Spokane River Run 25k

No pictures, and that's too bad, as there were plenty of spring-time sights at the Spokane River Run 25k this weekend. There were points on the run, particularly in the last 5 miles, where the trail was on a ridge, overlooking the valley.  There were balsam root plants in bloom--the short yellow sunflower plants. The rugged pine trees and soft trail were picture worthy.  Somebody though ran without a camera, and so next time, I suppose.

It's always good to get over to eastern Washington this time of year.  The peaks in the distance still show snow, but spring is apparent everywhere.  It's not too hot to run, and the weather is usually a bit better than what you'll find on the west side.

I enjoyed the "Challenge Course," which advertises a 1900 feet elevation gain over 25k. There is a slightly easier 25k as well, and the event also offers runners the choice of pairing the two courses for one 50k. Maybe next time.  Every mile is marked, which is a bit of a change, but kind of nice considering my condition.  There were three aid stations for the Challenge Course, which is plenty, but I carried a bottle of water and some gels. 

The event is a local benefit for the Garfield A.P.P.L.E. program, which offers enhanced benefits for Spokane students. The event had a real community feel to it. The tech shirt even features a student drawing. I ran with a good friend, who in turn ran with a bunch of peeps he knew.  I didn't actually run with them--but friendly faces before and after a race is terrific.

As for how I ran....well, slow, but I've done worse. I thought I'd hike a lot, but the soft trail was very inviting, and so a steady trot was the outcome. My hip, knee, and stomach are still in the opposition party, but I will continue to campaign for a better me.

The drive, by the way, was long. I managed to listen to the whole audio for Neil Gaiman's Norse Mythology, a full PJ concert (Charlottesville '13), and some talk radio. RIP Art Bell.

Mercer Island Half Marathon

I walked and jogged the Mercer Island Half Marathon a week or so ago. It was on a Sunday morning, and I registered months earlier.  I really wasn't into doing it, but I got myself up and went down at 6 AM for the early start.  I figured I'd be happier after the fact if I did it, as long as I didn't make it too painful. That was about right for me, and I'm glad I did it.

I've wanted to do this race for years. It is one of the older races in the Pacific Northwest and its fair to call it a classic.  I can't believe I've never done it, which is part of the reason I wanted to check this box.

For me, this race is a real throwback. In the 1980s, I used to be the Circulation Director for the Mercer Island Reporter.  I think I earned $9.07/hour, and I thought that was awesome. I was a Manager! The newspaper was published by Bellevue's Journal-American company (no longer operating), and was a once weekly newspaper. The job was nuts. Basically, every Tuesday night-Wednesday morning, I drove all over Mercer Island, delivering all the routes that I couldn't find carriers for. And on Mercer Island, a well-to-do area, the kids were often doing other things besides delivering papers. So, there were lots of routes to deliver personally. The rest of the week was great--basically, I would look for carriers, run sales crews, and I did a little bit of advertising sales.  On the Rock, as we called it.  I eventually quit this job so I could go look for work in Yellowstone, which didn't really work out.

Anyway, wandering around the Island really took me back. The course itself circles the Rock--it's a very natural half marathon--almost a perfect 13.1 mile loop.  I suppose there are some hills, but its not too bad--definitely not by trail runner standards. Tons of volunteers with big smiles. Thanks you Lions Club! Some amazing views of Lake Washington, and I really enjoyed checking out the houses, which are great examples of NW architecture. 

Anyway, I rolled around the island in under three hours, mostly walking.  I would definitely do this race again, and hope I do. 

The Big Island 2018

We had a wonderful week this year in our return to the Big Island of Hawaii.  We missed sharing the experience with our family and friends, but we made great use of our time.

On our first full morning, we went horseback riding at Dahana Ranch outside of Waimea. What a great experience! Our guide was terrific, and we had the ranch to ourselves for a couple hours. I am not a skilled rider, but I hope to do this again. Years ago, I went with family in Maui through a preserve--this was more of an open range type ride. My horse's name was Beachbum.

