I feel like I've been writing this a lot: This week was a total loss
when it comes to training! I guess I can't really expect anything else
from the last week of the school year. Well, for me it was the LAST
last week of the school year as a high school English teacher! When I
go back to school next fall, it's as a student, not a teacher. After
that...we'll see. I just know that I can't do what I've been doing
anymore.
As for the week, it was too much work, too
much grading, too much to do, especially too much stress, and no time to
run. Until the weekend, that is--I was reduced to weekend warrior this
week!
Saturday morning was still too much to do
because it was the Foothills Scenic Five! I got the preregistration
stuff ready on Friday night, and then Rich and I were out setting up the
course markers just after 6am. For once, everything about the race
went smoothly! I've been in charge of the race aspect of Scenic Five
day for the past several years now, and this was definitely the best one
yet. Whew!
In the afternoon, I went up to Mount
Spokane to do the pre-cleaning for the Chalet cleanup on Sunday, and I
could finally relax! I did the world's easiest Mount Spokane run--the
130a + 130b loop, but I felt much better afterwards. Then I vacuumed
and cleaned and cleaned and vacuumed. The chalet was pretty dirty
inside.
On Sunday I got up early to do a run in the
Nordic area before people arrived to help with the chalet cleanup. Now
if I can just carry the weekend momemtum into the upcoming week!
Weekly mileage = only 7.5 miles.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
June 4-10, 2012
The school year is winding down, which means a lot of deadlines looming for me. That means that running gets pushed down the to-do list, of course, so my mileage is low and my stress is high this week. My first run of the week was Friday, and it was just an easy loop in the Dishman Hills. Saturday was super rainy, so I mostly stayed in and graded essays; I attended the backpack school potluck in the afternoon and tried to longboard (so scary!), but no running today. On Sunday I managed another short run, this time on Mount Spokane. I felt so lethargic!
Weekly mileage = just 7 miles.
Weekly mileage = just 7 miles.
Monday, June 18, 2012
May 28-June 2
Monday--we hiked out on the Rapid River Trail today, a distance of about 6 miles. After that it was the long drive home; fortunately, I was just a passenger. I graded papers the whole way back!
Tuesday--back to work & I had angry knees. I took today off.
Wednesday--I ran Iller Creek today. I went up the ridge trail and back on the creekside trail. That is such a nice loop and I can't wait to share it with the team this summer! Approximately 5.5 miles.
Thursday & Friday = nada.
Saturday--Jeff & Deb were supposed to meet me for an early run on Mount Spokane. Morning brought so much ran that they canceled, but I decided to go for it. I was completely drenched, but it was worth it! I started at the switchback parking lot, took trail 100 out to Smith Gap, and then ran the Hay Ridge Loop. I think it's about 6 miles.
Sunday--Jeff & Deb rescheduled for today, and the weather decided to cooperate. We started at the switchback lot and took trail 110 up, and then returned via 140 and the Kit Carson Loop Road. I think the mileage is about the same as what I did yesterday, but the elevation gain is far more significant on this route. We decided that we're going to try to do this run more often to get ready for Cutthroat!
Weekly mileage: hiking = 6 miles; running = 17.5 miles
Tuesday--back to work & I had angry knees. I took today off.
Wednesday--I ran Iller Creek today. I went up the ridge trail and back on the creekside trail. That is such a nice loop and I can't wait to share it with the team this summer! Approximately 5.5 miles.
Thursday & Friday = nada.
Saturday--Jeff & Deb were supposed to meet me for an early run on Mount Spokane. Morning brought so much ran that they canceled, but I decided to go for it. I was completely drenched, but it was worth it! I started at the switchback parking lot, took trail 100 out to Smith Gap, and then ran the Hay Ridge Loop. I think it's about 6 miles.
Sunday--Jeff & Deb rescheduled for today, and the weather decided to cooperate. We started at the switchback lot and took trail 110 up, and then returned via 140 and the Kit Carson Loop Road. I think the mileage is about the same as what I did yesterday, but the elevation gain is far more significant on this route. We decided that we're going to try to do this run more often to get ready for Cutthroat!
Weekly mileage: hiking = 6 miles; running = 17.5 miles
Sunday, June 3, 2012
May 21-27, 2012
My first run of the week was just a neighborhood run, but it was one of those awesome rainy spring days of torrential downpours followed closely by intense sunshine. I was grading papers after work, but as soon as I saw that it started to rain I headed out of the building. I missed the best part of it--as I left my classroom it was raining so hard that it was difficult to see the park across the street, but by the time I was out the door it had already slowed to merely an average downpour. That was still a lot of fun, of course, and it was such a nice warm day! I just did the usual three-mile Saltese Loop, but the usually boring neighborhood run seemed transformed by the weather.
I didn't make it out again until Thursday afternoon. I have been craving some Mount Spokane time for a while now! I decided to go to the mountain after work to go for a trail run (Trail 100-Smith Gap-Kit Carson Road Loop; I found a bunch more morels!) and check in on the chalet. The run was great, but the chalet had some issues--one of the big living room windows had been knocked in somehow. I'm still not sure how it could have happened. At any rate, I didn't have the necessary materials to deal with it right then, so I was forced to return on Friday for another trail run and then an attempted short-term fix (short-term because I don't know how to fix windows, and because the drive way is still covered with so much snow!).
Friday I ran lower 110 to the cedar grove, then became scared of the very strong wind and turned back early (after finding a few more morels!). After that I put up my temporary fix of plastic, duct tape, and random pieces of wood (which I have since learned later all feel down--fortunately, another club member is better at temporary fixes & has nailed some plywood over it). Then I had to go home and pack--it was Backpack School Graduation Weekend!
We left Friday night to drive down to Riggins, Idaho for our backpack trip along the Rapid River. We got to the trailhead at midnight and quickly set up tents & spent the night in the parking lot.
On Saturday we got up early and enjoyed a pancake breakfast with huckleberry sauce before doing the final pack-up. The rest of the group started to arrive, and we were on the trail within 20 minutes of our planned start time—that’s pretty good considering there were 23 of us!
It was an easy hike in of approximately 6 miles. There was a lot of poison ivy along the trail, and I was just positive I touched it a couple of times, but fortunately, no horrible rash developed. We were in camp before noon! I got the tent up and then sat and snacked and graded some essays while the rest of the group arrived. After everyone was in, I decided to cross the stream to another trail that led up to a cool old abandoned cabin. I took plenty of wildflower pictures, plus cabin pictures when I got up to it. It looked like an abandoned homestead; there were old farm implements all over the former meadow that was slowly being reclaimed by the forest. I also found two elk sheds in the meadow! I think that the cabin and beyond hike added about 2 miles to my day. Then several of us did an extra afternoon hike before dinner on another fork of the trail—I think that added about 4 more miles (for a 12 mile day).
