Baker Lake 50k

The Baker Lake 50k is back! Last year I ran the course with a few ghosters during COVID restrictions, but some 100+ runners came out yesterday for this annual first Saturday of October event.

The streams were flowing more than I can remember before. My feet got a bit wet. I guess we've had rain in the past week. I also saw a few red sockeye from Baker Lake bridge near the turnaround, which is a first for me. I knew they were in there, sometimes, and I always look...this time I was rewarded. The river there was running much higher than I've seen in recent years, which was kind of cool. A big eagle was circling in the sky a bit upriver.

I did the early start, as I've been doing these past few years. Great to see so many friends and acquaintances. The spirit is good here. Thanks to Terry, Delores and everyone at NW Endurance Events for hosting things. The eats and treats at the end were great. They do such a great job--thankful. I especially liked the extra water drop at Noisy Creek this year. Good as always to see Stanley at the start and turnaround. 

Weather good. 50s to 60s, short sleeves. Not a lot of sun. Mountain out. My phone wasn't opening up because it was wet, which probably kept me going, but I got a few shots early on. Above is the Anderson Creek crossing, which is about 3 miles from the start.

My time was not remarkable, but I traveled the out and back faster than in recent years. I made it to the turnaround in 3:37, spent a few minutes, and took about 4 hours on the return. Ran alone, as I tend to do. 7:41. 18th year in a row. I haven't been running hills, but I have been putting in miles on flats along the river, as part of my run around the world team. Running has been a retreat and respite for me during the pandemic. My body went through a few different phases of sweat out there. I had to top off my water a few times.

Annie's Pizza afterwards, on orders from home. Straight 80s music driving in and coming back. A clutch Mariners win on the tele to close out the day. 

Baker Lake 50k FA

 

Baker Lake 50k was canceled this year, due to the coronavirus, but I decided I'd run the course anyway, as I've been doing this every year since 2004. One year I'll stop, either due to a request from the body, or due to family obligations, but this weekend was free, and I was glad to get out and see the trail.

I showed up around 6:30 AM, and ran into Terry and their cute new dog. We talked a bit, and then I headed off alone, up and over the dam, and onto the trail. The trail was quiet, and I took my time starting out. I carried a hydropak and food, as well as a pole, for helping my ankle along if need be. It rolls so often now that I'm a little bit more fearful about longer treks alone on trail. I knew I'd see people eventually, but nevertheless.

The day turned out perfect, one of the best in recent memory. Views were long and the trail was clear. Running was eay--I'm in better shape than I've been the past few years, though only marginally so. I saw a few familiar faces who had the same idea through the day--Susan, Reed, Matt, Betsy, Delores. Smiles. There was also a hive of wasps which went after a number of people, but I fortunately escaped unstung. 

The trail itself was pretty busy--lots more backpackers than usual, and long dayhikers. People are escaping to the trail, for social distancing. It was pretty awkward passing, in the narrow spaces, as I'd pull my mask up and groups would turn sideways, with limited space to do so. That kind of encroached on the solitary experience of it all, but it was a fine day. The views of Baker were outstandin

I went faster on the way back, and but the feet felt it by the end. 8:27 round trip, and I think I was around 4:15 going out. Afterwards, I went to Annie's and picked up a pizza, and we sat and watched television.  Good day.

Baker Lake 50k

Another first weekend in October, another Baker Lake 50k. I hurt today. After flying back from New York this week, my body wasn't fully recovered from jet lag, hard travel, and maybe early stage illness of some sort. Anyway, I hurt today.

I finished in 8:24, which I think was slow for my fitness, though a bit faster than the past few years. I went out in 3:45 and back in 4:45--basically a slog, walking, shuffling, groaning on the way back. I rolled the same old right ankle crossing a creek. Fun!

The weather looked ominous driving in--heavy, pelting rain. I was regretting not bringing a heavier shell, but serious rain never materialized during the run. It turned out to be a pretty ok day.

This was my 16th finish. Next year I get to drive it.

The best part of the day was seeing so many friends, particularly those volunteering. Thanks Terry, Delores, James and all. Good to see Tim, John, and Stan at the turnaround. Great to see others with so many finishes--Ryan, Karen, Jean, and many others. This event brings people back, year after year. Magic.

Baker Lake 50k

This year's Baker Lake 50k was a bit chilly, but clear, with some of the best views of the lake and Mount Baker I can remember. I suppose the crisp, fall air will do that sometimes. Above is a picture I took, after the race, from down the road from the campground. By then, the clouds had formed, but earlier in the day the sky was the same blue, and the mountain and other high glaciers were unobstructed. The view from the Noisy Creek turn was the best.

