals on the Planet Known As Earth, considering the trails, the amenities, the RD. Skagit Flats is also a great deal. Waving the flag for the Skagit peeps on the last two a bit, but if you know them, you also know they’re too legit to quit.

OK, so prices of races differ, as does availability. Some races are a total ripoff, others are great deals. What more to say about the inequities in pricing? There is a Latin phrase, "Res Ipso Facto," which means, "the thing speaks for itself," or maybe in rapper terms, it is what it is. And so it is, but I'm going to lay down a few comments about costs just the same.

Now, I try not to run races that I think are a total jip, but this is easier said than done. It seems the bigger the event, both in reputation and racer counts, the higher the cost. Big city events charge more too. Truth be told, I end up paying the higher prices sometimes, rationalizing the purchase with old truisms like “this is my life, we only live once," "it's only money" and "I can afford it.” So, this year I put in for New York, I put in for Western States. I guess despite the price inequity, I’m still buying. I can rationalize with the best of them.

It would be nice if there was more talk was out there about the cost of races. Invoke market forces, Grand Economy. It would be nice if some races dropped their prices--when do you hear about that happening? Maybe make a big deal about it too. "We slash prices." Put some price pressure on these Nordstrom type races. It might be fun to have races use Groupon or auction the entry fees. Sell in bulk, like Costco. The Rainshadow already gives you miles and views in bulk.

For the non-profit races, it would also be nice if race budgets get a little more exposure. Maybe websites could publish budgets, so runners know how much goes for what. There is opportunity to highlight volunteer activity with such things too. Scandals do happen with races--witness the Seattle Marathon's donation PR fiasco of a couple years ago.

One reason I do ultras more these days is that it costs less than marathoning, generally. It’s not the only reason, or the main reason, but it is a consideration. I’ve done many road marathons, but they’re now mostly above $70, with many creeping towards $150.

Meanwhile, many ultras are under $50, and some are free. Ultras often give you a choice and prices break related to shirts. And even when an ultra is more expensive—for example, $195 for Cascade Crest 100, its still usually a great deal, considering the all night aid stations, the big breakfast (in CC's case), search and rescue needs, RD extraordinary efforts, and all the other typical amenities.

So that’s race fees. Travel costs are another thing. This year already I’ve raced in Virginia. Canada too, but that doesn’t really count for budget purposes, since their money is different. But travel can get expensive. I spent a bunch on trips to Colorado, California, Utah, Hawaii, Virginia and New Mexico the past couple years. Money well spent, but I try not to go overboard.

Shoes. I go through lots of them. Socks. Gels. Stinger waffles. Skittles. Jackets, sleeves, hats, water carrying devices. Shorts. I never buy shirts—I have too many of them already. Running clubs. Subscriptions. Yak Trax. Gloves. More socks.

Anyway, the costs all add up. I spend a whole lot more on running than I used to. That’s fine—events, running and friends have a bigger part of my life. I could wrap this post up in some tidy conclusion, saying it’s worth it, etc., and we’ll all live healthily ever after. And maybe that's true.

But I don't wish to obfuscate my real point, which is that I do indeed pay attention to costs when making my recreational decisions. And some races are a ripoff. I’m running one this weekend.

Lake Youngs Ultra

2011-06-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

I ran the Lake Youngs Ultra today, an annual event put on by Arthur and Jenn Martineau down by Lake Youngs in Renton. They do a terrific job, offering a great event at a great price, with a wonderful barbq afterwards. There are always good friends and familiar faces there.

I think this was my third time running the event, and I was content with my time, which was about what I ran the last time I did it, a few years ago. Take that, Age! As if I really set the bar high....Anyway, we had good running weather today, with overcast skies, temps in about the 50s.

I didn't sign up until the last minute, but I realized I needed some good miles, and I wasn't likely to get an adequate amount without the push an event can give. So, I got up early, and left the MV around 5:10, stopping for coffee on the way out, and managed to show up with about 10 minutes before the event. BTW--really liking the new Death Cab for Cutie album, which got me a long way down the road. That, and coffee. My cousin told me today he thought I lived for early morning coffee and long drives to races.

The Lake Youngs course is on a wide trail, circling a lake which is sort of mythical, inasmuch as I don't think it is ever viewable. Three loops of the 9+ mile loop make for the ultra, which I believe comes in at 28.8 miles. Some do more, some do less. There are gentle hills, which get a bit bigger towards the end, and for me a big part of this event is seeing how well I can push through these hills during the last two laps.

Today, the first lap I started slow, in fact starting a minute behind everyone, because I was still getting situated. I didn't feel all that good at first, which seems a little too usual anymore, but seemed to blow through it. I had the shuffle on all day. I ran half the second lap with Mike, who was completing his 12th marathon in as many weeks. The third lap I just kind of plowed through.

A course record was set. Not by me--another guy. As if I really needed to clarify that, but I will say--he was running really smooth, when he lapped me towards the end of my second lap. The burgers at the end were great. Also, the Martineaus had a number of post-race giveaways which were very generous. Smiles all around. Took a bit of a soak in the brrrr baby pool at the finish.

After the race, I stopped in Kirkland in hopes of seeing my cousin's new son, but didn't luck out, but got good catch-up time just the same. Finished the day watching the NCAA Track and Field Championships on taped delay. Pretty cool watching those college teams and athletes go for it.

A lot of events this weekend have my running friends spread out all over. Best wishes to all at Beacon Rock, San Diego, and whereever else the running winds blow.

National Trails Day

2011-06-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

Great weather this weekend--the first days over 70 degrees in roughly 6 months. I probably should've went east early in the morning, but didn't find the motivation for the drive. Instead, I figured I'd work my way around Blanchard a couple times. Turns out I felt sort of sick, or maybe it was adjusting to the weather, but I did not make good time. Perhaps I need events on the schedule a bit more just to keep my miles up. Just going with the flow.

I didn't realize it, but Saturday was National Trails Day, and the Washington State Department of Natural Resources decided to focus its attention on Blanchard Mountain trails. There were more cars at Blanchard then I'd ever seen, and several horse trailers. It was awesome to see the trails filled with trail workers, helping out from several groups, including WIMPS, PNWT Association, Whatcom Backcountry Horsemen, and a hangglider group. Horses were packing gravel in, barbq at the lower parking lot, teams of trailworkers pretty far up in the trail system. I passed between 50 and 75 trail workers, and no fewer than 15 horses.

Thank you to all who volunteered their time, energy and resources to one of my favorite places to run! It means a lot. It also reminds me that I need to put in some time soon for CC.

Chuckanut Calf Cramper

2011-05-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend. After a few busy months--and a particularly busy week which included two Seattle trips--I'm happy to keep things near to home. I might actually clean up the back yard, or start an indoors project, depending how this decidedly undecided weather turns. Maybe I'll crockpot something. Serious domestication.

This morning I participated in a Club Fat Ass event, generously put together by Genissa, named the Chuckanut Calf Cramper. Various route options were available. I started at the North Chuckanut parking lot with seven or eight other souls, and headed up to Raptor Ridge. I was pretty much on my own within 10 minutes, which was fine. I felt horrible--fighting a cold or some other rogue bug. I can run up there, but today it was more hiking, in an occasional light drizzle.

Checked out the view from Raptor Ridge--picture below. Then proceeded to Cedar Lake, which I haven't been to in at least a few years. Boardwalk trails through wetlands were pretty cool. Then over to Pine Lake. The boardwalks there were flooded, due to recent rains. I went for about 50 feet--totally drowned my feet in cold water--then turned around.

Good luck to all my friends in tomorrow's Bellingham Olympics!

Watershed Preserve 12 Hour Run

2011-05-21T20:27:00.000-07:00

I managed to run 38 miles in a little more than 7 hours at the Watershed Preserve 12 Hour Run. I stopped early, because I have a lot to do this weekend yet, and a busy work week, and I just didn't want to feel too beat after the race.

Conditions were really good for running. It was supposed to rain, after our first sunny week of the year, and yet the rain held off as long as I was there. Temps felt like they were in the high 40s, maybe low 50s, and the trail was very soft with wood chips in some places. About 100 runners. The course is a 5+ mile loop on forested trail through the Redmond Watershed Preserve, and rolls comfortably enough. I have in the past done the full 12 hours--that's really kind of fun--especially towards the later hours--and good prep for bigger pursuits.

RDs Chris and Tom do an amazing job with this event, and many old hands/friends were volunteering, making things all the better for everyone. The race has a ton of food. Chris adds a really cool extra touch by giving gifts to all entrants. I chose a book--The Encylopedia of Rabbits and Rodents. I don't know why. I like field guides.

I ran the first 25 miles or so with friend Glen M., while crossing paths with many of the usuals. I started sort of poorly and thought it was going to be a tough day. For whatever reason though, today things seemed to get smoother as the miles went on.

I have no idea when things will work for me and when they won't, but it's just a wonderful feeling when things seem to click and I'm already 20 miles in. Sometimes it's the right song that makes me go. Today I discovered that the opening riff of Steely Dan's Reeling In The Years is gold later in a race. A little bit of Stones Gimme Shelter. U2's Pride (In The Name of Love). Also had the Avett Brothers, Fleetwood Mac, some Nirvana--what I'm trying to say is the shuffle was working well.

Lots of other cool races this weekend. I'm hoping for good times for my friends at Sun Mountain, Jemez, and Bishop High Sierra.

Inspired

2011-05-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

The rain continues to fall. I ran around Blanchard yesterday, a middling effort, and today I'm not particularly anxious to head out. I cracked out a new pair of shoes for Bull Run a month or so ago, and those shoes have lived a miserable existence of mud, streams, and rock. I guess they're supposed to be made for that--they're trail shoes. Whatever--it's been a tough spring in the PNW.

I find myself inspired by my friends of late, many of whom seem to be doing a great job chasing their dreams. This past week, Seth summited Mount Everest, which had me glued to his blog during the workweek. Such a feat initially defies words or description. It's sort of like saying I know someone who happened to fly to the moon last month. One of my cooler life experiences was trekking to Everest Base Camp after I finished school. I am proud of this one, because for a while I shelfed my life to go see how the other half of the world lived, and it wasn't easy. I was really sick afterwards--physically, it's hard to imagine hanging around that area for so long, and then climbing. Congrats Seth--very happy for you, and above all, glad you're safe.