I thought that I’d sleep well after so much hiking, but instead I had weird nightmares. It started to rain, but I dreamt a thunderstorm into it. It was such a realistic dream that I thought that there really had been thunder until I asked several other people about it Sunday morning. Not real. Weird. I also dreamt that there was a rattlesnake in my tent vestibule. I was pretty sure that one was not real since what was initially one rattlesnake rattling behind my tent turned into a bunch of rattlesnakes coming out of holes in the ground due to the rain, and then taking shelter in the pack cover of my backpack in the vestibule of my tent. It was such a vivid dream that I was extra careful opening up my pack Sunday morning. Thank goodness, it was all nightmare; I have too vivid an imagination!
Sunday was mainly rainy. We hiked as a group up to two nearby cabins, and then a few of us continued up the trail to see if we could find morels. We didn’t have any luck with the morels, but it was a very pretty hike. It rained most of the time, and just before we turned around it actually started to snow! Ken said he thought it was about an 8 mile day.
Weekly mileage: running = 11 miles; backpacking = 20 miles
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
May 14-20, 2012
I keep saying I'll do better, and then I keep doing very little. One of the pitfalls of being an English teacher close to the end of the school year. I have a mountain of papers to grade, and therefore I cannot make it to the mountain as often as I'd like.
I did manage one trailrun in the Dishman Hills, but other than that, it was a lot of work and very little play during the week.
The weekend was much, much better. I volunteered to lead a neighbor's church group up Antoine Peak on Saturday, and we had so much fun on this beautiful, sunny day! I only got us a little lost once (I hope they forgive me--they are a church group after all). I was a little lost because we started from the Lincoln Road side; I've never been to the top from that side of the mountain. It was very pretty--I hate to admit it, but it was probably prettier than the Robbins Road side, at least on the lower section. There were a bunch of yew trees along a creek on that side of the mountain; I don't think I've ever seen yews in Spokane county before. Of course, the west side of Antoine has the largest juniper tree I have ever seen; I guess it proves that the entire conservation area is spectacular!
Sunday was my super intense gardening day. I lost track of time again and forgot to save enough time to both run AND grade papers. Papers won.
Weekly mileage = 3 miles running & 6 miles hiking.
I did manage one trailrun in the Dishman Hills, but other than that, it was a lot of work and very little play during the week.
The weekend was much, much better. I volunteered to lead a neighbor's church group up Antoine Peak on Saturday, and we had so much fun on this beautiful, sunny day! I only got us a little lost once (I hope they forgive me--they are a church group after all). I was a little lost because we started from the Lincoln Road side; I've never been to the top from that side of the mountain. It was very pretty--I hate to admit it, but it was probably prettier than the Robbins Road side, at least on the lower section. There were a bunch of yew trees along a creek on that side of the mountain; I don't think I've ever seen yews in Spokane county before. Of course, the west side of Antoine has the largest juniper tree I have ever seen; I guess it proves that the entire conservation area is spectacular!
Sunday was my super intense gardening day. I lost track of time again and forgot to save enough time to both run AND grade papers. Papers won.
Weekly mileage = 3 miles running & 6 miles hiking.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
May 7-13, 2012
This week wasn't much of an improvement over last week. I stopped by my parents' house on Tuesday to get Blaze and run to the top of Antoine Peak (6 miles). It was a great run, and then I was so sore I could barely walk the next day, so I skipped a Wednesday run. On Thursday I did an easy loop in the Dishman Hills (3 miles). Friday I left town for a quick camping trip, and then Saturday I got in another nice long hike while looking for morels (8 miles). I didn't do as well this weekend; they are drying out and this is the last weekend for the morel hunt of 2012. Sunday was devoted to gardening and trying to get my poor neglected house in order.
Running = 9 miles; hiking = 8 miles.
Running = 9 miles; hiking = 8 miles.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
April 30 - May 6
The week was nearly a complete loss: One day of running after work, and it was just a boring neighborhood three mile loop.
Things started looking up for the weekend, however. I returned to my favorite morel spot, convinced that this weekend would be the peak. I was right! It's hard to know my mileage for sure since a lot of it was walking up and down the mountainsides picking morels, but by the end of the weekend I estimate that I covered about twenty miles and came home with somewhere close to twenty pounds of morels! Time to look up new recipes to try out!
On the way home I turned on the radio to a re-run NPR broadcast of an Adrienne Rich poetry reading where one of the poems was "What Kind of Times Are These." The first lines of the first three stanzas are "There's a place between two stands of trees where the grass grows uphill // I've walked there picking mushrooms at the edge of dread, but don't be fooled // I won't tell you where the place is, the dark mesh of the woods [...]." It's such a cool poem in and of itself, and it seemed especially fitting today.
Weekly mileage = 3 miles running & 20 miles hiking
Things started looking up for the weekend, however. I returned to my favorite morel spot, convinced that this weekend would be the peak. I was right! It's hard to know my mileage for sure since a lot of it was walking up and down the mountainsides picking morels, but by the end of the weekend I estimate that I covered about twenty miles and came home with somewhere close to twenty pounds of morels! Time to look up new recipes to try out!
On the way home I turned on the radio to a re-run NPR broadcast of an Adrienne Rich poetry reading where one of the poems was "What Kind of Times Are These." The first lines of the first three stanzas are "There's a place between two stands of trees where the grass grows uphill // I've walked there picking mushrooms at the edge of dread, but don't be fooled // I won't tell you where the place is, the dark mesh of the woods [...]." It's such a cool poem in and of itself, and it seemed especially fitting today.
Weekly mileage = 3 miles running & 20 miles hiking
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Morel Time!
I started this week with trail running. On Monday I did an approximately 5.5 mile hilly loop at Iller Creek. I was still tired from that on Tuesday, so I did a shorter and slower loop in the Dishman Hills. The Dishman Hills never cease to amaze me; despite nearly fifteen years of exploring those trails, I found a new-to-me trail on this run. It was beautiful, mainly due to all of the spring flowers that are just starting to bloom right now. I'm hoping that I can get back to hike this with my camera in the next week or so.
On Wednesday I finally managed to get up to Mount Spokane to ski. This is my favorite time of the year to ski up there--there were a few snowboarders hanging out near lodge one, but I was the only one going to the top tonight. The snow is wet, sloppy, and dirty; it was a little like skiing through mashed potatoes, but it's April and therefore fabulous. I hope I can do it again next week.
On Thursday I returned to Iller Creek for a trail run. I managed to get a huge blister after skiing and it was still bothering me tonight, so I cut the run pretty short.
On Friday I had students in doing makeup work fairly late, so I didn't have enough time to run before backpack school.
Saturday I left early for a camping trip to my favorite morel-hunting grounds. It has been cold enough that the morels are late this year. I only found about two pounds, but I got a nice long hike in, most of it cross-country. I also found three ticks during the course of the day, but fortunately I found all of them before they found a place to bite. I didn't find any more morels Sunday morning, so I came home early to get a little gardening done in the afternoon.