I ran the early start, as I've done for the past five or more years. I prefer the early start because I get done earlier, and there are less people on the trail. This was my 15th Baker Lake in a row. I think it may have been my 100th marathon or longer distance event as well. Markers on the trail, I suppose.

As always, Terry, Delores, James, Chris, Toi and others from Skagit Runners put on an exceptional event. Simple, beautiful, and affordable. The finish line goodies included burgers, pulled pork, soups, beer, soft drinks, and plenty of choices for the veggie folks. Lots of familiar faces on the trail--all smiles, coming and going.

New this year was additional water bottles at Noisy Creek, about 10 miles in. I think this is a great add, since there is a water cache also at Maple Grove, about 4 or 5 miles in.

I wasn't fast, and I found the back 15 to be slower and more drawn out than usual. I think that may have simply been because I was wrestling with whether to go down to Kirkland afterwards for an event. My time, while not fast, was an improvement over the past four years. This probably is a reflection of more road running on my part this year. I got knocked off track in August, which is understandable and ok. Going forward I'd like to work on losing weight and running steadier. For me, running and trails are part of who I am--and whether up or down--I'm just glad to be able to continue to be out there.

On the drive in, I finished up listening to Scott Kelly's book, Endurance, about his year in space and his journey to becoming an astronaut. On the way home, Bob Marley's Legend. 

Baker Lake 50k

Glad to be able to return to the Baker Lake 50k once again, last weekend. My favorite race.

This year's edition featured rain on the second half.  The way out was quiet and perfect temperature for running. It was overcast, and alas, no views of Mt. Baker. I took the early start, finish late route. I like the early start, because I don't have to worry about how fast I'm going, and also because there are a lot less people on the trail for the start of the race. It works out perfect for me, since the starting line is only about 45 minutes from home.

I had some indigestion out there, which affected my performance a bit. However, I've had it worse, and my head was on the trail the whole day. And I wasn't going to be fast, no matter what was going on. t took a pole to help with my hip and ankle, though I didn't really need it. Maybe if I saw a bear.  Not this time.

The trail is in excellent shape. It looks like some folks did some trail work in certain sections. Most notably, there is a new bridge across Anderson Creek, the first real crossing in the race. The past bridge was kind of sketchy, tilted a bit with a single wire to guide. I made it across the old one when it was icy a few times (in the winter), and the potential for a fall was there. So, good improvement. Some other bridge repairs were evident too.

I understand some new records were made. Congrats! The finish line was amazing, as always, with great eats and people to share with. Many smiles. Warm broth is always welcome for recovery.

Thank you to Skagit Runners, as always, for putting on this terrific event. Terry, Delores, Chris, Al, Susan, Toi, et al--terrific!

I took a few more pics this year. Here some are....

Baker Lake 50k

This year's Baker Lake 50k was rainy, and the rocks and bridges seemed a little more slippy than in recent years. I came across one runner, somewhat dazed, who took a spill on a bridge. They seemed ok, despite. The beautiful 14.5 mile single track trail along the side of Baker Lake is filled with log bridges. I'm guessing there's at least 60 of them on the trail.

It was a hard day to figure out what to wear. It wasn't raining at the Early Start, but the forecast called for some showers and middling temperatures. Of course, weather forecasts are little less sturdy when it comes to mountain trails. Microclimates and rainshadows, etc. I went with a short sleeve tech, plus a Nathan pack stuffed with a Patagonia Houdini. I really like the Houdini, and it came in handy on this day.

About 4.5 miles in, as I approached the water jugs at Maple Grove, I rolled my right ankle, AGAIN. Research indicates I may have "chronic ankle instability" from years of hiking and trail running. It hurts really bad when it rolls hard, which happens a little too often these days. At times, the ankle feels unhinged, which is why I might start calling it my Trump ankle. This race puts you out there a bit, with no real aid between the out and back, other than the jugs. I love that--it's part of the reason its my favorite--but caution is called for.

I carried on, but I was never the same after the roll. I ran with a single trekking pole, which gave that side of my body support, but also wore me down over time. The trail was beautiful, as always, with maybe a little more leaf cover, and more wet than in recent years. Mt. Baker was obscured by the clouds. Threat of rain and sprinkles turned to steady light rain as the day went on. I took too long to get the jacket on.

The turnaround is anticipated for miles, and always gets a big smile. The bridge over the creek is a big one, with crystal clear water below. I didn't see salmon. The half mile out and back to the turnaround is open, flat, and an opportunity to say hi as people pass, going back again. Nice to see Ryan out there. At the aid station, John B. filled my water pack, and I loaded up on S caps and Stingers. In and out in 3 minutes. But those were wonderful minutes, with a number of hellos and smiles to friends.