We stayed in Kona, and visited the farm market, beaches and restaurants. We cooked for ourselves mostly in our rented condo. One day, we took a tour of Greenwell Farms, a coffee farm established in the 1800s. We visited macadamia nut farms and the Big Island Bess honey operation. We also visited the town of Hawi on the north side.

Mid-week, we drove north, again through Waimea, and then went down the Hilo Coast to Hilo. We visited Akaka Falls and hiked the loop. Then, we visited the Wednesday Hilo Farmer's Market, which is fantastic.  I ate a lot of varieties of poke on this trip, including at Hilo's Farmer's Market. We also visited the Hawaiian Botanical Gardens, outside of Hilo, which is spectacular. Plants from all over, of all sorts--cacao, orchids, bird of paradise, and so on. Very worthwhile--I could've spent all day there.

That evening, we went up to Mauna Kea, to the 9200 foot Visitor Center.  The peak itself is above 13,000 feet, but was closed to private drivers due to 80 mph winds. I climbed a ridge above the Visitor Center, hoping to see the sunset, but the clouds were coming through strong. We were there to see the stars--this is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Things didn't look promising, but once the sun set, the clouds dropped below us, and the stars and milky way came out.  The Center turns off all white lights--using only red lights--and brings out some heavy duty telescopes. We saw Pleiades and the Orion Nebula through the telescope. Two astronomers then gave a star show, using a laser pointer to point out constellations and tell stories about them. This was a pretty special night.

We visited Pu'uhonua O Honohnau Nationa Park, a beautiful old Hawaiian village which served as a place of refuge for warriors during conflicts. Next door, some of the best snoring on the island is at the renowned "Two Step", so named because there is a two step ledge you use to launch into swim-only snorkeling. We then discovered another beach, Honolei, just cruising around. A great day was completed with island fresh smoothies at the South Kona Fruit Stand.

On the morning of our departure, I once again ran the Kona Brewer's Festival Run for the Hops. This year, I only did the 5k, because I wanted to get back quick to pack, but this is a terrific local race. The shirt has a manta ray on it--cool!---and the finish line had all sorts of fresh fruit.

Hopefully we get back soon! Mahalo, Big Island!

Seriously

It's not all surf and sand

Greenwell Farms, founded in 1850s, specializing in Kona's coffee

Akaka Falls--beautiful short hike, tall falls

Bird of Paradise--Hawaiian Botanical Gardens

Hilo Farmer's Market

Poi

 Telescope on Mauna Kea-- in the day, on the sun--best look at the sun, ever

Tiki Gods

Run for the Hops

Our Last Breakfast

Woolley Runs Marathon

On Saturday, I walked the Woolley Runs Marathon in a downpour, mixed within winds, holding up an umbrella for much of the day.  I wore four layers up top, including a Marmot rain jacket, plus two hats (OR sombrero), a buff around the neck, and long running tights. I wore the wrong socks (Smartwool), in some old shoes (Montrail Masochists), and blistered bad under the foot and on some toes. My back was stiff going into this, and it hurt more as the day went on. I never seriously thought about trying to run, but there was some shuffling going on, now and again.

It was an ok day, notwithstanding.  This is an out and back on the Cascade trail out of Sedro-Woolley, put on by NW Ultras (Terry, Delores, James, et al.). Thank you all! The Woolley Runs are a terrific way to get out on a flat, rails trail in Skagit Valley in February.  The start line is about 15 minutes from home.  The trail parallels the Highway 20 corridor, from a distance. You pass fields upon fields, some with snow geese, Canadian geese, and swans. There were some bison.  Some horses and some cows. I think I saw some Alpacas. Definitely some sheep.  The hills and mountains on either side had snow in them. At some points, the trail parallels Lyman Slough and the Skagit River.

Indeed, the weather was miserable. I almost bailed, but I really wanted a long walk to clear the head, and so that's what I did. Basically, it was a hike with support at miles 4, 6, 13, 20, and 22.  There were great eats at the finish line (chili, chicken noodle, hot dogs, et al.), and soon enough I was home and watching the Olympics. The memory will last longer than the pain and discomfort. Walking for miles on end, with rain and wind my constant companion, is a good way to re-connect with myself and nature, at least in measured doses.