There are others who've just downright amazed me lately. I don't want to write at great length on their achievements, but for example, Shawn managed to pull a sled through the first 350 miles of the Iditarod course. Tony, her husband, then went out and ran nearly 400 miles in a week. People I know of are setting trail records, running Badwater, running Hardrock. Or simply going out and fulfilling a months long training plan and running their first marathon, as with one friend this past weekend.

And then there was a benefit this past week at my law school for an organization called Landesa, which facilitates land tenure in developing countries. The founder has been nominated multiple times for the Nobel Peace Prize, and was honored at this event by Bill Gates Sr. A good friend and classmate of mine was honored that night too for the amazing photos she has taken in places like Rwanda and India, while doing legal work. Really amazing photos, worthy of National Geographic.

After the event, a few of my first year classmates and I got together, enjoyed our mutual company, and also got a sense of what everyone had been doing, and the stories were similarly inspiring--partnerships, kids, military service. Others I know right now are starting or raising families, running for elected office, going into self-employment, finishing professional schooling, building their own house, moving to a foreign country, or making other such big moves. Lots of challenges being taken on, lots of changes going on.

I am fortunate to know amazing people. Amazing in character, amazing in deeds. They inspire me, and it seems particularly moreso in the last few months, but to what goal for myself I'm just not sure. I have no plans to go summit Everest, as cool as that would be. And my personal satisfaction won't be simply measured in the miles or kilometers I run. I just know that of late I find myself restless, fishing within myself a little bit more for those changes and goals that will inspire me, both in the present and for the long-term.

Lost Lake 50k+

2011-05-08T16:06:00.000-07:00

Lost Lake 50k was wet and muddy this year. Really wet and muddy. I had mud on my face at the finish, and my shorts were caked, from sliding down the hill by the Lost Lake waterfall. My shoes have their own room right now. My socks didn’t make it.

My most lasting memories will probably be the wind spitting rain at me while going up Chinscraper. Also, slipping and sliding in the mud around the Lost Lake waterfall and back up the makeshift trail that once was Overlander. Always muddy, the course turned into a grad school course in Soils once we got to Lost Lake.

I did the early start, along with friend Rich. Early start, early done. We totally nailed a high-five right before RD Alvin said go. We ran together until Two Dollar Bill, after which I fell apart. That’s about 1.4 miles in. Oh well. There’s a hill there, and I do my own thing. Takes me a while to warm up. And this course has a lot of hills. I think it is 8200 feet of climbing. Also, the course is actually 34 miles.

It rained steady the first three hours. Not a good rain. The kind of rain that gets into everything, with a sideways wind. Times this year seemed to be about a half hour slower than the last two years, probably due to conditions. It was hard to dial in what to wear—I ran in an OR Seattle Sombrero, orange vest, blue sleeves, and then another jacket at times. Pretty much a fashion disaster, but it seemed to work.

There was this new section after Lost Lake, about 29 miles in, with steep steps cut in the mud. Alvin, Terry, and everyone put in a lot of trail work here--I was very impressed. It was a whole new trail, for quite a ways. That said, it was a tough and somewhat deflating section, because of all the climbing, sometimes with your hands, and the slipping, the sliding.

This year there was even more drinking water out on the course, with self-serve jugs left in strategic locations. I went with only one bottle, and it worked fine. Friend Mike and I climbed together up the Pine and Cedar trail—that was great catching up time. Bonked from Lost Lake to the last aid station, but always kept moving, and finished fine. Maybe I could’ve went faster, or been more ready, but overall, I’m content with the effort. A day on the trail.

I hung out a long time afterwards with friends at the wonderful post-race barbq in the Clayton Beach parking lot. Recovery comes fast, with good burgers and soup, while talking trails, runs and other stuff. Also, worth noting—a great shirt, a finisher cup, a finisher coin, the aid stations, and the barbq—it all makes a really great value for the registration fee.

Thank you Alvin, Skagit Rs, Terry, Delores, Shawna, Joe, Heather, Kevin, Jamie, Stan, Jon, and everyone else. You are awesome!

Bat Caves

2011-04-30T18:58:00.000-07:00

Lots of races this weekend, with friends running at Capitol Peak, Eugene, Vancouver, California, and who knows where else. Good luck and congrats to all! I stayed home, with intentions of working on work, maybe getting some stuff done around the home, and just in general hitting the reset button. I've been going too many directions the past few months. Next week will be Lost Lake, which will be hard and probably a little more than I want, but it'll keep me honest, and the trails are always good.

I decided to run around Blanchard today. A few pics here. Midway up the Last Big Climb, I took a left and checked out the bat caves for a bit. It was wet and too slippery for anything too venturous, but I peaked in a few caves. I haven't been there in a while, and I've never really gone inside any of the caves. I found some ropes for dropping in, but it didn't seem like a good idea. I'm sure there are bats, which is sort of interesting, but it was slippery and it was just me.

Weather has been really tough this spring, moreso than I can remember. We've had late snows over the past few years, but the weather has consistently been rainy and colder than usual. I'm going to have an extra month of heating bills this year.

Big Beaver Valley

2011-04-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

I went out to the Big Beaver Valley behind Ross Lake yesterday, which is becoming an annual thing for me. One of my favorite places, and my first trip into the North Cascades since last fall. I was excited all week just to make that drive up.

I got up early to go—5:30 AM, and by 6:00 I had received a ticket from the Washington State Patrol. C'mon. And...it's not like I was going that fast---the citation is for *5 MPH* over the speed limit!—he said he had me going 65 in a 55, at 5:50 AM on an empty road. I haven’t had a ticket in 20 years!! He was even coming the other way. I spent way too much time on the trail thinking about whether to contest and how. And now here I am blogging about it. Maybe it's good to be angry about something sometimes.

So anyway, this is usually a pretty easy 22+ mile out and back. I’ve done it many times. Yesterday was more of a challenge though, as the trail isn’t clear yet, and there is still snow on the last few miles to the old growth cedar grove up Big Beaver. Trees down everywhere—I counted 109 trees which I stepped over or crawled under going out. Most were small, but there were 13 even before the dam. Kind of interesting to see how tough winter is on a trail. I’m sure they’ll be cleared soon. The trail up Big Beaver Valley is actually pretty clear, but for snow and mud.

And the snow isn’t that bad, passable, but the last two or three miles to the old growth cedar grove involved falling a bit. Tough and slower than I would’ve liked. At first it is no big deal, but then the shins start getting cut by the ice, and you grab a pricker bush for stability, etc. There's a cumulative effect. But I made it, and it was indeed worth it, just to see the snow melt around the ancient trees I know well, and to watch the quiet of the wetlands in early spring. It might be interesting to snowshoe there some time, maybe next year.

The weather was perfect, 60+ degrees, with picture blue skies, and real UV radiation on the neck. Maybe the best day of spring so far, way too late in coming. And the trail was empty going out—not a car in the parking lot when I showed up. Highway 20 is still closed, right at the trailhead. I only saw one pair of backpackers the whole day. I didn’t run great—not a lot of snap to my steps, a bit of a tight hamstring. It was plenty of a workout, hopping trees and scrambling through snow.

Ross Lake is a beautiful reservoir, and the water levels are down right now, and so I explored a bit near the mouth of Beaver Creek, something I haven’t done in a long time. Fields of stumps from where the land was logged before the river was dammed, creeks cutting through sand. I kiled a good 45 minutes wandering around, looking at animal tracks, rocks, and stumps. I live on the edge.

The mountains were out in spectacular fashion. The snow is still deep in the high country. The valley is in a bit of a winter-spring conflict, with skunk cabbage sprouting next to melting snow banks. It’ll look different next week. And so it goes.

Saw a coyote on the way up, in a field. A deer, and some elk, on the way back. Annie’s Pizza on the way home.

A few pics below, more pics here.

Tulip Festival

2011-04-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

Tulips are in bloom in Skagit now. I imagine they'll be out a little while longer. Crowds are tough, but I shot out into the valley tonight around 7:30, and there weren't many folks around. I think a weeknight after 6 or early in the morning is probably the way to go. I missed the Street Fair this weekend, but hope to hit the salmon barbq one of these days.

I spent Saturday up at Western coordinating a clinic on citizenship. Great working with students and other volunteers. Afterwards, I toured the back trails of Lake Padden, which was basically a mudhop. I could still feel the effect of running fifty last weekend, in the quads and knees. My recovery time isn't what I'd like it to be--I think I need to be spending more time in yoga or just stretching. Some of it might be just jet lag from flying back--I was zonked. On Sunday I went and ran around the Nookachamps valley a bit--standard loop. The running was not effortless, but ok.

Hopefully I get out this week for a few good evening runs. The days are getting longer--time for the occasional eveing push up Max's Shortcut or Chin.

Bull Run Run 50m

2011-04-10T14:17:00.000-07:00

I had the great pleasure of running the Bull Run Run 50 miler in Virginia on Saturday. Pleasure and pain, I should say. I haven't ran a 50 miler since last year. I ran ok, finishing middle of the pack, though I definitely have run stronger. Sometimes you have to throw yourself out there and see what happens, or at least that's my theory.

Bull Run is special. I believe I read that it is the Virginia Happy Trails Running Club's oldest race, and one of the older trail runs in the country. Terrific club--I got to meet a few of their stalwarts, some of whom will be coming west in August for Cascade.

All day there were positive vibes in the air--hellos and smiles on the out and backs, great cheers and support from the aid stations. Very encouraging. There was even fresh pizza at the 32.5/35.5 aid station! And they gave me an ice cream sandwich at the end--I have never tasted one so good. Finishers received a terrific Patagonia half-zip, which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Bull Run.

The Battle of Bull Run was the first major land battle of the Civil War. As a kid, when I grew up in Virginia, we went to Bull Run and carried out a little reenactment of the battle between the North and South. I died, taking a Nerf Ball to the shoulder, during an all out charge. In this race, you have to declare your affiliation and you can sign up to be on teams for either side. All good fun.