The slog back was slow, a few minutes slower per mile. I didn't have the endurance, and my right ankle couldn't really pick up the foot. No stride. It was also mentally draining, watching every step so closely. The rain got heavier. Many passed me.

I know the turns and landmarks well, anticipating them, staying patient and steady. Three climbs to the Noisy Creek sign. A long stretch to Maple Grove, with a few key turns and overlooks on the lake. Maple Grove, and I was out of water, basically toast. A stretch to Anderson Creek. Cross the log bridge, carefully. Then that final climb out to the road, which is always a few minutes longer than you'd like to think. The Road. The Dam. The Finish.

Despite my ankle struggles, I ran a bit faster than I have the past two years. That's not saying much, but my recent running, diet, and fitness efforts have brought some personal improvements. I hope to build on this. This race has found a special place in my heart. This was my 13th finish. The first week in October has meant Baker Lake for over a quarter of my life now.

Thank you as always to Skagit Runners. Terry, Delores, Toi, and all others. Thanks to all my long friends and acquaintances that share this trail with me. Great to see Stanley, Marlis, Bandur, Adam, Al, and so many others. This is something we share.

Baker Lake 50k

Back to Baker Lake for me yesterday. It was a struggle, but I managed to finish my first ultra in a year.  This was my 12th Baker Lake 50k. Each one is special for different reasons. This year was a slow time, good peeps, and great weather. Baker Lake is my favorite race.

Yesterday's event went off perfectly. The temps were in the 50s and 60s, with clear skies, open trail, and postcard views of Mount Baker. The out and back is quiet, many slipsy bridges, undulating small hills, old growth, an occasional campground. I started slow and stayed that way, and so I didn't see many people until everyone turned around and was headed back.

Tim helped me out at the turnaround. I chose not to linger, because a.) I was going slow, and b.) I didn't want to stop. Thanks for the S caps! My stomach was a lump of cramps--for a while, they fixed me up.

By this time, the landmarks are very familiar to me. Three sets of switchbacks on the way up to Noisy Creek. The Noisy Creek sign means you're about an hour out from the turnaround. Maple Grove means an hour or less from the start. There are a slough of bridges, before you meet the road, coming up out of Anderson Creek. It's a climb that will hurt more than you'd like, but it ends soon enough.

Before the race I hung out with Stan and John, pictured below, who are a couple Baker Lake regulars. Such good people, with some of the longest ultra running histories you'll find. Stan was also doing his 12th, and I think John has 11 or 12 of these under his belt.

Good too to meet new friends, and hang out with old friends. Lots of Canadians are taking to this race! Especially good to see Tim, Al, Terry, and the whole Skagit Runners crew. Great to catch Ryan on the trail, finishing up a 100 miler version and a Washington Grand Slam. Wow and Congrats! Passing good wishes from Kendall, Mike, Van, and others on the trail. Many thanks to all the volunteers, including Terry, Delores, Tim, Kevin, James, Ryan, and everyone for putting on this terrific event.

On the way out, I listened to the Rolling Stones remastered Sticky Fingers. Might be their best album,  and the remastering is great, making for a quick drive back to the MV.  Now, the legs are propped up, and resolutions are in the works for the next event. Which will be...? Sooner than later, I'm sure.

Baker Lake 50k

This year's Baker Lake 50k was a tough one for me.  I really wasn't ready for the distance.  Last week I ran 25 to 28 miles in the North Cascades, which up to that point was the longest I had ran in one stretch all year.  But I know the Baker Lake trail well, and I love this event, so I was game.

I found myself to be stiff right from the start, causing a strain on the breathing and sweating more than I should. My shoes felt like boards. I rolled my soft ankle in the first few miles, which always seems to happen when I'm just ramping up.

Steady as it goes.  I just kept moving forward down the trail, running when the trail gave it to me, walking with purpose when it did not. I drank untreated water to make up for the sweating, and took supplements and salt to make up for the salt loss.  Eat early, eat often, I did.

Around Mile 15 I had thoughts of packing it in at the turnaround point, and I looked that way too. I met friends Kevin and Tim helping out at the turnaround, and they filled the bottles, and I got going immediately, so that I wouldn't dwell on other options.

Soon enough I was a mile or two on my way back down the trail, trying to figure how much further until I hit Noisy Creek.  Then, Noisy Creek to Maple Grove, and then Maple Grove to Anderson Creek. And then the last stretch from Anderson Creek to the Forest Service Road, which always takes five or ten minutes longer than it should. Once I hit the road, I pretty much jogged it home, to a welcoming barbq at the finish line.

