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.

Fragrance Lake On A Rainy Day

A rainy day is all right sometimes. We're getting flood stage river alerts this weekend, with the Skagit high on the banks. There's no snow in the mountains, as events are being rescheduled and skiers are warned about rocks and brush.

I just had to get out this morning. I've had far too hard a time finding time in the past month or so. Hiking and running trails refreshes the spirit, and gives me that balance I need. I just plod along, checking out things--lichen, a woodpecker, puddles.  Lots of puddle stomping today.  I saw a few runners out there, presumably training for Chuckanut.

The trails are familiar. I can hike them in the dark, probably w/o a light, though I'm sure I'd trip on a rock here or there. My fitness changes, but the trails, not so much. They will dry up later, but the rain makes everything that much more real. 

Lake Padden Trail Half Marathon

Bellingham’s Lake Padden Trail Half Marathon may be around for a while.  I really really liked the course, and though I’m not much of a racer, the course itself seems perfect for folks who do want to run trails fast.  Lots of ups and downs—all enough to set a burn in, but nothing too steep or technical.  Fall colors don’t hurt either.

I run Lake Padden all the time—have ran around it for more than twenty years, as once upon a time I lived right down the street. Often I stop there after work for a lope.  The loop around the lake is rather pedestrian—good for strollers, slow biking, and running.  Further back, behind the lake, there are single track trails full of mud, roots, and rocks.  Plenty of short legitimate climbs and drops too.

About 300 people signed up for the race, which is really big by trail running standards, especially for a second year race.  The winning times, by Dusty and Jodee, were really fast.  Plenty of other fast people in the top 20. Competitive.

And then there was me, in the recreation class.  I was a lumbering back-of-the-packer.  I have a sore throat, to add to the hamstring issues. But I was really happy to be out there. That’s two races now for me in the last month.  Progress.  Mainly though, just good to be out.

We were fortunate to find a dry window in this rainy weekend.  It was pouring before and after.  I think it hailed before I drove up. And lots of friendly faces out there racing—Chad, Chuck, James, Charlie, Dylan, others. Strong performances, all. Al did a phenomenal job putting this whole thing together. His dedication to this race is unparalleled. And he had a lot of help and great sponsors, all for the cause of Rebound, a worthy charity for local kids. Great also to see Dean, Ruth, Heather, Kevin, Terry, Delores, and others volunteering, as always.  The NW running community is tops. So, a great morning.

Sourdough Mountain

 

Mike and I made a go at Sourdough Mountain this morning, getting up to about 4400 feet before turning around due to snow.  Rainy morning, rain like a rain forest, where the rain is everywhere, but not pounding, with birds still chirping.  But lots of rain.  It was one of those days—rains all day, until you get back to the car.   

The first three miles up were as steep as ever, forcing me to catch my breath a number of times, but ultimately a very good climb.  It seems I don’t really have downhill muscles either these days.  It was a good workout—just what I needed.

We got an early start, leaving Mount Vernon at 6 AM, and were first to the trailhead, but we never saw anyone all day anyway.  I’m sure it’s possible to get up to the top now with the right equipment, but the trail looks to be about three weeks away still.

Stopped for honey in Marblemount, purchased on the honor system!, and then Annie’s flying chicken pizza in Concrete.  

For past reports about Sourdough Mountain, a favorite of mine, click here, here, or here. On a good day, the views from the top are some of the best around. It's also a mountain with some history.

Max's Shortcut

 

Usually June brings warmer days, but the rain makes everything in the wood glow in green.  My Achilles doesn’t really allow me to run, and with gas prices as they are, I didn’t feel like going too far.  So this weekend I wandered around my favorite mountain again.

Max’s Shortcut is a 2.6 mile trail connecting Lilly Lake and a connector trail to the Blanchard overlook.  I don’t get on this trail enough, as it is perfect for running.  Switchbacks, gradual ups and downs, soft trail.  The trail is part of the Pacific Northwest Trail, a West to East trail stretching from Washington to some part of Montana, I believe.  White blazes on trees mark the way.

As I said, I couldn’t really run, but I could kind of meander, and smell, listen, feel the outdoors.  Saturday was a wet day, with periodic rains, water dripping off ferns.  I took my time, looking at moss, watching a squirrel, snapping photos, most of which were fails.  I will not run forever.  But I will walk in the woods as long as this body permits.

Good to see so many volunteers on Blanchard Mountain, improving trail and road, for National Trails Day. Thank you.