The course itself is beautiful, and we had perfect running weather. Spring is one of the best times of year to be back east, as the famous Virginia bluebells are in bloom, along with all sorts of other foliage. The course meanders along different creeks, called "runs," like Bull Run. The trail is single track, with flowers to the sides, and brown leafs on the ground. Topographically, the course ascends and descends frequently, and in the aggregate is probably 4 or 5k in elevation gain, as per one Garmin report I saw. The up and down wore on me after a while. Not too technical, though there are a few spots.

The course goes south of the battlefield to begin with, on a 17 mile out and back. The mud factor was high, with every step requiring that little extra pull to raise the feet. It rained a lot the day before, like a monsoon. The rain can be really mean here. There was a busted bridge we had to cross early on that was a real hazard. I slipped crossing it, and had to crawl to reach the other side. Someone else went all in. There were also a number of creek crossings--the feet got wet.

The second half of the race was drier, and would've allowed for more speed, if I had it. The course wanders over nobs and by muddy waterways, through deciduous trees, and across the green battlefield. The sound of muzzelloaders going off could be heard, probably as part of some reenactment drill. They make this loud crack, that kind of hangs in the air, and if a bunch of them go off, it is really something. This added that extra little flavor of history to the run, Stephen Crane style. I think the protagonist in his book ran, away, and then later returned to fight.

Toward the end of the out and back, at Mile 32.5, there was a little three mile loop, called the Do Loop, I think. A little up and down affair, over every possible ridge. I bonked here, and lost a lot of ground on my time. After that, I just kind of sucked it up and finished the event, frequently walking, running when I had it.

One thing that made the event particularly special for me is my sister Anne came out with her fiancee, both locals, and supported me as they could. This was my first time meeting John, and we got to spend some time together, between the start and the wonderful barbq afterwards. Add to that the time I've spent with the rest of my family, a little bit of work and visits with friends, and it has been a wonderful visit.

Jim Bailey

2011-04-03T15:08:00.000-07:00

On Thursday I had the privilege of hearing Jim Bailey speak regarding his experience of running the first sub-four minute mile on U.S. soil. The event, hosted by the GBRC, was very entertaining, and a whole lot of club members showed up.

On May 5th, 1956, Bailey knocked out the 6th sub-four minute mile ever, and 1st on American soil, down at the LA Coliseum as part of a USC-UCLA track meet. I think he said his previous best was a 4:05, and although he was certainly fast, the sub-4 and the win over John Landey was unexpected. We got to watch old film footage of the race, and the man came out of nowhere on the backstretch to catch Landey, who had been leading. There were 40,000 people in the stands.

Both Bailey and Landey are Australians. Bailey apparently was a brash roughneck of sorts, to hear him tell it, while Landey was the crowd favorite. Bailey said he can relate more to the runners in Chariots of Fire than to the incredible runners and their training today. He also ran for the University of Oregon, and it was interesting to hear him describe his own experiences of Bill Bowerman, who was a much younger coach when he was there. Not quite the legend he later became.

Bailey answered questions about spikes, cinder tracks, training, and his racing history. He was ever amusing and entertaining, and somewhat wistful I suppose about his relationship with his native Australia, which really didn’t take to his comments after winning over Landey.

Blaine Newnham of the Seattle Times wrote a great little profile on Bailey roughly five years ago, which tells more details. Here's a link.

Off to run.

Jackson Browne

2011-03-27T19:51:00.000-07:00

Jackson Browne is one of my very faves. I've been listening to him since I was a little kid, when I first heard him sing on the late '70s No Nukes album. Running On Empty is hard to beat for a running song, or for driving state to state, cassette in the deck. Jackson is in the Rock Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and his music is widely covered. He co-wrote Take It Easy, which the Eagles made famous. Just the same, he doesn't seem to be quite as well known now as he used to be.

On Saturday, I caught him on his solo acoustic tour at the Queen Elizabeth in Vancouver. Pretty special for me. I've seen him once before, with his band, at the Gorge, back when the Gorge was more of a pilot project. That was a rock show. This show was just him, unaccompanied, with a row of guitars to choose from, and a keyboard, taking requests from the crowd, talking about his songs and causes. He's very much the activist--always has been. Greenpeace. Nukes. Plastic. Surfing. 2.5 hours, with an intermission, a dark stage, with a single spotlight.

The setlist included all the classics, and it might've been a snoozer if you didn't know his songs, since his band wasn't there. Drums and bass help, and his songs are particularly meditative and melancholic sometimes. Since I do know them though, it was about as good as it gets. And 5th row seats! Seeing a rock star at age 63 handle himself so well seemed instructive on how to age with grace professionally.

Chuckanut

2011-03-20T14:34:00.000-07:00

I really looked forward to not running Chuckanut this past week. Usually I do run the event, and it is always a great early-year measure of fitness. RDs Krissy, Ellen and their crew put together an amazing event, with smiles everywhere to be seen. Chuckanut was my very first ultra. This year, I opted instead to run two 50ks earlier in the month, and then take the opportunity to watch the "track meet" which this race has become, and volunteer as needed. I've never really done this.

I showed up around 7:30 AM and chattered with friends before the start. Good pre-race chatter. Great weather--a little wind, no rain, 40s during the day, a little cold at the start. Once everyone took off, friend Rich and I zipped down to Aid Station 1, aka Dean's Place, to watch the leaders come through. Thereafter, we grabbed the Topeka Scramble at Tony's, and then rushed back to Clayton Beach to watch the leaders come through again. And then off to the finish.

It's amazing how fast the leaders were, with 10 persons under 4 hours and new course records for both men and women. The whole thing was VERY fun to watch unfold, and had us racing up and down Chuckanut Drive in the morning, just to see the leaders come through at different locations. It was exciting.

Later in the day I worked the walkie talkie, calling in the numbers of finishers, and watching the runners come around the last corner to the finish. I really enjoyed this too. I've had my tough days and good ones at C-nut, and I know the wonderful feeling you get coming around that *last* corner towards Fairhaven Park, no matter how you've ran. Especially for the first-timers, of which there are many in this race. My first year I "ran" with a sprained ankle, determined to finish no matter how slow or bad (and I was both), after signing up and backing out for different reasons the previous two years.

Pics mostly of volunteer friends below, as well as the winners finishing. More photos of the race at this link.

Gorge Waterfalls 50k

2011-03-13T18:32:00.000-07:00

I had a great time at the the brand new Gorge Waterfalls 50k on Saturday. At the start, James said it may well be the most beautiful 50k in the U.S. It is as gorgeous as any I've run. Simply spectacular, really.

The course is point-to-point, about an hour east of Portland, and includes a shuttle bus in the morning from the finish to the start line. Since I stayed in Portland with Rich, it was an early rise to get to the start. Beware of the Chevron gas station, midway, that advertises low gas prices, but has a fine print sign below that says the price is applicable "with car wash." Music was Talking Heads "Take Me To The River" and Drive By Truckers "Lookout Mountain."

So, you start the race. The trail climbs up and down the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge, from Wahkeena Falls east to Wyeth Campground. There is a big 1500 foot climb right at the start. I pretty much walked this, very much towards the back. For the day, probably somewhere between 5000 and 6000 feet elevation gain, and equal amount of loss. So, a fair amount of up and down.

Waterfalls everywhere. Unreal. There are probably 20 waterfalls in the first third of the course alone, some very big. You run by them on narrow trails, maybe over a little footbridge, and then do it again, and again. One waterfall you run behind, as in the picture below. I brought a camera, but it didn't do the greatest job, Casio. There should have been a division for finishers with cameras, and those without, because if you had one, you had to stop and try to take pics.

Rocky single track. Sometimes very rocky, the kind of trail where the rocks eat ankles. Sometimes it is cliff running, with steep falloffs to the left. I worried a bit about catching a toe, because you could fall a long way, sometimes. The Columbia River was frequently in view.

James and his crew simply did an amazing job. He picked a great place for a run, and then totally delivered, with great markings, support, and a post-race fire with finisher cowbell to boot. Every finish line should always have a cowbell--well done.

I spent the first 10 miles in tourist mode, stopping to take pictures liberally. When the rain kicked in--and it really did--I started to pick it up. My hamstrings stayed tight most the day, but I was able to move faster for the last 20. My time was already scorched, but The Course made sure I got a good workout just the same. This is a pretty tough course, for all its natural beauty. I think it is basically an hour slower than Chuckanut.

I had to be in Portland for work, and so the race was a natural for me to do. Pretty cool to see that so many other friends made it, including the Skagit crowd. Glad I caught up with Seth, who is going to be gone for a while. And there was a wonderful little celebration involving the world's biggest bag of Skittles. And really good cookies at the Finish Line.

Invest In Youth 6 Hour Fund Run

2011-03-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Several good event options yesterday, including a Honeywagon in the north and a Hillbilly in the south. I really love the Honeywagon, but this year I opted for another favorite, Kendall’s annual YMCA Invest In Youth 6 Hour Run on the Centennial Trail in Snohomish.

The course is a simple 2.5 mile out and back, for five mile loops. I stayed out there the full six hours, clocking a very casual 33 miles. It's fun to stick it out to the end with these timed events, to max out the distance on the last-hour shorter loops. Great weather--maybe the best all year---except for a rogue 10 minute hail storm, where the hail just seemed to attack me, bouncing off my arms, indignant. I just kept going, locked into my tunes.

The first two laps I ran with TC, where I got more info on Shawn’s most excellent Alaskan adventure. One later lap with Dave Dutton, just back from a wonderful recovery from eye surgery. Amazing stories, good company.

Stan on the clipboard, tracking lap counts. Kendall running with his daughter, and then later minding the soup and making those famous Mile 67 grilled cheesers. Alex Swenson and Tim Stroh, knocking out the big miles in 1-2 fashion. They probably lapped me twice. Encouraging hellos roughly 15 times with friends like Steve and Rob, as we’d pass each other going and coming. It’s sort of amusing the different variants on hello you develop, all in good spirit.

The registration fee is fully donated to the YMCA. I really like the YMCA, because they do a ton of good work in the community, especially for the kids. I’ve been a member in Bellingham for a long time, which has acquainted me more with the organization’s good works. Our YMCA has an amazing amount of community support.

Next up-the Gorge Waterfalls run.