Mileage for April 23-29: running = 11 miles; hiking = approximately 10 miles (most off-trail)
On Wednesday I finally managed to get up to Mount Spokane to ski. This is my favorite time of the year to ski up there--there were a few snowboarders hanging out near lodge one, but I was the only one going to the top tonight. The snow is wet, sloppy, and dirty; it was a little like skiing through mashed potatoes, but it's April and therefore fabulous. I hope I can do it again next week.
On Thursday I returned to Iller Creek for a trail run. I managed to get a huge blister after skiing and it was still bothering me tonight, so I cut the run pretty short.
On Friday I had students in doing makeup work fairly late, so I didn't have enough time to run before backpack school.
Saturday I left early for a camping trip to my favorite morel-hunting grounds. It has been cold enough that the morels are late this year. I only found about two pounds, but I got a nice long hike in, most of it cross-country. I also found three ticks during the course of the day, but fortunately I found all of them before they found a place to bite. I didn't find any more morels Sunday morning, so I came home early to get a little gardening done in the afternoon.
Mileage for April 23-29: running = 11 miles; hiking = approximately 10 miles (most off-trail)
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
April 16-22: Earth Day, etc.
I managed to run a couple days this week anyhow. On Wednesday I got in a nice 3 mile loop in the Dishman Hills after work and before the final service project meeting at REI. On Thursday I went back to the Dishman Hills, but this time to hike part of my assigned zone to look for places for my group to pick up trash during the service project. Friday it was back to running again, and again in the Dishman Hills. I've been hanging out there a lot lately!
I spent my Saturday working in the garden--working a little too hard in the garden as it turns out. I ended up with tendinitis in my wrist, which I didn't even know could happen after one nine-hour day of weeding and shoveling and raking! If I hadn't known better, I would have thought it was broken with the way it was swollen and sticking out at a funny angle.
That made Sunday interesting, since it was the service day project. I did most everything left handed, and relied heavily on vitamin-I for the rest. There were so many people there, and the weather was so fabulous! I'm pretty sure the service project was a great success. I didn't do much more than lead people to our work site and then lead them back afterwards (with a side-trip through the hinterlands to look for the trash that I'd GPS'd, only to discover that one of the other teams found it before we got there). All in all, it was a good day. Then I got to spend the afternoon in the hammock, reading and grading papers.
Running = 7 miles; hiking = 8 miles
I spent my Saturday working in the garden--working a little too hard in the garden as it turns out. I ended up with tendinitis in my wrist, which I didn't even know could happen after one nine-hour day of weeding and shoveling and raking! If I hadn't known better, I would have thought it was broken with the way it was swollen and sticking out at a funny angle.
That made Sunday interesting, since it was the service day project. I did most everything left handed, and relied heavily on vitamin-I for the rest. There were so many people there, and the weather was so fabulous! I'm pretty sure the service project was a great success. I didn't do much more than lead people to our work site and then lead them back afterwards (with a side-trip through the hinterlands to look for the trash that I'd GPS'd, only to discover that one of the other teams found it before we got there). All in all, it was a good day. Then I got to spend the afternoon in the hammock, reading and grading papers.
Running = 7 miles; hiking = 8 miles
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Running again!
I'm able to run again (albeit slowly and painfully). I ran Centennial Trail on Monday (3.5 miles) and the Saltese Loop on Tuesday (3 miles). Then I needed to take Wednesday and Thursday off to recover. At least it was just extreme soreness, not re-injury. By Friday I was ready to tackle a 3 mile trail run in the Dishman Hills, and then I had to take Saturday off to recover. I made great progress in the garden, though! Today I went out to Riverside State Park for one of my favorite 5.5 mile loops. It was beautiful, and I felt great at first--then my calves and hamstrings tightened up and made for a rough last couple of miles, but I finished it!
Mileage, week of April 9-15, 2012 = 15 miles
Mileage, week of April 9-15, 2012 = 15 miles
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Spring Break!
April 2-8, 2012:
I stayed close to home on Monday and Tuesday, but I left for another backpack trip Wednesday through Friday! I left home during a snow storm that turned to rain the farther north I got, and finally cleared up entirely by the time I got to my intended hiking destination at Thirteen Mile trail. We had a couple wildlife cameras there, and I needed to pull them. I hiked the trail to the first camera, then cut cross country to the second camera to see if I could find any shed antlers in the woods. I didn't find any, but I did find a fairly large pond--unusual in this dry area. It's probably seasonal, but on the other hand, there isn't any vegetation in the middle and it's ringed by aspen, so it must stay wet enough even into late summer.
I also made rookie mistake #1 at Thirteen Mile: I had two pairs of gaiters in the car, but did I put either of them on? Of course not! So my shoes got soaked and my feet got cold. Maybe someday I'll learn.
I got the cameras without any problem, though. We didn't get much of interest, although there are some funny blurry deer photos that we are calling the "Ghost Deer." The second camera had somehow been knocked off the tree it was attached to, and the bungee that we had used to place it was on the ground in four pieces. I'm not quite sure how that could have happened--unless it was the Ghost Deer in action, angry at having been photographed.
After Thirteen Mile I drove on to Oroville. The original plan was to locate Whistler Canyon, car camp at the trail head, and then go for the backpack on Thursday after Aaron arrived from Spokane. The only problem was that I got completely lost. The guidebook directions were off, the USGS map wasn't particularly helpful (not even when I took it to the ranger office on Thursday seeking their help), and there was no sign anywhere. I tried everything except for the correct entrance, as it turns out, and then looped around the backside to see if I could find the old USFS road 100/converted to trail 100 described in the Pacific Northwest Trail Guide. No luck. Then it was practically dark and I couldn't figure out a place to camp. I probably should have had a better plan to begin with (rookie mistake #2?) but I ended up back at Bonaparte Lake before I found a place I was willing to camp, and even that didn't feel particularly safe (I could see houses from the campground--I hate it when I can see houses from the campground!).
When I woke up Thursday morning I debated just heading back toward home, as I wasn't sure I'd ever locate that trail head. However, I hate to give up on anything (ok, I'm super stubborn). I stopped by the ranger station for directions that weren't particularly helpful, I took two or three wrong turns, I chatted with a nice local man who said he'd been there before but couldn't remember how to get to the trail head, and finally decided I'd try just one more turn before I gave up--and that was finally the correct one!
Of course, even when I was there I wasn't positive it was the right spot. It didn't look anything like the picture I had seen of the trail head that the Backcountry Horsemen had constructed, and I had specifically asked the FS people if I would see the trail head sign when I got there (they said I would). I got my backpack in order and hoped that Aaron didn't get as hopelessly lost as I had. Just as I got everything packed a local woman drove up to take her dog for a walk. When I asked if I was in the right spot, she confirmed that I was and then took me down to the future trail head where the big trail sign was located. No wonder I couldn't find it before--the official parking lot isn't coming until later this summer.