So, a tough year for me, but a finish I'm happy to have, and one which will age well, hopefully. Whatever I didn't get in fitness returns was made up by the mental challenge. And the trail itself, which is always so perfect.

Going slow has its benefits--I noticed more big trees than ever.  The lake seemed particularly turquoise this year, for some odd reason.  Many varieties of mushrooms on the trail. Many, many little wet bridges.

So great to see so many friends.  So many folks I haven't seen in a while. Plus, a great spirited contingent from Canada, eh. "How many kilometers until the finish?" left me doing math in my head for a couple minutes at a time.  Afterwards, burgers and drink at the finish line, hanging with good friends and cheering the finishers. Nice to come home to an eventful day in college football.

Thank you Skagit Runners, Terry, Delores, Tim, Kevin, and so many others.  A great year and event as always!

Baker Lake Ultra Runs

I signed up for the Baker Lake 100k, with the knowledge that if I didn't have it, I could step down to the 50k.  As I haven't been training as much as in past years, I ended up settling for the 50k.  And I'm quite happy about that.  This was my first 50k finish this year, and though it was slow, it was a finish.

Baker Lake is special to me.  This was my 10th year in a row finishing the event.  It's basically my favorite ultra.

The weather yesterday was splendid.  Starting at 6 AM with the 100k runners put a different spin on things.  It was dark for the first forty-five minutes or so, with about 25 minutes of dark on trail.  In years past, I've ran this trail in the dark with friends under the full moon in winter.  I was reminded of those runs.  It was a bit odd also to be far down the trail at 9 AM, as opposed to the past routine with the 8 AM start.

My run to the turnaround was ok--I was still on pace for a 100k finish. The trip back was really slow, with lots of walking, an empty stomach and some bonking.  I just don't have the endurance right now. Technically, I was ahead of the cutoffs, but I know when a turkey is done. Also, hanging out with friends at the finish plus a big UW-Stanford game in the evening spoke to me. Like I said, hard not to be happy with a 50k finish, and then look for bigger things down the trail.

Every year is a little different with this race.  This year I noticed much more water flowing in the creeks, with a few waterfalls. The snow level on Mount Baker was much lower than in past years, reflecting our recent storms.

This was also the year that Skagit Runners took over the race again. Everyone did such an amazing job.   It was great to see Kevin, Chris, Toi and others at the new Maple Grove aid station, and a bonfire early in the morning. Terry was congratulating every finisher, Delores checking everyone in, and Joe and Shawna put together an awesome post-race spread, with barb et al.  Cool medals and buckles. Glenn and Takao out there taking pictures near the turnaround. I think the club did an excellent job taking the handoff from the Duttons, who have always done such an awesome job. Thank you friends.

Good to see so many friends and familiar faces, and hang out.  I stopped a couple times on the trail to talk with friends for a minute or two. Wish I could run better, and there are any number of contributing factors to my deficiencies there, but it's all part of the journey. Congrats to all the finishers--many first time finishers, many returnees, and then those 100k runners who all looked so determined.

Baker Lake 50k

The 2012 edition of the Baker Lake 50k had absolutely incredible weather. A little chilly in the morning, the day quickly warmed up. For once, the bridges were all dry--I think there are 50 or 60 bridge crossings overall, usually all a little wet. Mount Baker was visible all day along the trail--it seems like there were more viewpoints this year, perhaps due to some trail work.  The trail itself was clear. Trail running doesn't get much better than this.

This was my first 50k of the year. I did it because I always do this race, but I didn't run well, and I didn't run at all for portions of the return trip of the out and back. I was tired, muscles hurt, and the digestion didn't work properly. I knew it would be this way. I am so happy just the same to have thrown myself on the trail, and on such a beautiful day, and see what would happen.

Great to see so many friends. Everyone so friendly. It's been too long since my last race. Hard to believe the race didn't even have a race fee this year (though I did make a donation), particularly with the soup and other post-race fare, and aid station goodies. Dave and Jeanette Dutton and their family put together such a wonderful time with this event. Special props to John Bandur for his 10th Baker Lake finish. Made me smile to see John sitting next to the Baker Bear, above, after the race. Also, Stanley Nakashima on the trail, doing the sweep. You know you're ultrarunning in the PNW if Dave, John, and Stan are on the trail.

I can write a book on how not to prepare for a race. The night before, I was in Seattle after a work thing, and had tuna tartar and bone marrow at RN 74. Just weird. Mix that with coffee and GU, and my stomach never felt good during the day, or today.  Some day I'll prep smart. Today I feel whooped, sort of like the Baker Bear above, but I'll bounce back and if I can get this left leg of mine working right, I'll be hitting events more, once again.