Skagit Centennial 100-Mile Run

2011-03-03T10:30:00.000-08:00

Here's a great story about a legendary event, held on July 16, 1983, in the Skagit Valley.

Runners Go The Distance

Nineteen runners entered and started Saturday from Cascade Pass but only six finished the first-ever Skagit County Centennial 100-mile run this past weekend.

Among those six were the Skagit County delegation of Stan Nakashima and Roberto Garcia, third and fifth place finishers respectively.

Garcia, bothered in the last 20 miles of the race by a swollen knee and blisters “on every toe I have,” had a compelling reason to finish the race.

“I told the newspaper I’d finish,” said Garcia of Mount Vernon. “Me and Stan were together until the West Mount Vernon Bridge and I told him to go on. He thought I might quit.

“Stan said, ‘you have to finish-you told the newspaper.’ I thought about quitting but I couldn’t.”

Garcia, who had never before run a race longer than a marathon, said he walked the last 20 miles but he still finished in 23 hours and 18 minutes.

The winner, Steve Barr of Victoria, British Columbia, ran all the way in. He finished in 16 hours, nine minutes and 50 seconds – at approximately 3:30 A.M.

“I ran the Western States run three weeks ago and I was a little slower then,” Barr said. “The Western States is Squaw Valley to Auburn, California –cross country through the Sierra Mountains.

“This was a little easier – but not too easy.”

Barr allowed that he got enough fuel along the way – “plenty of food and 24 beers.”

Come again? Beer? Doesn’t the alcohol take something out of a runner?

“No, I don’t get drunk,” Barr assured. “In a race like this you don’t run that fast – about an eight minute mile. And I don’t like pop or anything sweet. I drank some water, too.”

“It was a little warm out but it could’ve been worse. There was a cool breeze.”

Dallas Kloke, the race organizer, suggested that Barr’s time might be one of the fastest in the country this year.

“Hope so,” Barr said. He predicted he wold be able to walk normally again in a couple days and resume running in a couple more.

Ike Fesler of Lake Stevens finished second in 20 hours and 56 minutes – at the more reasonable hour of about 8:15. Nakashima, of Lake McMurray, powered mostly by water, placed third in 21 hours and 11 minutes.

“I just wanted to break 24 hours,” Nakashima said. “My left foot got swollen and in the last eight mile to the finish it hurt bad. But I wasn’t going to quit.

“I don’t know if I’m going to do this any more. I’m glad it’s over.”

Nakashima meant he was not planning any more 100-mile races. He did say he plans to enter this weekend’s Capital City Marathon – only 26 miles 385 yards – and may run in the upcoming Skagit County Centennial 83-mile relay as a solo entry.

“I’m not sure about that one yet,” he said. We’ll see how I recover. Now I fell terrible. I went to visit someone afterward and sat down on the porch and it was real tough to get up.”

Nakashima said he alternated running and walking, with more walking toward the end of the race.

“The last five miles were really tough because there was a lot of hills (on Highway 20 to Deception Pass),” he said.

Kloke said he was happy for the two Skagit County runners.

“Only four of these guys had ever run 100 miles before and a lot of them found out it was a logt tougher than it seemed,” Kloke said. “But these two guys have got guts. They don’t have talent compared to Steve (Barr) and there were other better runners who dropped out.

“But they (Nakashima and Garcia) gutted it out.”

Garcia did not seem inclined to rush out and enter another 100-mile race soon – if ever.

“It’s painful,” he said Sunday evening. “I don’t know if I’ll do it again. I think I’ll run more marathons.”

But Garcia was still satisfied that he had finished – fifth or whatever.

“Like I told Stanley – I just started running this year,” Garcia said. “They tell you if you’ve never run a marathon you should train six months and I did in three.

“I’ll feel better by Wednesday or so. But I’m not going to work the first couple of days this week.”

The fourth-place finisher was Skip Kilgore of Long Beach, Washington. He ran the course in 22 hours and four minutes. At about 1:30 Sunday afternoon, the race’s oldest entry – Harrison Smith, 56, of Redding California – became the sixth place finisher.

“He spent the night in a motel in Mount Vernon,” Kloke said. “Then he got up in the morning and finished. He called about 1:30 or 2 in the afternoon.”

Two other runners reported in with incomplete results. John Prewitt of Salem, Oregon, ran 80- miles before dropping out and Jim Phillips of Tacoma madie it 66-and-a-half miles.

“The rest of them I guess were too pooped and didn’t call in,” Kloke said.

“I don’t know if we’ll do this again,” he added. “IT was mostly for the centennial. We’ll see.”

Skagit County Centennial 100-Mile Run

1^st – Steve Barr (16:09:50); 2^nd – Ike Fesler (20:56:00); 3^rd – Stan Nakashima (21:11:00); 4^th – Skip Kilgore (22:04:00); 5^th – Roberto Garcia (23:18); 6^th – Harrison Smith (time not available). Other results: John Prewitt (finished 80 miles); Jim Phillips (finished 66 ½ miles).

Woolley Trail Runs 50k

2011-02-19T18:53:00.000-08:00

The effort to get in shape continues. Probably should stop eating some food groups, like the junk food group. In the meantime, I'm going to try to bump up the distance, and hopefully the weather will get better, and the world will be filled with happiness.

Today I ran the Woolley Runs 50k, a Terry Sentinella production. Thank you Terry and your all star cast of volunteers. It occurred to me that at least half the volunteers, all very cool peeps, are 100 miler finishers. That's sort of zaney. Everyone smiled so well--it seemed like there was a lot of good will out there on this day. Again, thanks!

It was pretty cold at the start--I probably could see my breath. The hills have snow on them, and I never took off my lightweight jacket. Over 100 people showed up. Chip timing. Cool coins to the finishers. Three different distances. Barbq at the finish. $25.

The course is flat. Really flat. On the drive home I realized there wasn't even a dip on this course. Not one. A cool little stretch of stream crossing, where the feet did get wet. The course starts in Sedro-Woolley and goes upriver to Birdsview (near the Baker Lake turnoff). And back. Four aid stations times two.

I loved it. It was a gorgeous day, with the beautiful river, icy creeks, many bridges, horses and buffalo, good friends and new friends.

I ran ok. Six minutes slower than last year, and I didn't stop at the Tavern this year. I was more focused by this time last year, and so I'll take it, and just keep at it. Music on the way back helped--haven't been doing that lately. Random on the shuffle leads to weird mixes, like Rage, Linkin Park, and then LeAnn Womack.

Desert Island Discs

2011-02-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

"Greatest Hits", "Anthologies", and "Collections" (Gold, Essential, Platinum, or otherwise) are not allowed on desert islands. Compilations and Box Sets are out too. They drowned. Live albums are very suspect.

Also, there are no ipods or ipads on the Island—only a record player with two big speakers purchased from a van in the back of a Safeway parking lot. You use the speakers as a raft to save you from the wreckage of your submarine, and to escape Charles Widmore. Unfortunately, you had to use Abbey Road and Revolver as paddles.

So, here are the records that made it:

Rumours –Fleetwood Mac
Car Wheels on A Gravel Road-Lucinda Williams
Full Moon Fever-Tom Petty
Fox Confessor Brings the Flood-Neko Case
Running On Empty-Jackson Browne
Blood On The Tracks-Bob Dylan
The Woods-Sleater-Kinney
Pet Sounds-The Beach Boys
Parallel Lines-Blondie
Teaser and the Firecat-Cat Stevens

Note: I may or may not have a second desert island, just like they had in Lost.

Fever

2011-02-12T19:17:00.000-08:00

Whenever I hear the word "fever" I think of the old Peggy Lee song. Or Bieber Fever, lately. Unfortunately, it seems I have a real live fever this weekend, and it officially sucks. It's pretty rare that I don't go out and do some sort of run or hike on a Saturday, but today I was parked with a book next to a heater.

The book, Deepness in the Sky, was sort of lame. It is a sci-fi paperback where this evolving race of spiders outthinks two different human races--some Space Nazis and some Space Peddlers. I can't believe I stuck with this schlock to the end, but it was a Hugo Award Sci-Fi book of the year ten or fifteen years ago, and it started out ok. Since I seem to be wasting the day away, I'll probably watch Machete next. I've heard good things.

I felt my present ill sickness coming on around last Tuesday. Depsite the symptoms--swollen glands, dry mouth--I went ahead and ran nine or so in 30 degree weather. Probably a dumb move. However, I am so ready to start pushing the mileage up. Apparently the body and the weather are not cooperating. Thursday was a tough day in the office, coughing violently and yet trying to tend to necessary matters. Friday was marginally better.

On the subject of pneumonia, I read this really really amazing piece in the New Yorker from about a month ago. Joyce Carol Oates is a well known, prolific writer-- I believe the in-residence writer at Princeton (sort of like Einstein was there for math). She wrote a "Personal History" for the magazine (my favorite, btw), and it was about her husband of forty years. Basically, he didn't feel good one day, and he went to the hospital, and a respiratory infection type complication caused his heart to stop about a week later. When I started reading, I thought it was a fiction, as that's what Oates writes. It was a powerful piece--one of the most memorable articles I've read in the magazine in twenty years.

Not that I have this kind of worry. But, as much as I want to run this weekend, you got to know when to hold them, and know when to fold them. Kenny Rogers said that. So I'm staying home and watching Robert Rodriguez movies and reading bad books.

Maybe I'll sneak around a mountain tomorrow.

Orcas Island 50k

2011-02-06T18:57:00.000-08:00

Tough race, gorgeous place. I think what I like most about the Orcas Island 50k is how excited everyone gets about it. All the Facebook posts and tweets, the emails--there's just a lot of good energy leading up to the race, sort of like kids awaiting Christmas. As usual, James and his crackerjack team of AS operators did a great job in making it a fun and challenging event for everyone. And I use the term "event" purposely--Orcas is more than a race or run--it's a bit of a gathering.

Lots and lots of tough climbs, as expected. Maybe 8k in climb, 33 miles? The powerlines in particular were "special." I struggled most of the day. I didn't come to the event with enough focus or fitness. The fitness will come, sort of, as I suppose I'm now suitably motivated. The focus comes and goes for me. I suppose I'll have to pick an event where I try to get from the start to the finish as fast as I can someday. It wasn't going to be yesterday.