Then came the cool part--the part that made getting lost (almost) worth it--the local woman showed me where the Whistler Canyon Pictographs were located! I later got lots of great pictures of them. It was very cool indeed to be able to see that!
Just as the woman and I walked back to the cars I saw that Aaron had arrived, apparently without getting too lost. Then came rookie mistake--what am I up to now?--number 3. We hiked down to take pictures of the pictographs, and as I moved to get at the right angle for a good picture I glanced to my right and noticed some poison ivy growing right next to me--touching my pant leg, in fact. Aaron had been standing in the same spot not thirty seconds earlier. So...I changed my hiking pants as soon as I got back to the car, but I still kept imagining that I was getting itchy for the rest of the backpack. We dodged a bullet, though--no hives!
We were almost ready to leave when we met some more people who had driven up to the trail head. One of the guys apparently worked for either the forest service or BLM; he gave us a tip about another hike we could check out on our way out of town: McLaughlin Canyon, just south of Tonasket. Then we started our hike.
We didn't hike in very far before we set up a camp with a nice view and easy access to water. Then we went for a nice long hike, some of it on trail and some of it cross country. We never did see the bighorn sheep, but we did see plenty of wildflowers. The day stayed mostly warm and sunny, although the wind picked up quite a bit after dinner. In fact, we expected to wake up to snow-covered tents, but Friday was nice, too.
We decided to see McLaughlin Canyon after the hike out of Whistler Canyon, and that's when we made rookie mistake #4 and #5. First, we assumed that the trail was on the same side of the road as the trail head. Next, we didn't bother to stick the map back in the backpack before we started hiking. In my defense, most of my belongings were strewn all over the back of the car since I didn't want to carry tent and sleeping bag and stove, etc. with me for a short hike. The mistake led to a nice view from the top of the wrong hillside before we returned to the car to get the map.
McLaughlin is a pretty hike, but there are so many trees down across the trail! There was a fire there a few years ago, and now a lot of the dead trees are falling. It made me a little nervous when the wind picked up on our way back out. It's BLM land, and a historical site where Native Americans once ambushed some miners. I think it would be the perfect place for a trail project and eventually an interpretive hike. In the meantime, the place is in serious need of a cleanup project--not the trail itself (although cleaning the deadfall would be a nice touch), but the trail head. It is apparently the local dumping ground/shooting site, despite shot up signs telling people not to do so.
After that I continued on home, happily exhausted! I returned to a snow-covered front lawn & news from my mom that it had snowed several inches after I left on Wednesday; it was good timing for my escape from town!
Saturday was the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Community Center, and I only did some gardening in the afternoon.
I spent a lot of my Easter trying to get caught up on the grading I was supposed to have done earlier in the week, but I managed to escape for an afternoon hike at McKenzie Conservation Area. Since my last visit they have installed trail signs indicating a nice long loop around the perimeter of the property, plus they have planted a native plant garden along the beach! I think there is enough trail there now to run it; I didn't even take all of the marked routes today, but I think I covered about four miles.
Weekly mileage: approximately 14 miles, hiking; still no running.
I stayed close to home on Monday and Tuesday, but I left for another backpack trip Wednesday through Friday! I left home during a snow storm that turned to rain the farther north I got, and finally cleared up entirely by the time I got to my intended hiking destination at Thirteen Mile trail. We had a couple wildlife cameras there, and I needed to pull them. I hiked the trail to the first camera, then cut cross country to the second camera to see if I could find any shed antlers in the woods. I didn't find any, but I did find a fairly large pond--unusual in this dry area. It's probably seasonal, but on the other hand, there isn't any vegetation in the middle and it's ringed by aspen, so it must stay wet enough even into late summer.
I also made rookie mistake #1 at Thirteen Mile: I had two pairs of gaiters in the car, but did I put either of them on? Of course not! So my shoes got soaked and my feet got cold. Maybe someday I'll learn.
I got the cameras without any problem, though. We didn't get much of interest, although there are some funny blurry deer photos that we are calling the "Ghost Deer." The second camera had somehow been knocked off the tree it was attached to, and the bungee that we had used to place it was on the ground in four pieces. I'm not quite sure how that could have happened--unless it was the Ghost Deer in action, angry at having been photographed.
After Thirteen Mile I drove on to Oroville. The original plan was to locate Whistler Canyon, car camp at the trail head, and then go for the backpack on Thursday after Aaron arrived from Spokane. The only problem was that I got completely lost. The guidebook directions were off, the USGS map wasn't particularly helpful (not even when I took it to the ranger office on Thursday seeking their help), and there was no sign anywhere. I tried everything except for the correct entrance, as it turns out, and then looped around the backside to see if I could find the old USFS road 100/converted to trail 100 described in the Pacific Northwest Trail Guide. No luck. Then it was practically dark and I couldn't figure out a place to camp. I probably should have had a better plan to begin with (rookie mistake #2?) but I ended up back at Bonaparte Lake before I found a place I was willing to camp, and even that didn't feel particularly safe (I could see houses from the campground--I hate it when I can see houses from the campground!).
When I woke up Thursday morning I debated just heading back toward home, as I wasn't sure I'd ever locate that trail head. However, I hate to give up on anything (ok, I'm super stubborn). I stopped by the ranger station for directions that weren't particularly helpful, I took two or three wrong turns, I chatted with a nice local man who said he'd been there before but couldn't remember how to get to the trail head, and finally decided I'd try just one more turn before I gave up--and that was finally the correct one!
Of course, even when I was there I wasn't positive it was the right spot. It didn't look anything like the picture I had seen of the trail head that the Backcountry Horsemen had constructed, and I had specifically asked the FS people if I would see the trail head sign when I got there (they said I would). I got my backpack in order and hoped that Aaron didn't get as hopelessly lost as I had. Just as I got everything packed a local woman drove up to take her dog for a walk. When I asked if I was in the right spot, she confirmed that I was and then took me down to the future trail head where the big trail sign was located. No wonder I couldn't find it before--the official parking lot isn't coming until later this summer.
Then came the cool part--the part that made getting lost (almost) worth it--the local woman showed me where the Whistler Canyon Pictographs were located! I later got lots of great pictures of them. It was very cool indeed to be able to see that!
Just as the woman and I walked back to the cars I saw that Aaron had arrived, apparently without getting too lost. Then came rookie mistake--what am I up to now?--number 3. We hiked down to take pictures of the pictographs, and as I moved to get at the right angle for a good picture I glanced to my right and noticed some poison ivy growing right next to me--touching my pant leg, in fact. Aaron had been standing in the same spot not thirty seconds earlier. So...I changed my hiking pants as soon as I got back to the car, but I still kept imagining that I was getting itchy for the rest of the backpack. We dodged a bullet, though--no hives!