Nookachamps Half

Ran the Nookachamps Half today. And walked it. It was the first time in a few years that I did the half. I was plenty slow. Rich came up and ran it too, running strong.  Mike showed up at the finish. Many of the usual characters were there, volunteering. I ran into Dean out by their place, which is out by Clear Lake. Great to see the Cross-Country teams doing their part. Thank you!

The weather was very mild. If I was fast, I could've ran fast. It seemed like there were more cars than usual. I probably shouldn't have listened to the radio, but I'm trying to bring music with me again, to help with the step to step motivation.

Afterwards, Rich and Mike and I headed to Calico, and then we drove around looking for birds. Bird nation represented--they were all over the place. We made it out to Edison and Fir Island.

A very good day.

 

Best of 2017

As I like to do here, here’s a list of the best of the trails the year offered:

1.    Equinox Marathon

Work provided me opportunity to visit Fairbanks in September, and it was gorgeous.  I ran, hiked, jogged, and walked the 55^th year of the Equinox Marathon, and came home with a finisher patch. The course was a mix of roads and trails, with a friendly 10 hour course limit, so walkers can do their thing. Fairbanks in September is gorgeous, with trees turned golden everywhere. I was lucky to see Tony there, and later that trip get together with he and Shawn. 

2.    The Big Island and Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

We visited Kona in March for the first time.  We were fortunate to spend time with Aaron, Kelsey, Mike and Fran.  We hiked across a steaming crater in the National Park, as well as through a lava tube. There was the hike to the green sand beach at the bottom of the island, with Mike and Fran. Only sort of green, really, but different. I swam with the manta rays one evening, which is one of the coolest things ever.  Deb and I saw whales on a whale watching excursion. We briefly visited the tropical Hilo, snorkeled with the turtles, and ate too much poke. I also managed to fit in the Run for the Hops 10k in Kona.

3.    The Alaska Railroad and Anchorage

After the Equinox Marathon, I caught the Alaska Railroad from Fairbanks, through Denali National Park, to Anchorage.  The only running on this twelve hour trip involved running to take pictures of Denali and other sights along the way.  Another one of the coolest things I’ve done—it was the last ride of the season, and the fall colors were spectacular.  Denali, rarely visible, was out in full display. Afterwards, I spent a couple weeks in Anchorage, working.  The following weekend I ran the Oktoberfest Run to End Homelessness 10k on the Tony Knowles Trail, which is Anchorage’s favorite waterfront trail. 

4.    Needles 25k

The Needles 50k is a tough trail event in early summer, partially on the Cascade Crest 100 course.  The first couple hours are full on climb.  The views are amazing.  The 25k+ course was challenging enough for me. Tuckered, I was. I enjoyed camping out under the stars, and a good time with friends old and new in the running community.

5.    New Orleans

Deborah and I went to New Orleans for a conference. We got out in the French Quarter, and along the Mississippi.  The food was more memorable then the running (sticky weather!), but there was an amazing swamp tour with marshmallow-eating ALLIGATORS and a nice ride on a cable car through the Garden District.

5.    Easy Pass to Colonial Creek

I ran and hiked the Easy Pass to Colonial Creek point to point route for the fifth time, with my good friend Craig.  This is one of the finest slices of the North Cascades National Park a trail runner can find. We’ve talked about doing the route for a few years, and so it was terrific to share the trail.  I earned an Ultrapedestrian patch for the effort.  This trip will forever be remembered as that time I got chased by a bear.  A juvenile black bear—more brown than black---charged up on to the trail as we were running by, and scared me to pieces for a few seconds. Order was restored when we stopped, stared, and took a picture.