The weather was kind of funky on Saturday. The temps were probably in the 40s, but felt pretty cold at times, and especially near the top of Mt. Constitution. I eventually pulled out my light windbreaker and gloves at the Mountain Lake waterstation, and I felt a lot better thereafter. Sometimes I need to pay attention more to when I'm uncomfortable. Focus.

I spent good times with lots of great peeps. Dan and I went over together Saturday morning, meeting in MV before 5. A gathering of friends on the ferry ride over. A last minute decision to do the early start, which I really like. I ran the first few miles with Mike C., and later with Scott K. (great stories) and Tracy, and later yet with Craig and Roger, going up the Mountain.

Leaders started passing me somewhere soon after the first aid station. Soon after that, I wasn't all into conversation, but even when I was unhappy with the body, or whatever, I found a lot to be happy with in the trails. Beautiful finish around Cascade Lake, including the backside loop.

Afterwards, lots of great times with friends, burritos, a fire, and then a later ferry ride home.

More pics here.

Seattle Arboretum

2011-01-29T19:55:00.000-08:00

Like many, I was reminded of the Space Shuttle Challenger accident on Friday, the 25th anniversary of the event. In 1986, Madonna, Prince and Springsteen LP records were selling big in the AV Department of the Kingsgate Safeway, where I worked. They also had a cassette rack, and I got my dual tape cassette answering machine there. I worked the morning shift, and watched the disaster on the television, live.

Today I happened to read Ronald Reagan’s speech after the fact, which was given in lieu of the scheduled State of the Union address. It is a remarkable piece of American oratory. Reagan had a way about him--he just had an amazing presence. I liked this: “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.”

I came across Reagan’s speech in a book I purchased at the UW Bookstore, after running my old standard Seattle Arboretum loop in the University of Washington area. This is a loop I used to run nearly every day, rain and shine, when I lived in Seattle, over 12 years ago.

Basically, I start at Roosevelt and 42nd, take a left at Eastlake Romio’s Pizza, run through the neighborhoods to the Arboretum, and then do a big circle in there. After I come out, I find my way over to the Montlake Cut—there’s a trail right on the cut-and then over to the UW and back via the Burke Gillman or through the UW.

I haven’t ran this loop in more than ten years. Running it today was like seeing an old friend. I got a big smile out of rediscovering the old moss-covered footbridge into the Arboretum, a familiar set of stone stairs to a gazebo, and a few of my "secret” cut-through trails. I used to run this loop so hard, checking my watch as I tried to hit certain marks—a half hour to Point A, 45 minutes to Point B, etc. This loop got me ready for my first marathon.

Now I have different loops. Blanchard. Sehome Hill. Nookachamps. But I still do the same things. I have new secret trails, my own sets of stairs and hills, and other various mandatory route-requirements, like summiting the lookout tower on Sehome or being sure to say hi to the cows in the Nookachamps. All personal routines, they ground me. And I still listen to Madonna, Prince and Springsteen, sometimes. But now I have the new Katy Perry.

Here’s Reagan’s speech on the Challenger:

Ladies and Gentlemen, I’d planned to speak to you tonight to report on the state of the Union, but the events of earlier today have led me to change those plans. Today is a day for mourning and remembering. Nancy and I are pained to the core by the tragedy of the shuttle Challenger. We know we share this pain with all of the people of our country. This is truly a national loss.

Nineteen years ago, almost to the day, we lost three astronauts in a terrible accident on the ground. But, we’ve never lost an astronaut in flight; we’ve never had a tragedy like this. And perhaps we’ve forgotten the courage it took for the crew of the shuttle; but they, the Challenger Seven, were aware of the dangers, but overcame them and did their jobs brilliantly. We mourn seven heroes: Michael Smith, Dick Scobee, Judith Resnik, Ronald McNair, Ellison Onizuka, Gregory Jarvis, and Christa McAuliffe. We mourn their loss as a nation together.

For the families of the seven, we cannot bear, as you do, the full impact of this tragedy. But we feel the loss, and we’re thinking about you so very much. Your loved ones were daring and brave, and they had that special grace, that special spirit that says, "give me a challenge and I’ll meet it with joy." They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths. They wished to serve, and they did. They served all of us.

We’ve grown used to wonders in this century. It’s hard to dazzle us. But for twenty-five years the United States space program has been doing just that. We’ve grown used to the idea of space, and perhaps we forget that we’ve only just begun. We’re still pioneers. They, the member of the Challenger crew, were pioneers.

And I want to say something to the schoolchildren of America who were watching the live coverage of the shuttle’s takeoff. I know it is hard to understand, but sometimes painful things like this happen. It’s all part of the process of exploration and discovery. It’s all part of taking a chance and expanding man’s horizons. The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave. The Challenger crew was pulling us into the future, and we’ll continue to follow them.

I’ve always had great faith in and respect for our space program, and what happened today does nothing to diminish it. We don’t hide our space program. We don’t keep secrets and cover things up. We do it all up front and in public. That’s the way freedom is, and we wouldn’t change it for a minute. We’ll continue our quest in space. There will be more shuttle flights and more shuttle crews and, yes, more volunteers, more civilians, more teachers in space. Nothing ends here; our hopes and our journeys continue. I want to add that I wish I could talk to every man and woman who works for NASA or who worked on this mission and tell them: "Your dedication and professionalism have moved an impressed us for decades. And we know of your anguish. We share it."

There’s a coincidence today. On this day 390 years ago, the great explorer Sir Francis Drake died aboard ship off the coast of Panama. In his lifetime the great frontiers were the oceans, and a historian later said, "He lived by the sea, died on it, and was buried in it." Well, today we can say of the challenger crew: Their dedication was, like Drake’s, complete.

The crew of the space shuttle Challenger honored us by the manner in which they lived their lives. We will never forget them, nor the last time we saw them, this morning, as they prepared for the journey and waved goodbye and "slipped the surly bonds of earth" to "touch the face of God."

Mount Eerie

2011-01-22T20:32:00.000-08:00

Mount Baker from Mount Eerie in Anacortes

Sometimes steep trail

Sign describing top of the hill

Whidbey Island in distance, Lake Campbell in foreground

There must be some kind of way out of here...

Mount Constitution to the right

It took forever for me to get out today, but the weather cleared up, and I finally pushed myself out to Anacortes. My ankle still hurts, and the trails were very wet, so the best I could do was keep moving, but I got up to Mount Eerie, and explored a few trails.

When I was younger, people used to tell me that witchcraft is practiced on Mount Eerie at night. I have no idea if this is true, but the rumor always stuck with me. For what it's worth, I passed people doing rituals on Mt. Si a few times in the 1980s. Strange things go on in the mountains sometimes.

Me and My Ankle

2011-01-19T13:33:00.000-08:00

“Me and My Uncle” is an old Grateful Dead song, about a trip gone wrong on the Goodnight Loving Trail. The song was written by the infamous John Philips, a full blooded loser, who made it big with the Mamas and Papas ("California Dreamin'"). Judy Collins first sang it, and there's a Joni Mitchell cover. It's a Dead song though--sort of blues-country, one of their more popular older tunes.

The song is about this guy and his uncle, “who went riding down, South Colorado, West Texas bound”. They stop over in Santa Fe, and a card game develops. Cowboys commence to draw, and the kid shoots them dead. They grab the gold, and then the kid ends up shooting his uncle in Mexico, for the gold, claiming his uncle taught him good. It's a fun song.

So, my new song is "Me and My Ankle." I rolled my right ankle something terrible on Monday, when all I was trying to do was sneak in a trail run at lunch during a break from the January rains. My version:

Me and My Ankle

Me and my ankle went runnin’ down
South Bellingham, Arroyo bound
We stopped over, the Hemlock Trail
That being the point just about half way
And you know it was the wettest part of the day

I do this kind of thing all the time--roll my ankle, make stupid songs. I’m a bit irritated with myself. I should’ve anticipated the slipsy footing, and paid attention to the fact that I was running in new, stiff shoes. I know better. I've done it worse, but I done it bad. There were words, and a slow shuffle back to the office.

Oh well, it comes with the territory.

Weekend Runs

2011-01-16T14:37:00.000-08:00

In a weekend filled with running events, mine was uneventful, which was by choice. Mad props out to all who ran Nookachamps, Capitol Peak, HURT, and anything else I'm missing.

I spent Saturday in the Chuckanuts, lost in thought, running pretty poorly, but managing to put in over four hours on my feet. Mud. Wind on the ridge. It seems like some attention has been paid to the Lost Lake trails this past year, and there were good views of the lake from above. Started out with three friends, but didn't feel like hyperventilating, so advised that they go ahead.

Sunday was a get-out-of-bed 9 mile run on the Fowl Run loop. Many many big white birds aka snow geese aka trumpeter swans. More wind. Some sideways rain.

I decided that I need to run more. I'm done with winter.

Lake Samish Half

2011-01-08T19:05:00.000-08:00

There were a lot of events to choose from on Saturday, including the Tiger Mountain Fat Ass 50k, the Bridle Trails 50k, and the Foolish Gerbil 50k up in Vancouver. I'm sure all of these would be good, but then the Seahawks snuck into the playoffs with a losing a record, with the game on at 1:30, and I kind of wanted to catch that. And I sort of ran a 50k last weekend. Plus, my two week cold lingers--and it's pretty bad, probably because I don't let myself heal.

So, I opted instead for my old close-to-home favorite, the Lake Samish Runs. I chose to run the half-marathon, as sort of an internal compromise for not doing any of those other silly races. I really shouldn't play these mental games, but I do, sometimes.

The Lake Samish Runs are put on every year in January by the Greater Bellingham Running Club. Lots of old friends present, which is always a good way to start a Saturday, and the running year. We all get older, but we all keep running. One lap around the lake gets you 6.5 miles, two laps get you a half marathon. I'm not sure where the .1 comes in for the half--maybe it's actually 6.55 around. We had great weather, despite mixed forecasts, and it seemed to me that the turnout was more than I could ever remember. Chip timing--moving on up in the world! As always, thank you volunteers.