We were almost ready to leave when we met some more people who had driven up to the trail head. One of the guys apparently worked for either the forest service or BLM; he gave us a tip about another hike we could check out on our way out of town: McLaughlin Canyon, just south of Tonasket. Then we started our hike.
We didn't hike in very far before we set up a camp with a nice view and easy access to water. Then we went for a nice long hike, some of it on trail and some of it cross country. We never did see the bighorn sheep, but we did see plenty of wildflowers. The day stayed mostly warm and sunny, although the wind picked up quite a bit after dinner. In fact, we expected to wake up to snow-covered tents, but Friday was nice, too.
We decided to see McLaughlin Canyon after the hike out of Whistler Canyon, and that's when we made rookie mistake #4 and #5. First, we assumed that the trail was on the same side of the road as the trail head. Next, we didn't bother to stick the map back in the backpack before we started hiking. In my defense, most of my belongings were strewn all over the back of the car since I didn't want to carry tent and sleeping bag and stove, etc. with me for a short hike. The mistake led to a nice view from the top of the wrong hillside before we returned to the car to get the map.
McLaughlin is a pretty hike, but there are so many trees down across the trail! There was a fire there a few years ago, and now a lot of the dead trees are falling. It made me a little nervous when the wind picked up on our way back out. It's BLM land, and a historical site where Native Americans once ambushed some miners. I think it would be the perfect place for a trail project and eventually an interpretive hike. In the meantime, the place is in serious need of a cleanup project--not the trail itself (although cleaning the deadfall would be a nice touch), but the trail head. It is apparently the local dumping ground/shooting site, despite shot up signs telling people not to do so.
After that I continued on home, happily exhausted! I returned to a snow-covered front lawn & news from my mom that it had snowed several inches after I left on Wednesday; it was good timing for my escape from town!
Saturday was the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Community Center, and I only did some gardening in the afternoon.
I spent a lot of my Easter trying to get caught up on the grading I was supposed to have done earlier in the week, but I managed to escape for an afternoon hike at McKenzie Conservation Area. Since my last visit they have installed trail signs indicating a nice long loop around the perimeter of the property, plus they have planted a native plant garden along the beach! I think there is enough trail there now to run it; I didn't even take all of the marked routes today, but I think I covered about four miles.
Weekly mileage: approximately 14 miles, hiking; still no running.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
March 26-April 1
At the beginning of the week I was fairly sure that my calf injury was healed, but on Tuesday I found out that it was not the case. I knew enough to find something flat for a "test run," so I went to Centennial Trail on my way home from work. I made it six minutes pain-free, then it started to tighten up; I turned back and ran another four minutes, and finally decided I'd better just walk the rest of the way back to the car.
That was the only run for the week. It wasn't too painful on Wednesday, but I decided to err on the side of caution, and besides, I was plenty busy with work.
Then spring break started! I rushed home after work on Friday to pack my bags, left again for the first night of Backpack School, then came home and finished packing for the weekend backpack to Hell's Canyon.
We got a semi-early start on Saturday morning to drive to Pittsburgh Landing; I have never done this trip before and had no idea how long a drive it was to the trail head! We didn't get started on the trail until around noon, but it's only a six mile hike to Kirkwood Ranch. We saw a group of boy scouts at the trail head, and when we got to the ranch we found that there were two other boy scout troops already camped; it's a very popular location for boy scout troops! I also discovered that I seriously underestimated how warm it would be in Hell's Canyon; I only packed long pants and long-sleeve shirts, but it was warm! In the late afternoon it did start to rain, but I could have done with some shorts and a tee-shirt for the hike in. One of the boy scout leaders later told us that he'd only packed heavy wool clothing, so I'm sure he was extra miserable! The wind was fierce, though, despite the sunny skies. I later heard that another hiker on the way in was hit by a gust that knocked her down and that she fell a good ways down below the trail; in some areas that could have been a lethal fall, so I guess in a sense she was lucky that it happened where it did.
After we arrived we quickly set up camp and then took off for farther up-trail: We hike to Suicide Point about two miles beyond the ranch. On the way back I found a nice mule deer shed along the trail. I was also thrilled to get lots of wildflower pictures; I got several of buttercups blooming inside cactus fortresses!
Sunday morning started rainy, then got sunny, then got rainy, then got sunny again. We checked out the museum and then did the side hike up the canyon to the old bootlegger's mansion (it, along with the bunkhouse, are on the National Historic Register). Then we packed up and hiked out and started the long drive home.
Weekly totals: running = about 1.5; hiking = about 18
That was the only run for the week. It wasn't too painful on Wednesday, but I decided to err on the side of caution, and besides, I was plenty busy with work.
Then spring break started! I rushed home after work on Friday to pack my bags, left again for the first night of Backpack School, then came home and finished packing for the weekend backpack to Hell's Canyon.
We got a semi-early start on Saturday morning to drive to Pittsburgh Landing; I have never done this trip before and had no idea how long a drive it was to the trail head! We didn't get started on the trail until around noon, but it's only a six mile hike to Kirkwood Ranch. We saw a group of boy scouts at the trail head, and when we got to the ranch we found that there were two other boy scout troops already camped; it's a very popular location for boy scout troops! I also discovered that I seriously underestimated how warm it would be in Hell's Canyon; I only packed long pants and long-sleeve shirts, but it was warm! In the late afternoon it did start to rain, but I could have done with some shorts and a tee-shirt for the hike in. One of the boy scout leaders later told us that he'd only packed heavy wool clothing, so I'm sure he was extra miserable! The wind was fierce, though, despite the sunny skies. I later heard that another hiker on the way in was hit by a gust that knocked her down and that she fell a good ways down below the trail; in some areas that could have been a lethal fall, so I guess in a sense she was lucky that it happened where it did.
After we arrived we quickly set up camp and then took off for farther up-trail: We hike to Suicide Point about two miles beyond the ranch. On the way back I found a nice mule deer shed along the trail. I was also thrilled to get lots of wildflower pictures; I got several of buttercups blooming inside cactus fortresses!
Sunday morning started rainy, then got sunny, then got rainy, then got sunny again. We checked out the museum and then did the side hike up the canyon to the old bootlegger's mansion (it, along with the bunkhouse, are on the National Historic Register). Then we packed up and hiked out and started the long drive home.
Weekly totals: running = about 1.5; hiking = about 18
Sunday, March 25, 2012
March 19-25
I had to take the whole week off from running! I managed to ride one of the stationary bikes after school on Monday, but my calf was so painful on Tuesday that I didn't attempt anything else until the end of the week. I did some alpine skiing and Nordic skiing over the weekend, and went for a short hike--and that was it. The weather was great over the weekend, so I was able to get a lot of garden work done, at least. The good news is that my calf is feeling much better. I might have tried running today except that I tweaked my knee while Alpine skiing (in best powder of the year!). Hopefully I'll be running again this coming week!