Driving out, I saw a bobcat cross the road. 

The main thing to remember about this year is the weather--maybe the best ever, with the best ever views of Mount Baker. I could see the crevasses of the glaciers, climbing up to the peak. This race is a gem, and always my favorite.

Baker Lake 50k

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

Baker Lake 50k

This year's edition of the Baker Lake 50k had plenty of sun; terrific views of one very large, glaciated volcano across the lake; and for the first time in a couple years, a brand new bridge across Hidden Creek. And it is a wonderful bridge—the waterfalls below are striking, dropping into several terraced pools. The significance of the bridge: once again, the course goes the full length of the lake, and back. Very cool.

Of particular note this year, I saw what seemed to be a larger than usual variety of mushrooms/fungi on the trail. Orange jelly fungi on logs, like witch’s butter. Those brown clusters of puff ball spores, that explode if you step on them. Purple and red mushrooms that have to be toxic, or magical, or bad news, or something. Chantrelles, oysters. I don’t know all the names of what I saw, but they were out in force, right along the trail. It was the variety and the colors that caught my attention.

Baker Lake is the quintessential northwest trail run, with massive old growth cedars along the trail, the occasional log lying over the trail, short, slippery log foot bridges, whitewater creeks, and wet undergrowth lining narrow single track. It’s difficult to explain to someone who has not run the event why it is not a really fast 50k course--there isn’t a lot of elevation gain--but it isn't. It's not slow, but it's not fast. A lot of things bring the pace down, like hopping roots and rocks, crossing over creeks on slippery bridges and logs, and maybe the fact that there is only one aid station, at the midway turnaround. The return back can sometimes stretch out.

Shawn, Tony and all the volunteers do a masterful job putting this race on. **Thank you!!**

This was my first ultra event in about four months, after injuring myself in New Mexico. I’ve spent plenty of time running trails in the North Cascades this summer, but not at events, or at a sustained pace for 30 miles. I had little idea of what to expect of myself. So, the good news is, the back held up well. After the first few miles, I found myself able to hold a steady pace, more or less. I faded in the last five to seven miles, and this was probably due to running out of water. Nonetheless, I was happy with my run, and really, it was just great to be on one of my favorite trails, at my favorite event, with so many other friends out there.

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at Mount Baker

I've gotten into the habit of watching the full moon calendar during the winter. When the skies are clear, there's no better place locally to enjoy a full moon and the night sky then up on Mt. Baker. It's quite simply a world class outdoor experience. Tuesday night looked promising. Emails, telephone calls and smoke signals followed; by noon, the message came through:
Houston, we are a go.
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I left work in Bellingham at 4 PM, met up with Dean and the rest of his fun-loving friends at Maple Falls, and we began our snowshoe hike around sunset out of the Mt. Baker ski area. We pretty much had things to ourselves. We made the top of the ridge right as the moon rose--that's the picture above. The pics here are copyright Scott T./Skagit Herald--pretty nice to have a professional photographer on the hike. And good company at that. It was so cold though that Scott's camera batteries froze. Vince R. came as well, to write the story, and he does a better job than I of telling the tale, and so feel free to fast forward to the link below. There's even a video clip. Our little full moon adventure made the front page of the Herald on Thursday--nice!
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For my faithful blog follower(s), my bonus track comments are 1.) it was 5 degrees, and very very very very cold; 2.) full moon rise on snow canyon makes for an amazing ethereal pink glow--this is my first chance to legitmately drop the word "ethereal" in quite some time--it's a good word, and the pink glow seemed from another world; and 3.) I forgot my pants, my headlamp, my gloves, and food. Also, my ski poles were useless, because they were too long. But my new snowshoes are pretty cool--they have a heel elevator which is real nice for sharp inclines. Also, there were a couple nuts doing some rock climbing on Table Mountain with headlamps--kind of cool. As one friend said, just when you thought you'd seen it all as far as crazy goes, you see some fools night rock or ice climbing at 5 degrees. Life is good, and may it be long too.
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We'll probably do this one more time this winter, maybe under a New Moon. The pics below may look like they were taken in daylight, but if you look close, you can see spots in the sky, aka stars, novas, nebulae, planets, galaxies and other astronomical events. Cue Neil Young's Pochohantas (from Rust Never Sleeps), and dream of traveling across an unsettled America, clear skies night after night. If you want. I would. Or you could just read the story--

http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/recreation_snowshoeing_by_the_light_of_the_moon/

Moonnauts

Luna rising

Ring of Fire at Night aka Mt. Baker