Snotdragons captured my nose, and so I was not a good runner. I knew this going in. I just kind of went with it, putting in my due diligence miles and enjoying the beautiful lake and country roads. I got tired pretty quick--I think that's the cold mostly. I was ready to be on lap 2 after 3.5 miles into the run, and starting on to the second lap was a bit tough. These ankles do not favor roads. All that said, I was able to run like a tug boat to the end. Awesome. The End.

I saw Black Swan this week. Whoa--that is some movie! If interested, I'd say catch it in the theaters, or with home surround sound, because music is so essential to the movie. Hoping to catch True Grit soon too--I've heard good things about that one too, and that I should see it in the theater.

And congratulations Seahawks on the greatest upset in playoff history! That was fun to watch.

Vancouver New Year's Day FA 50k

2011-01-03T15:58:00.000-08:00

I started the year off by heading up to Vancouver with friend Rich to "run" the Vancouver New Year’s Day Fat Ass 50k. I’ve wanted to check this out for many years, and Rich made it happen by saying he was game. Sometimes I need someone to help me get to the start line. The event is put on by Vancouver’s Club Fat Ass. Hopefully I’ll get up north a few times this year, to enjoy some of their other events.

The 50k out-and-back starts in Stanley Park, winds through the park a bit, hits the seawall, and then skirts the Burrard Inlet shoreline for many kilometers, eventually veering off into Pacific Spirit Park, before you turn around. The route is a mix of wide trail, sidewalk, and road. Technically no aid, but there were a few folks out there providing support. Thank you, and thanks to Ean and Sybelle for hosting.

This is probably one of the great urban runs in the world, because of the amazing saltwater waterfront, the constant views of mountains that shoot up straight from the sea to snow covered peaks, and the old growth cedars filling the two city parks. And we got really lucky---the day was reportedly the best in the 18 years of the event. Very chilly though--I ran in sweats and layers.

I got lost, a bunch. My own fault, and I didn't care too much. I ran about five minutes and saw this beautiful frozen lake in Stanley Park, and decided to take a picture. Then, I saw a bird nest, and had to look at that. That put me at the back of the pack. Then I had to pee--it was cold out--and so I lost the back of the pack. I remember the moment, asking myself, do I stick with them?, or do I chance losing them if I pee?

This was still in Stanley Park. I am not sure what I did. I don’t think I was supposed to climb and descend as many times as I did. After a while, I just headed down to the seawall, the obvious ultimate goal.

Two hours in, I found Rich, who had been eating some snacks for a half hour, wondering where I was. He was hanging with John M., and ready to turn around, but once I turned up, he was game for more. Rich did more than he expected on the day, and I actually didn't know if I'd do the whole 50k when we started.

We headed up into Pacific Spirit Park---immediately missed our first turn--and sometime later reconnected with the proper route. Very cool park--it's big, with lots of old growth and a variety of trail types.

We walked a lot on the way back, the ultrarunner dork walk, sort of leaning foward. The end to this event was very weird, as we were wandering through crowds. Occasionally random people would cheer us on. Nice day out, and so the seawall and beach trails were filled with Vancouver peoples, in their holiday attire. Some people thought we were The Amazing Race or a scavenger race—we heard this--with our vests, sweats, and hurried walks. We finished to the cheers of no one, in perfect fatass style.

There was a great party in North Vancouver afterwards, which we found after getting a bit lost (again), and then we grabbed some Chinese food before heading back to the border. No waits on either side. Also of note---a spectacular sunset, many shades of red, as sometimes happens with cold northern skies.

More pics here.

"Tacoma Rich"

Frozen lake in Stanley Park-my first stop

Inushuk statue

Seawall in Stanley Park

Vancouver skyline

Seawall below Burrard Bridge, Stanley Park in distance

Late sunset-the pic doesn't do it justice

Best of 2010

2010-12-31T17:38:00.000-08:00

Lots of trails traveled this year. Basically, the first half of the year was filled with great prep for Western. Then I got injured in New Mexico, and from then focused on getting on trails and didn’t worry about races. I probably spent more time in the mountains this year than any I can remember. And then, in November, on impulse I snuck off to Kaua’i, a place I’ve wanted to hike/run for a long long time.

So, here’s the Officially Certified Top 10 List of Trails I hit in 2010, with links and copious notes. The actual rankings are pretty immaterial, non-scientific, and just offhand impressions. Serious. It's like going to the County Fair, and griping about eating the third place pie. It's all good, though pecan is best.

And, finally, before hitting the list-- THANK YOU FRIENDS FOR ALL THE GOOD TIMES! I truly know some wonderful people.

Anyway, here it goes:

10. Alaka’i Swamp Trail. Kauai’s highcountry rain forest in the Kokee’ State Park felt like the set for the original Land of the Lost show, starring Michael Landon. Permamist, exotic birds, boardwalks, a peak at the headwaters of Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Quite amazing. The swamp trail, which is actually an old caldera at about 4500 feet up, is very quiet and filled with endangered plants and birds—half a world away, and a conservation inspiration.

9. Chuckanut 50k. Not many races will make my list this year, mainly because I made it to so many other cool trails. However, C-nut was special this year for me, as I pr’ed in my fifth running, and finished the last six miles in step with friend Rich. Good weather, excellent event, good day.

8. Sahale Arm, North Cascades NP. Listing this North Cascades trail is sort of cheating, because I went up to Sahale Arm *three* times this summer, and truly watched the change of the season. I think I saw four bears on one visit. The running was minimal, because it is steep beyond Casade Pass, getting up to almost 8000 feet. Sahale Arm makes the list, because it is one of those spectacular places. It is featured in “50 Best Hikes In The World” and was Harvey Manning’s favorite. Thanks Mike for the day you got up there with me—probably the best of the batch, with the snow and clearing clouds.

7. Mowich Loop, Mount Rainier NP. We didn’t have good weather, but climbing Tolmie Peak, circling out to the Carbon Glacier, traversing Spray Park and a Wonderland Trail section—this trail/loop would be good in any conditions. Some of the best wildflower displays I’ve ever seen. Rich and Linda led, and were kindly patient with my injury which slowed me down.

6. Western States DNS. It’s my list, so I can include a DNS. So much of the first half of my year was buildup for Western States, THE Western States. And I was ready, running as well as I had in the last few years. But then I injured my lower back, bad. And so I had to wrestle with whether to run injured or not. Very stressful and an educational life experience. Six months later, I still feel I made the right call in not running, and am happy with the way I handled the whole thing.

5. Sourdough Loop. Sourdough Mountain in the North Cascades above Ross Lake is a special place. It has been the home of poets like Gary Snyder, the great naturalist. I’ve been up the mountain many times, but this year was the first time I made a loop of the hike/run, coming down the Ross Lake side. Early in the year, it felt like we were some of the first of the year near the top.

4. Diez Vista 50k. Just a really fun daytrip up to Canada with Rich to run one of the older 50ks around, which had been on my mind for several years. The course is beautiful, with water island views similar to Orcas, and crazy root hopping early on. A non-impressive effort on my part—I was a dumb American--but fun times with friends. Great job by the RDs.

3. Jemez 50 miler. I’m proud to have hung in there on this spooky 50 miler in New Mexico. I’ll most remember the spooky sound of the wind through the burned forest as the sun set. And that I injured myself pretty bad making the 12 hour cutoff, but I made it. Good times with BJ, Thomas, Mike, and Fran. High altitude, great organization. 64% finisher rate.

2. Stehekin. Stehekin was another one of those places I’ve always wanted to go to, and finally did. About 36 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail with a bakery stop and bus ride in the middle.

1. Kalalau Trail. Kauai’s Kalalau Trail is world famous, for its beauty and its hazard. It’s been on my wish list for years and did not disappoint.

A good list. I’m happy with the year, overall, and very much so from a trailrunning perspective. So many things did not make this list. The Maha’alepu Coast in Kauai, including the lithified sand dunes, the sacred haena, and Captain Cook’s first point of contact. The perfect Teddy Bear Cove Run in January, when the weather was just right, the islands there to the left, and the hour away from work so needed. Yellow Astor Butte. Floating the Potomac in the summer, and the Skagit River eagle float last New Year’s Day. Has it been a year already?!! Easy Pass-Colonial Creek, twice! And then, so many amazing favorite races, like Lost Lake, Baker Lake, Sunflower, Orcas, and Seattle. Nightswimming in Virginia’s summer heatwave, on the 4th of July, near family.

The bar is set high for next year. I imagine some good things will come up.

Ice Caves

2010-12-28T21:22:00.000-08:00

The Ice Caves trail is off the Mountain Loop Highway, east of Granite Falls. Significant blowdowns midway in, with snow not too deep. A very popular trail in the summer, and potentially hazardous due to falling rock and ice. I'm not sure how far--a few hours in the snow.

Here are a few pics. Based on forecasts and reports, there's a whole lot more snow up there now then there was on Sunday. The Mountain Loop Highway is definitely a place worthy of further exploration. I'm thinking maybe a snowshoe trip or two is in order this winter.

Christmas was good, but short. Family time in Kirkland, with a memorable egg nog pie. I've caught a frustrating cold, but am considering jogging the Last Chance on Friday, if work and health allow. If not, oh well.

As I wrote the word "jog", I thought--people don't use the term jogger too much anymore, except with kid joggers. Maybe next year I'm going to be a jogger. A super jogger.

Holiday Preparations

2010-12-19T21:13:00.000-08:00

I bought a wreath this year. That's big for me. The cards are mailed. My family on the east coast is covered, and the west coasters are pretty much too. A few stray this and that's left to tend to, but I'm doing ok with my holiday preparations this year.

So, I didn't run hard this weekend. And I know others did--you are awesome. I made it up Chinscraper on Saturday, but that's no big deal. As much as anything, I enjoyed driving down Chuckanut with a grande half-decaf, checking out the snow geese. Windy and overcast, it was a typical December morning in northwest Washington.

I have a tight hamstring/groin muscle thing, maybe the result of a track workout. I took it easy. Being out all day wasn't in the cards this weekend, with so many things to do. That's fine--I'm at this point where I'm striving for balance with my running. After being gone all last weekend, I needed to stay home and take care of things--that seems to keep my mind at ease.