This week's very little mileage: hike = about 2 miles; Nordic skate = about 7 miles
This week's very little mileage: hike = about 2 miles; Nordic skate = about 7 miles
Monday, March 19, 2012
Me: "My solius hurts." K: "I didn't know you had one."
That was today's conversation before class started; too funny to omit, for sure. But yeah, I'm back on the injured list.
March 12-18 training:
The week was going so well, too! Well, in terms of running anyway. It was also HSPE week, so it was rough at work followed by the liberation of worries via running. It was more of the same short stuff. Monday was a three mile loop after school and before my meeting. Tuesday was a three mile out-and-back in the Dishman Hills where I saw my first buttercup of the year and ran through a beautiful section of trail where 30-40 bluebirds flitted in front of me as I slowed to a walk to admire their color. Wednesday was another three mile out-and-back. Thursday and Friday were supposed to be my only days off--I completely crashed on Thursday. I could barely keep my eyes open as I tried to work on grading after school, so I went home and took a nice long nap instead of running. I wanted a nice trail run on Saturday, so I started from my parents' house and ran toward Antoine Peak. I was halfway up the first big hill when I decided to "pause" the run and do some off-trail exploration. It was such a pretty day, and it's fun to follow the game trails when the snow is gone but before the vegetation is too thick. I hiked for 30-45 minutes, gradually working my way uphill, and I eventually intersected the main trail again. At that point I decided it was time to head back and I started running down the trail...and my calf tightened up almost immediately. I jogged some and walked some, and fortunately ran into my dad when I got back to the road & I hitchhiked back. I took Sunday off (well, I still worked on the garden for several hours, but no "real" exercise to speak of). I hope that through rest it will heal quickly--the last time this happened, I was out for two or three months.
Mileage: 12 miles running; 2 miles hiking
March 12-18 training:
The week was going so well, too! Well, in terms of running anyway. It was also HSPE week, so it was rough at work followed by the liberation of worries via running. It was more of the same short stuff. Monday was a three mile loop after school and before my meeting. Tuesday was a three mile out-and-back in the Dishman Hills where I saw my first buttercup of the year and ran through a beautiful section of trail where 30-40 bluebirds flitted in front of me as I slowed to a walk to admire their color. Wednesday was another three mile out-and-back. Thursday and Friday were supposed to be my only days off--I completely crashed on Thursday. I could barely keep my eyes open as I tried to work on grading after school, so I went home and took a nice long nap instead of running. I wanted a nice trail run on Saturday, so I started from my parents' house and ran toward Antoine Peak. I was halfway up the first big hill when I decided to "pause" the run and do some off-trail exploration. It was such a pretty day, and it's fun to follow the game trails when the snow is gone but before the vegetation is too thick. I hiked for 30-45 minutes, gradually working my way uphill, and I eventually intersected the main trail again. At that point I decided it was time to head back and I started running down the trail...and my calf tightened up almost immediately. I jogged some and walked some, and fortunately ran into my dad when I got back to the road & I hitchhiked back. I took Sunday off (well, I still worked on the garden for several hours, but no "real" exercise to speak of). I hope that through rest it will heal quickly--the last time this happened, I was out for two or three months.
Mileage: 12 miles running; 2 miles hiking
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
March 5-11
I was much more consistent this week, although I really need to start adding additional mileage. I'm starting to look at the summer calendar to plan some trips, and I need to be in better shape!
Monday and Wednesday were just easy three mile loops from the school; Tuesday was a better three mile loop in the Dishman Hills. Thursday was the best workout of the week--it was a full moon, and I decided to see it from the Nordic trails at Mount Spokane. I got to Selkirk Lodge around 5:45, so I got to enjoy the sunset. I took Valley View and Eagle Crest to maximize sunset views, then I went around Shadow Mountain to see if the moon was coming up yet. It wasn't, but I went down Moose Meadows to see the the Alpine area all lit up for night skiing. I returned via Linder Ridge and was nearly back to the lodge when the moon came up; I got several nice pictures using the tripod. It was red when it came up! I think I skied about 7 miles. Friday I went to my parents' house and did an easy three mile out-and-back with Kari; she's ten now, and has finally slowed down, poor thing.
The weekend wasn't so great for running, however. I wanted to use Saturday for my off-day and work on the apple orchard, so I got a great upper-body workout. I intended to run on Sunday, but the weather was bizarre. I went so far as to get dressed for running, but it was right about that time that it started to rain, then hail, then snow, then the wind came up, then I heard thunder in the distance. I crawled back into bed to grade some papers!
Totals for the week: running = 12 miles; xc ski (skate) = 7 miles
Monday and Wednesday were just easy three mile loops from the school; Tuesday was a better three mile loop in the Dishman Hills. Thursday was the best workout of the week--it was a full moon, and I decided to see it from the Nordic trails at Mount Spokane. I got to Selkirk Lodge around 5:45, so I got to enjoy the sunset. I took Valley View and Eagle Crest to maximize sunset views, then I went around Shadow Mountain to see if the moon was coming up yet. It wasn't, but I went down Moose Meadows to see the the Alpine area all lit up for night skiing. I returned via Linder Ridge and was nearly back to the lodge when the moon came up; I got several nice pictures using the tripod. It was red when it came up! I think I skied about 7 miles. Friday I went to my parents' house and did an easy three mile out-and-back with Kari; she's ten now, and has finally slowed down, poor thing.
The weekend wasn't so great for running, however. I wanted to use Saturday for my off-day and work on the apple orchard, so I got a great upper-body workout. I intended to run on Sunday, but the weather was bizarre. I went so far as to get dressed for running, but it was right about that time that it started to rain, then hail, then snow, then the wind came up, then I heard thunder in the distance. I crawled back into bed to grade some papers!
Totals for the week: running = 12 miles; xc ski (skate) = 7 miles
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Busy, busy, busy
I keep telling myself that as soon as I accomplish X, Y, or Z, things will slow down and I'll have more time for everything else. Instead, I finish X, Y, and Z and discover A, B, C, and D waiting for me! This past week was no different, and the activity that gets dropped is usually my running. The good thing is that I have entered the Cutthroat Classic, so I have something to train for; that is not a race where one can just show up and gut it out. I have to get in shape for that one, especially since I signed up for wave one. I had to miss the race the last two years, so I'm excited to train for it again. I just hope I don't end up with another injury like two years ago, and especially not another funeral to attend like last year. At any rate, my running did suffer this week, but I think I'm gradually making improvements and I'm certain I'll be ready by August, baring disaster.
Monday was a complete loss, however. I had students come in for makeup work right after school and I had to type up lesson plans for my substitute on Tuesday. I didn't leave the building until after 6pm. It would have been pretty tough to run outside anyway since there was still so much snow.