6.    Seattle Half Marathon

My good friend Breean and I ran the Seattle Half Marathon.  We’ve been running on and off together since the 1990s, and so just having the opportunity to once again toe the line with him was special. He roasted me, but I got across the finish.  I used to do the Seattle full every year.  Thanksgiving weekend is just not the same if I’m not running it—good to be back. The marathon and the half both have new courses, and while they are a bit tougher, I liked running through the new neighborhoods. As usual, I dropped a few too many coins at the Expo.

7.    Starlight Overnight

I went out east of Cle Elum and joined in the Starlight Overnight fun, doing only four laps--10 miles or so. Most of the time was spent on trail with friend Glen, and we talked up a storm with the headlamps on.  Good times.  I love the eastern Washington night sky, and everything about this event.

8,    Blanchard Mountain English Army Loop

For years, I’ve done the same loop on Blanchard Mountain, which is modeled after the old Blanchard 50k loop.  The mountain has become more popular, which I suppose is good, but I like my solitude. I found that again one weekend by revising my loop to include the English Army trail, and then went out and did this for a few weekend in a row. Those early morning walks/runs really stick in my memory. I hope the government figures a way to protect these woods. They’re good for my soul.

9.    Beat The Bridge

I did the Beat the Bridge run.  I clearly remember in 1986 going to Nordstrom on my lunch hour, to get a registration form for this race, and then convincing a few friends to run it with me.  Thirty-one years later, I toed the line with Deborah and slough of other family members. With that sort of gap between races, I have to throw this up on the list. And, I can still beat the bridge, which tells you its not too tough. This event does a great job at raising funds for the fight against diabetes.

10.    Orcas Island 25k

15 miles of trail on Orcas Island is always going to be a good day. Love Moran State Park, and Rainshadow races are a great time. Thanks James et al. Throw in a ferry ride and a few hellos to friends, and its all good. This event will always be a goodie.

I participated in a number of other events.  I ran my 14^th consecutive Baker Lake 50k, slow, but steady. Several local favorites, including Loggerodeo, Fowl Run, Have A Heart, and Nookachamps.  There were some half marathons—Birch Bay Half (Rich on the full); Berry Dairy Days Half; and Skagit Flats Half.  I ended the year with the Last Chance Marathon, my third long race of the year. That’s the most of those for me in a few years. Still slow though, way slow.

The year included other highlights.  There was a trip to Las Vegas with some great news, during a difficult time. We also flew to Washington D.C. for some work, tourism, and family time.  I was down in Portland for a few days, and saw MVP Russell Westbrook take on the home team Trail Blazers.  We went up to Vancouver for Jackson Browne, and down to Seattle for Joe Biden, a Prince tribute, and a few Husky and Mariners games. I went out to Easton for CC, and visited with BJ, Erica and others. It was a tough year for work, but I had work and was always busy.

My overall exercise discipline was poor.  As I get older, I should be more thoughtful in my approach: diet, training, stretching, mental. Have to do it. I am thankful for the fact that I am able to get out there, for all the great trails and places I see, and for all the great friends I’ve kept along the way. Onward to ’18!

Last Chance Marathon

A marathon is a lot longer than it used to be for me. Today I hiked the Last Chance Marathon. There was some jogging, but there was also a lot of walking, especially on the second out and back. While I'd like to be better, I'm pretty happy about it. A nice day out on trail with good peeps.

This race has been around for several years, always scheduled on the last day of the year. The idea was to have one last chance to add to your marathon totals for the year. I've never ran it, mainly because I usually work on 12/31. This year, the date fell on a Sunday, which is perfect, since I get Monday to rest up. And I'll need to--my feet hurt.

The weather was cold, but not as cold as the rest of the U.S. Maybe mid-30s. A heavy fog got me wet, I think. I felt cold most of the day, and hope I didn't catch anything.

The marathon is an out and back, done two times, from Fairhaven Park to Larrabee. There's a half marathon option, which a wiser fool would've done.

Terry, Delores, Scott, and everyone put on a top notch race. Great soup at the finish line, grilled cheese, and lots of holiday cookies. Good to see Stan--we're set for onions for the next three months---John, Dean, Ruth, and many others.

All the best to all my friends in 2018.