This is a fun time of year to be thinking about next year. Lotteries require early planning, and lots of my ultra friends and I are chattering. I think I'm leaning towards putting in for the Wasatch lottery. Or maybe Superior trail or Cascade. I just wrote those now to try them on for size--we'll see. It has to sound right and get me excited and motivated. I've started a calendar to the right.

I'm also thinking about taking a mountaineering class with the Skagit Alpine Club, if my schedule allows. And I think I'll run something in Virginia and see my fam--I already have a trip planned in early April, which happens to be when the Bull Run Run is scheduled. That's just races too. I feel like this past year has been wonderful, as far as getting out there goes, but the very best trail highlights were not races.

Happy holidays!

Stewart Mountain XC Challenge

2010-12-12T18:27:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, I ran the Stewart Mountain Ten Mile Cross Country Challenge on Vancouver Island at Thetis Lake Provincial Park. The Office decided to have its Christmas Party in Victoria this year. I had ideas of running the Juan De Fuca Trail, but then learned of this wonderful race, with its convenient 12 PM start time.

Stewart Mountain was a blast, largely because the course was flooded by recent rains, creating several knee-deep water crossings. Some of the splash zones went on for 10 or 20 meters. The feet were going to get wet, no matter what you did, and by the end of the race, I was running/wading right through the middle of each pool. It was a real crack-up.

The course is fast--relatively flat most of the time, with many short ups and downs. Almost all trail, mostly wide single track. There’s a sustained climb midway, up Stewart Mountain presumably, through moss covered rocks, with long views from the top, though they were limited by clouds on Saturday. After that, it’s a lot of slippery down, and then back through the water holes. The course finishes around beautiful Thetis Lake, with three small hills, as you look out at an island in the middle of the lake, and hear and see the finish line across the way.

I ran the first half kind of slow, warming up and taking pictures, and then picked things up a bit in the second half. I probably could’ve pushed harder and gotten a bit better overall time, as well as a tougher workout, but I didn't want to rush through the park too much. This was only my second time on the Island, and I get distracted by stuff. The trails struck me as similar to those out in Anacortes. I think the course would make a great 50k, just by extending it two more laps. But it's a great long-speed workout as is.

The volunteers were terrific and out in force—marshals all over the course. And special thanks to the RD Bob, who was kind enough to save me one of the limited tech shirts. There are lots of fast people on the Island—I understand a lot of triathletes call Victoria home. The local running club, the Prairie Inn Harriers, puts the race on, as the third and longest race of their end of the year cross-country series.

Afterwards, it was off to wander Victoria. The Parliament Building is lighted up. Pineapple Express type rains kind of detracted from the visit, but I was able to get the lay of the land, and have a nice dinner. Stayed the night, and returned by the Sydney-Anacortes ferry, which is an absolutely gorgeous tour of the islands. I liked Sydney. And I liked clearing immigration in Skagit County, rather than waiting forever at Blaine.

"Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man" with Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty on the radio. Love the Sunday Night Classic Country show. Getting ready for the week to come.

Picasso in Seattle

2010-12-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

There is a once-in-a-lifetime Picasso Exhibit showing right now at the Seattle Art Museum. The Picasso Museum in France is undergoing rennovations. The French decided to let his works go on tour, and Seattle was very fortunate to land a spot. I happened to be in Seattle for work this week, and with a little time between meetings, I suddenly found myself able to check it out.

I was impressed that Picasso was always pushing the limits of the norms on painting. You pick this up, walking through the various periods of his life's paintings. He seems very professorial about his work, consciously challenging norms, constantly reaffirming that he makes the rules about painting, not past masters, but with respect. And he was always mixing women and work. I found myself ambivalent about any number of paintings, and then one would catch my attention for a while. Credit his genius. The exhibit is very worthwhile-I'm glad I went.

Each room had one of his quotes, posted high on the wall--I wrote a few down:

"No pleasure without the taste of ashes."

"Art is never chaste."

"Painting is stronger than me. It makes me do what it wants."

"When I paint I feel that all the artists of the past are behind me."

"It takes a long time to become young."

The Picasso exhibit took me a little more than an hour, listening to many of the commentaries on the device they gave me. $23 full price. The pictures above and immediately below are Picassos. No pictures allowed, I found after snapping the second shot.

Afterwards, I did a quick spin around the rest of the museum. It's been a while. There are some wonderful paintings, particularly in the modern art category, including Rothkos, a Morris Graves, a Jackson Pollack. I was particularly happy to come across a painting called "Darrington Rain"-picture below--of Darrington, Washington in 1947 by Skagit County native Alden Mason. I did not know of this local painter, but a whole room was dedicated to his works, right near the Rothkos.

Fairhaven Frosty 10k

2010-12-04T18:21:00.000-08:00

The GBRC Fairhaven Frosty 10k lived up to its namesake today, with frost on the benches, frost on the road, frost on the grass--frost everywhere. Perfectly clear skies, temps in the 30s. A good morning for running. A lot of the regulars from the GBRC and the Wednesday night track group showed up, either to run or volunteer. Always good to chatter. That second loop drags a bit. Love that Great Harvest Bread at the finish, that Tony's coffee afterwards, and that Apple Cup at the end of the day.

Thank you volunteers!

I ran poorly--my legs felt like dead weights. I had no circulation and extremely tight hamstrings. It seemed like I rarely could get anaerobic--the legs and stomach just wouldn't cooperate. I attribute this all to the cold, a slow recovery from last week's Seattle marathon, and unwisely eating at the Taco Truck last night. No big, but I would like to run a good 10k (by my standards) sometime in the next few months. So, I'm a little dissapointed that my bad days aren't better. But you have to get out there to find out these things, and a little bit of honest self-assessment is good for me.

OR...."maybe I should chug on over to Mamby-Pamby Land where I can find some self-confidence for me, you jack wagon." (It's a commercial, if you haven't heard it. Cracks me up.)

Seattle Marathon

2010-11-28T17:11:00.000-08:00

This was a good year for the Seattle marathon. My eighth year in a row, tenth overall. I have told a couple people in the past week that I’m not sure why I do this event every year, but I just do. I wonder if other people have things like this. For me, it’s a bit of a measure of the aging process, a bit of a streak, and a bit of a window on northwest weather year in, year out. There have been rain years, semi-snow years, and some good years too. Traditions and rituals have their place--this seems to have become one of mine.

In the morning, the weather looked unsure of itself, with clouds above after a long night of rain. It was kind of cold at the start. But the conditions turned ideal—overcast, but about 40 degrees. Easy to click the miles off. I ran with my friend Keri, and we improved big upon the last time we ran a marathon together.

The shirt is good—dark blue. Lots of GU on the course. I think I noticed some new poison oak signs in Seward Park. So, more or less, same old, same old. And that is sometimes reassuring.

Lots of friends on the course, though I think more of my trail running friends are opting for the Ghost and other earlier week runs, with good reasons. I miss the Ivar’s clam chowder at the finish of Seattle. They should bring it back, and maybe have Jay Buhner or Chip Hanauer serve it. Yeah, the Seattle Marathon really could benefit from making the marathon more Seattle. Maybe get some salmon flavored gels on the course. Space Needle timing chips. A grunge band in Madison. The marathon should instill hometown pride.

Seattle should do more, especially for the price. My packet included an early bird entry form for next year--$75, to register 12 months in advance. Too high, and I find it somewhat puzzling that marathons raise prices in a down economy. I concede that I don't know all the inputs, but since I do this race annually, I have also noted the annual tradition of the price going up. Seattle is not alone, and by far not the most expensive, I know.

Not sure what’s up next, besides my couch and Sunday night football. December is sort of slow for ultras. I might be looking into an avalanche course, or a course on raptors. Maybe a Skagit float for eagles. I want to do some outdoor education. And some cross country skiing and snowshoeing. And then there’s always the Frosty!

Kalalau Trail

2010-11-23T21:59:00.000-08:00

The Kalalau Trail is on the north side of Kauai, along the Na Pali Coast. “Pali” means cliffs in Hawaiian. The trail is 11 miles long, climbing and dropping along the cliffs and fluted ridges, crossing five valleys, almost always directly above the ocean. The waves crashing below look big, in different hues of blue, and somewhat violent.

The Kalalau Valley, the endpoint of the trail, long ago used to be home to Hawaiians, who farmed the cliffs with terraces of taro, similar to as is done in Nepal. The difficulty of reaching the valley made it easily defended. The only access to the Kalalau Valley is by this trail, boat, or aircraft.

The full color spectrum is richly represented on the trail—lush green valleys, flowers, orange trees, black lava rock formations, red dirt, and the constant deep blue of the sea below. The Kalalau Valley would make a good nominee for an Eden Award, if there were such a thing.

Just about all the guidebooks say the out and back can’t be done in a day. I was skeptical, as it is only 22 miles roundtrip, and no matter what the terrain, I think most ultrarunners would agree that sounds doable. And yet…it was a bit disconcerting to not find many reports. I wasn’t really geared up for camping, and so it was going to be one day or a DNF turnaround.

Though it can be done in one day, based on my experience, I really suggest staying a night or more, and taking plenty of time to enjoy the trail and Kalalau Beach. I feel like I rushed it. The trail and beach evoke a spiritual type response. The area is reputed to be home to mystics, dropouts, and other people from the edges of society. It's just so beautiful that people want to stay.

So, here are the details of my Kalalau hike/run experience:

I left Kapp’a at 4:30 AM, got coffee, and parked at the trailhead just before 6 AM. It was pitch dark. I got ready, and then waited until I could read my watch unaided. 6:19 AM. Very first light, first guy on the trail. I didn’t see anyone for the first couple hours. I made Kalalau Beach around 11:45 AM, and that included a wrong turn or two, and delays to figure out semi-technical stream crossings, because of recent rains. The streams are prone to flash floods. After about an hour kicking around the beach, I turned it around, and made it back to the trailhead around 4:51 PM. It turned dark again around 5:30.

Starting at first light was key to getting the whole thing done without a headlamp, though I did bring one. The Hawaiian day is very short in the winter—less than 12 hours. The terrain is tough, with much of the footing being on lava rocks, or on very narrow trail with cliff exposure. The trail is rarely flat, and it is frequently composed of catwalks, some of which are extreme. I imagine it's somewhere between 5000 and 7500 feet in climbing, but I didn't carry technology to figure it out. It's impractical and unsafe to move fast all the time.