Tuesday was much better. After working so late on Tuesday, I was determined to avoid going back to the building after my all-day meeting at the district office. I live closer to the district office than I do to the school, so I just headed for home after the meeting ended. I stopped at my parents' house and saw that there was still plenty of snow in the front field, so I put Blaze's harness on him and skijored in the field. We did two big loops and Kari ran loose with us so that she wouldn't feel left out. Then I put Kari in the house and took Blaze for a three mile run in the slush up Robbins Road.
I had progress report grades due on Wednesday, but I ran on Thursday--it was my usual three mile loop in the Dishman Hills. Friday was too busy again and I skipped the workout.
Saturday was the main event of the week: The sixth annual Bounder Paws and Poles skijor/snowshoe race at 49 Degrees North. I can't believe there have been six of them; I think I've done nearly all of them (I just can't remember if I did the very first one). This was the first time that I brought Blaze instead of Kari; she just can't do that distance anymore. Blaze actually raced this time, too! We took first place and completed the 5k in 15:23. In skijoring it's as much about how one's dog behaves as it is about the ability level of the skier; there were MUCH faster skiers present, but Blaze was the fastest dog. We did about a mile warm up, skied the 5k, and then went around the loop again for the cool down. Then I drove out to the Springdale property for an extra hike in the snow; I didn't go far, maybe two more miles.
Sunday was another slushy run--this time up the Antoine Peak conservation area to the first valley overlook and back (four miles). After that I did a little more pruning in the orchard...and right now I'm procrastinating on the paper grading as I type this update. Time to get back to work!
Weekly totals: Skijor = 9 miles; Hike = 2 miles; Run = 10 miles
Monday was a complete loss, however. I had students come in for makeup work right after school and I had to type up lesson plans for my substitute on Tuesday. I didn't leave the building until after 6pm. It would have been pretty tough to run outside anyway since there was still so much snow.
Tuesday was much better. After working so late on Tuesday, I was determined to avoid going back to the building after my all-day meeting at the district office. I live closer to the district office than I do to the school, so I just headed for home after the meeting ended. I stopped at my parents' house and saw that there was still plenty of snow in the front field, so I put Blaze's harness on him and skijored in the field. We did two big loops and Kari ran loose with us so that she wouldn't feel left out. Then I put Kari in the house and took Blaze for a three mile run in the slush up Robbins Road.
I had progress report grades due on Wednesday, but I ran on Thursday--it was my usual three mile loop in the Dishman Hills. Friday was too busy again and I skipped the workout.
Saturday was the main event of the week: The sixth annual Bounder Paws and Poles skijor/snowshoe race at 49 Degrees North. I can't believe there have been six of them; I think I've done nearly all of them (I just can't remember if I did the very first one). This was the first time that I brought Blaze instead of Kari; she just can't do that distance anymore. Blaze actually raced this time, too! We took first place and completed the 5k in 15:23. In skijoring it's as much about how one's dog behaves as it is about the ability level of the skier; there were MUCH faster skiers present, but Blaze was the fastest dog. We did about a mile warm up, skied the 5k, and then went around the loop again for the cool down. Then I drove out to the Springdale property for an extra hike in the snow; I didn't go far, maybe two more miles.
Sunday was another slushy run--this time up the Antoine Peak conservation area to the first valley overlook and back (four miles). After that I did a little more pruning in the orchard...and right now I'm procrastinating on the paper grading as I type this update. Time to get back to work!
Weekly totals: Skijor = 9 miles; Hike = 2 miles; Run = 10 miles
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Improvements
I did better this week! Monday was President's Day, so I was able to return to the mountain for a little more snowshoeing. I just did the entrance loop--I had a report of a tree down on the trail. I wasn't able to clear the tree, but I did remove the pesky branches that were sticking up. It was about a three mile loop; I followed it up with a short hike at Feryn Ranch Conservation Area. It's so pretty out there! I really need to do more exploring on that property, but today I saw more pheasants than I could count, one bald eagle, and a bunch of red-winged blackbirds (I love their song!). The ground was pretty wet and I couldn't figure out a way to cross Peone Creek, so I probably only covered a mile.
Tuesday was a day off; I had a meeting in the evening & couldn't fit in time for a run, too.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were all running days--first the Foothills loop, then to the Dishman Hills, and finally to Iller Creek. I think they were all about three miles.
My weekend plans got changed late in the week, and it turned out that it was just as well. My Thirteen Mile hike, car camp, and Sherman Peak snowshoe turned into a snowy weekend at home. I woke up to light snowfall and a bare yard on Saturday morning; by 3 pm I had a foot of snow on the ground. My exercise for the day was afternoon snow removal: First I shoveled my yard, then my brother and I cleared the snow from my parents' driveway and pathways. On Sunday I couldn't resist a snowshoe outing, so I went up to Mount Spokane. I intended to try for Day Mountain, but no one had snowshoed past Bald Knob. I was sinking in knee-deep even with the snowshoes, and was pretty exhausted by the time I got to the CCC cabin junction. It also took me an hour to do the last section of the hike! I knew I needed to check on the chalet, so I headed back. I then spent an hour shoveling the chalet deck, and only managed to clear half of it! The snow was even with the top railing on the deck--somewhere between three & a half and four feet. It was a little overwhelming, and certainly hard work. It had all fallen since last Saturday when I was there last. I heard that the mountain got at least 21" yesterday alone. Crazy!
Totals = 8 miles snowshoe; 1 mile hike; 9 miles running. Plus so much shoveling.
Tuesday was a day off; I had a meeting in the evening & couldn't fit in time for a run, too.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday were all running days--first the Foothills loop, then to the Dishman Hills, and finally to Iller Creek. I think they were all about three miles.
My weekend plans got changed late in the week, and it turned out that it was just as well. My Thirteen Mile hike, car camp, and Sherman Peak snowshoe turned into a snowy weekend at home. I woke up to light snowfall and a bare yard on Saturday morning; by 3 pm I had a foot of snow on the ground. My exercise for the day was afternoon snow removal: First I shoveled my yard, then my brother and I cleared the snow from my parents' driveway and pathways. On Sunday I couldn't resist a snowshoe outing, so I went up to Mount Spokane. I intended to try for Day Mountain, but no one had snowshoed past Bald Knob. I was sinking in knee-deep even with the snowshoes, and was pretty exhausted by the time I got to the CCC cabin junction. It also took me an hour to do the last section of the hike! I knew I needed to check on the chalet, so I headed back. I then spent an hour shoveling the chalet deck, and only managed to clear half of it! The snow was even with the top railing on the deck--somewhere between three & a half and four feet. It was a little overwhelming, and certainly hard work. It had all fallen since last Saturday when I was there last. I heard that the mountain got at least 21" yesterday alone. Crazy!
