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 Trail

We hiked a bit of the Baker Lake Trail today, starting from the Baker River trailhead. Rain was in the forecast, but we lucked out there. The river on the Baker River was really moving. I was hoping to see sockeye, but no luck there. Perhaps if we went up the Baker River trail, instead of across the bridge and on to the Baker Lake Trail.

This is one of my favorite places, and I'm planning again to be at the 50k in a few weeks. Hard to say if I'll be able to keep doing that race each year, as much as I'd like to. The hardest thing about streaks is not the effort, but rather over time other commitments press for the specific weekend.

Going slow was nice, as I took a longer look at the big trees, and the places a bear might hide. There are a number of little cave like rock formations near the turnaround. No bears today though.

The best thing about today's hike was going with Carrie, Brad and Deb. Great to finally get out together on the trail.

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 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 Trail

 

 

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

Maple Grove campground view

Mount Baker view from Baker Lake

Fresh snow on hillside trees

  

Peak at the end of Baker Lake