Overnight permits are required to go past Mile 6, even if just going out and back. They can be purchased on-line now. There weren’t a lot available when I applied, two weeks before my trip, so it’s a good thing I took care of this when I did.

On the way in, I took lots of pictures. It’s hard not to, and it's the curse of the limitless digital film card. Taking pics slowed me down a bit, but that's ok. The miles stretched and stretched. When I came to Mile 6, marked on a rock, I wondered if the 6 was a 9. And then the miles after that were the toughest, with some unbelievable sections. In particular, there is one section around Mile 7 on red rocks, pictured below, where I just said “No way!” when I first saw it.

I was concerned about leptospirosis, a waterborne illness I'd heard something about. I know that’s not leprosy (which does have a history in Hawaii), but it sort of sounds like it. As is so typical of me, instead of figuring it all out, I winged it and decided the night before to carry all my liquid. This plan blew. I ran out. The Hawaiian sun in early afternoon can be very tough, and even in the morning, humidity can make you sweat. I had some pretty bad leg cramps towards the end. At least I made it out alive.

I ran plenty on the way in, at a safe trot. I had a heavier pack than usual for running, but it was easy enough to jog down some of the ridges. Other parts are emphatically inappropriate for running, and even at a slow trot, it’s easy to catch a toe on a rock. On the way out, I did just that, sprawling all out and falling halfway off the trail, losing my hiking stick, and grabbing a root to stop my slide. Nature went easy on me.

After this, I gave up caring about running, especially since by then I had a sense of the effort and distance needed to complete the day. A wonderful finish it was, as over the last few miles I came upon more and more dayhikers around Hanakapi'ai and Ha'enas' white sand beaches, smiling. In the last couple miles, the weather changed and the predicted fierce winds and lightning storms for the day finally arrived, a bit of a monsoon, conveniently late. The trail would be a different animal if completely wet.

The trail is said to be one of the best in the world. I think that’s accurate. It is now amongst the favorite trails I've ever been on. Rankings are unimportant. But there's something about it--it’s just one of those really special places. I hope to go back someday.

More pics here.

Kaua'i

2010-11-21T19:12:00.000-08:00

I spent the last week in Kaua’i, hiking and running the trails of the “Garden Island”, relaxing on the beach, and taking in a long overdue vacation. A friend once told me about this trail that skirts the Na Pali Coast on the north side of the island—the Kalalau Trail—and since then, I’ve always wanted to check it and the island out. Come October, I felt I needed to get away. I had air miles, and so in November, I got away good.

On the first whole day, Monday, I got up early and drove to Koke’e State Park, and hiked/ran through the Alaka’i Swamp, which is a boardwalked trail through an old caldera at an elevation of about 4000 feet. The preserve is home to many endangered species. Very wet, wonderfully quiet, and pretty near to Mount Waihaleela, one of the wettest places in the world. Views of the Kalalau Valley from above, along the Pieha Trail. I also looped down along the Kawaikoi Stream Trail, to the beginning of Waimea Canyon, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” 3000 foot canyon walls--breathtaking. Probably 11+ miles on trail for the day. One serious faceplant.

Day 2 I slept in, and then checked out the local farmer’s market. Fresh pineapples, starfruit, papayas, monstercados, and other fruits from the Jurassic Age. Later, I drove north to Hannalei Bay, one of Hawaii’s top surfing beaches. Had a fish taco from a taco truck. On the way out there, I checked out the Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to ocean-faring albatrosses. I also saw a bunch of dolphins at this old lighthouse. I drove to the end of the road, to Kee’e Beach and the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail.

Day 3, Wednesday, I spent mostly in Poipu, on the southern end of the island, snorkeling, and then hiking eight miles on the lithified sand dunes and cliffs of the Maha’ulepu Coast. Highly recommended.

Day 4 was the Kalalau Trail. 4:30 AM rise. Hit the trail at 6:19 AM, first light; finished around 4:51 PM, about 45 minutes before dark. 22 long miles, very tough, very beautiful. Stunning really. Tons of catwalks and are-you-kidding-me cliffs. Backpacker says it is one of America's top 10 most dangerous trails. The trail is also featured in a book I have as one of the best 50 trails in the world. I think it would make a top 10 list on that count as well. The trail wrecked me, like the Tom Petty song.

Day 5. Recovered from Day 4. On the beach. Watched the sun rise over the Pacific. I think I saw a wild pig or two, and visited Wailua Falls. Continued working on the second season of Lost.

Day 6. Watched the sun rise again over the Pacific. Vacation ends, with a tamale on the beach and coffee.

Unfortunately, I came home to a dead battery and a flat tire, in the now freezing cold Pacific Northwest, but I was so mellow that I rolled with it pretty well.

This was one of the best vacations ever. I think I need to do something like this at least once a year.

Some pics below, and more pics here.

Fowl Fun Run

2010-11-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

This morning I ran the Fowl Fun Run in south Mount Vernon, a 10k that’s been around longer than some of the runners. I ran like a runny nose, bad, like a slug on saltines. My shins hurt and my shoes didn’t feel right, and I never seemed to be able to get the blood flowing or the heart beating. And then it was done.

That’s the way it goes for me sometimes. I don’t worry about it too much. But on another day, I’m sure I could take a few minutes off my time. Guess I’ll have to prove it to myself sometime this winter.

That said, the Fowl Run was Fun! The course starts at Mount Vernon Christian School, and loops out along the Skagit River dike on semi-rural roads, and loops back to the school via Britt Road. It's totally flat, with some mild headwind today. There are nice views of farmlands, and the possibility of seeing winter fowl, like snowgeese and one big running turkey. One aid station midway.

This year there seemed to be more runners than ever—a few hundred, I’m sure. I enjoyed watching people warm up, which you just don't see too much of with ultras and marathons. Maybe I should've joined in. Pumpkin pie and hot chocolate in the gym afterwards, with great company. A beanie and handmade coasters to all runners, pictured above.

Heather R. did a terrific job directing, with her wonderful supporting cast and Skagit Runners, our local running club. Thank you all! Great to hang out with Terry, Bryan, Craig, and so many others before and after.

I started up winter track this week, on Wednesday nights, with Erik D. coaching and a bunch of B’ham peeps running. Hopefully I’ll pick up some flexibility tips, and figure out how to move faster. At this point, running is a fundamental part of my life, but one reason I like it so is because there are so many ways to mix things up and keep things fun and new---go trails, headlamp running, hit the track, cross train, short races, long races. Running the WWU track on a cool night, with the track illuminated and the students playing football, rugby, or whatever is pretty cool. Hopefully the weather holds up.

International Rescue Committee

2010-11-11T19:27:00.000-08:00

The Seattle Marathon is coming up. As in past years, I've agreed to run for the benefit of the International Rescue Committee. The International Rescue Committee is one of a few charities that are officially supported by the Seattle Marathon. You can find a link to them at the marathon's website. We have roughly 20 people running and raising money on their behalf this year--more than ever I think--and the last few years "Team IRC" has raised roughly $10,000 per year.

The IRC helps refugees resettle. What's a refugee? A refugee is a person who "owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion, is outside the country of his nationality, and is unable to or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to avail himself of the protection of that country".

The IRC has helped refugees in just about every major world conflict since World War II. Europe. The Iron Curtain. Korea. Vietnam. Cambodia. Rwanda. Sudan. From each conflict, people flee, with little, leaving the land of their parents, for a new land. Sort of like the pilgrims, though sometimes with threat of death or physical harm if they stay. The IRC tries to provide temporary resources to help refugees resettle. A roof. Food. Interpreters. English lessons. Clothes. Whatever is needed.

Here's a link to what the organization is doing in Seattle.

So, for the last few years, I've adopted the IRC as my organization to promote and support during the Thanksgiving season. It seems appropriate. If you're thinking about making a charitable donation this Thanksgiving season, please consider the IRC--there's a link to the right. Your gift would be put to good use--the organization gets 5 star ratings as a charity. Also, if you wish to join the Team and run the race, I can put you in touch with the organizers.

Thanks for reading!

Ron Herzog 50k+

2010-11-07T00:27:00.000-07:00

This year’s edition of the Ron Herzog 50k+ brought back the tank traps, after a two year hiatus due to overgrowth. The “tank traps” is an infamous three or four mile section of abandoned deep ditches, designed to challenge tank drivers-in-training. The section now is quite overgrown, and these three or four miles are pretty much bushwacking. You go up, you go down, and do it again, for a while, all on muddy ground. The picture above is a good illustration. I enjoyed it.

The traps are at the crest of a loop, connecting two different sets of logging roads. The event itself is out by Granite Falls, Washington, off of the Mountain Loop Highway, in the Glacier Peak area. Ron Herzog is a deceased Washington ultrarunner, who I believe passed from Lou Gehrig’s disease. The event is dedicated to his memory, and I understand a great deal of money was raised to for ALS research.

The race checked out at about 33 miles. I finished a bump over 6:30, starting out horribly and running better, albeit stiffly, as the day went on. It's time to take up yoga. Nonetheless, a steady diet of Gu and Endurolytes seemed to sort of get things going. I never had any intention of pushing—I was just out to get some miles, and enjoy the day.

It turned out to be sort of a wet one. It didn’t rain all the time, and it didn’t rain hard, but the mist and light rainfall up high had me plenty wet by the midway aid station, and a little cold. I put a jacket on, and seemed to run better after that. But then, the second half is faster than the first half.

Friend Seth and I ran more or less together for Miles 8 to 16, including the sometimes ridiculous tank traps, along with Craig. Seth has a great writeup with a link to additional pictures posted here. The last 6 miles or so I ran with Glen M. and Dave D., crossing the finish line together. Good stuff.

Thought of the song Misty Mountain Hop, with all the fall colors and the clouds drifting below, through the valleys. Lots of signs of logging—clearcuts, second growth, logging equipment. It was nice to land a chair and some warm soup at the finish.

Thanks to TC and Shawn, Tom and Chris, Tim, and all the other folks who helped make it such a great time.