Totals = 8 miles snowshoe; 1 mile hike; 9 miles running. Plus so much shoveling.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
More of the same
This week I'm healthy again, but I'm still having trouble finding the time to get out and get a workout. I had meetings Monday and Wednesday and paperwork to finish on Tuesday, so after the school day ended I was busy with other things and didn't have a chance to run. Thursday I finally managed a short three mile run in the Dishman Hills. It was perfect--still snowing and two or three new inches on the ground, but nothing underneath to make it icy. I did a couple little loops, including through the Enchanted Ravine where there were awesome icicles on the rocks. I want to try to go back next week to see if I can get a picture of it, but it will be tough to get the lighting right.
Friday night I headed up to Mount Spokane to stay at the chalet. It was a chalet open house night, but no one else showed up for it. I must admit, I wasn't sorry that I had the place to myself! I originally intended to go out on the Nordic trails after I got the fires going, but it started snowing outside & I decided I'd rather sit by the fire and read a book. It was a nice, relaxing evening.
On Saturday I woke up to four or five new inches of snow on the chalet deck. I was there to lead a Mountaineers snowshoe hike, so that was perfect. The snowshoe hike was my favorite big loop from the chalet down trail 100, up trail 110, on the Kit Carson Loop to the CCC cabin for lunch, and then across trail 130 and back to the chalet. We finished the hike with hot cocoa in the still-warm chalet. I think the loop is about seven miles.
Today I took Blaze to the Nordic trails for a little skijoring--even more snow fell last night and today. It was tough skiing, and Blaze wouldn't pull, so I got a good workout in today. I think we went about five miles.
Weekly mileage: run = 3 miles; snowshoe = 7 miles; Nordic ski/skijor = 5 miles. I'm nearly positive I'll do better next week!
Friday night I headed up to Mount Spokane to stay at the chalet. It was a chalet open house night, but no one else showed up for it. I must admit, I wasn't sorry that I had the place to myself! I originally intended to go out on the Nordic trails after I got the fires going, but it started snowing outside & I decided I'd rather sit by the fire and read a book. It was a nice, relaxing evening.
On Saturday I woke up to four or five new inches of snow on the chalet deck. I was there to lead a Mountaineers snowshoe hike, so that was perfect. The snowshoe hike was my favorite big loop from the chalet down trail 100, up trail 110, on the Kit Carson Loop to the CCC cabin for lunch, and then across trail 130 and back to the chalet. We finished the hike with hot cocoa in the still-warm chalet. I think the loop is about seven miles.
Today I took Blaze to the Nordic trails for a little skijoring--even more snow fell last night and today. It was tough skiing, and Blaze wouldn't pull, so I got a good workout in today. I think we went about five miles.
Weekly mileage: run = 3 miles; snowshoe = 7 miles; Nordic ski/skijor = 5 miles. I'm nearly positive I'll do better next week!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sick
I thought I was a slacker last week! This week was terrible for athletic endeavors. I started feeling a little sick on Sunday afternoon, and by Monday I knew I had either a cold or perhaps even the flu. I managed a three-miler in the Dishman Hills on Tuesday, but then felt even worse on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. I finally got a little exercise on Saturday. I went up to Mount Spokane to test my wood skis for Langlauf (about 1 mile and my wax was terrible), then I switched to my (unwaxed since last week--oops!) skate skis for about three miles. I was winded after the three miles! I stayed on the mountain for the chalet open house, and then today I got the wax mostly right for Langlauf (10k, preceded by a mile test ski). I won the women's wooden ski division, which wasn't hard since I was the only woman on wooden skis. I also placed 5th in my age group. Most importantly, I finally feel pretty healthy today. We'll see if I can regain any momentum this week!
Totals: run = 3 miles; skate ski = 3 miles; classic ski = 8 miles
Totals: run = 3 miles; skate ski = 3 miles; classic ski = 8 miles
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Slacker
Monday, 1/30: The start of the new semester and I hadn't even finished my work from the old semester! I stayed in and graded and entered grades and generally panicked about life. No running.
Tuesday, 1/31: Things were a little better tonight, but I still had a handful of essays to grade plus grades to post. I did the Saltese loop & then worked to get the essays graded and the final grades entered & posted. Whew! Run = 3 miles.
Wednesday, 2/1: I needed a run tonight. Life is too stressful right now & I'll be glad when things calm down a bit! I headed out for a run, ran into one of my students in the hallway, and joined her for the first part of the run. She was running less than I wanted to do today, so I did the warmup loop to make it a little longer. Run = 3 miles.
Thursday, 2/2: Tonight I ran Mohawk! It makes a nice loop from the school and has a great hill. It nearly killed me, but I needed it! Run = 4.5 miles
Friday, 2/3: EZ Centennial Trail run--I had to walk the icy sections in the shade. 3 miles
Saturday, 2/4: I had a meeting at Mount Spokane in the morning, so I took my skis and skied afterwards. The snow & grooming were fantastic today and I did a big loop that included Elevator Shaft and The Wall. Today was the first time I was able to ski these trails without have to stop to catch my breath multiple times! Ski = 8 miles.
Sunday, 2/5: Skijor day on the mountain! If I were good I would have gone for a run first, but I was working on too many projects at home, plus I wasn't feeling very well. Blaze was only pulling part of the time, so it was at least a little bit of a workout for me, too. He was able to try out his new harness & chest protector & skijor line for the first time--here's my unsolicited plug for Howling Dog Alaska--they have great skijor gear! Ski = 5 miles.
Weekly totals: Run = 13.5 miles & Ski = 13 miles
Tuesday, 1/31: Things were a little better tonight, but I still had a handful of essays to grade plus grades to post. I did the Saltese loop & then worked to get the essays graded and the final grades entered & posted. Whew! Run = 3 miles.
Wednesday, 2/1: I needed a run tonight. Life is too stressful right now & I'll be glad when things calm down a bit! I headed out for a run, ran into one of my students in the hallway, and joined her for the first part of the run. She was running less than I wanted to do today, so I did the warmup loop to make it a little longer. Run = 3 miles.
Thursday, 2/2: Tonight I ran Mohawk! It makes a nice loop from the school and has a great hill. It nearly killed me, but I needed it! Run = 4.5 miles
Friday, 2/3: EZ Centennial Trail run--I had to walk the icy sections in the shade. 3 miles
Saturday, 2/4: I had a meeting at Mount Spokane in the morning, so I took my skis and skied afterwards. The snow & grooming were fantastic today and I did a big loop that included Elevator Shaft and The Wall. Today was the first time I was able to ski these trails without have to stop to catch my breath multiple times! Ski = 8 miles.
Sunday, 2/5: Skijor day on the mountain! If I were good I would have gone for a run first, but I was working on too many projects at home, plus I wasn't feeling very well. Blaze was only pulling part of the time, so it was at least a little bit of a workout for me, too. He was able to try out his new harness & chest protector & skijor line for the first time--here's my unsolicited plug for Howling Dog Alaska--they have great skijor gear! Ski = 5 miles.
Weekly totals: Run = 13.5 miles & Ski = 13 miles
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