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.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
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
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Work and weather win over running.
Monday, 1/23: It's finals week, and I had way too much to do today. No running.
Tuesday 1/24: Still no running. It looks pretty slick outside.
Wednesday 1/25: It is slick outside! I finally managed to get away from the building early enough for a run in the Dishman Hills; I thought that the footing might be better on the trails. Ha! At least I only fell once. It was slow going the rest of the time. I think I should be able to claim an additional mile for all of the backwards and sideways sliding I did in the snow and on the ice. Total: 3.5 miles.
Thursday 1/26: I thought it might be better on Centennial Trail since it gets more sun and the temperatures have been warmer the past few days. Instead it was a solid sheet of ice! I cut the run short--I'll have to wait for safer conditions! Total: 3 miles.
Friday 1/27: Last day of finals and too much work to do! I stayed at the school until after dark getting everything together for the new semester, so I guess it will be another day without running. I wasn't really sure where I could go running anyway--it's still so slick everywhere!
Saturday 1/28: Today I went Alpine skiing, so no countable mileage for the day, but at least I got outside and did something for a change. We skinned up Angel Peak for the first run, but it was a little crusty on top and we didn't go back. In fact, it was pretty crusty on top on all of the runs. I felt a little off with my skiing--I guess that's what comes of hardly ever getting out on my skis! It was only my second day of Alpine skiing of the winter, and my first time on my own skis since I used the demo equipment last time. I think the demo telemark skis were easier than my own AT skis, but hopefully that was just the ski conditions.
Sunday, 1/29: Today I ran from home and did an out-and-back on one of the dead-end roads in my neighborhood. It's interesting to see the reaction of the neighbors to a person running on a road that never sees any traffic, especially not foot traffic. The first person I saw was near my turnaround spot--he was driving a tractor and clearing snow off of the road. When he saw me he completely stopped what he was doing and just watched me. To be honest, I intended to run a little farther up the road, but the staring was a little weird so I turned around. I waved first, and he didn't wave back--so I decided perhaps that was far enough. Then on the way back down I saw one person standing at her window just watching me run by. I think they think I'm crazy; perhaps I am! Total: 4 miles.
Weekly totals: 10.5 running miles. I need to do better than this!
Tuesday 1/24: Still no running. It looks pretty slick outside.
Wednesday 1/25: It is slick outside! I finally managed to get away from the building early enough for a run in the Dishman Hills; I thought that the footing might be better on the trails. Ha! At least I only fell once. It was slow going the rest of the time. I think I should be able to claim an additional mile for all of the backwards and sideways sliding I did in the snow and on the ice. Total: 3.5 miles.
Thursday 1/26: I thought it might be better on Centennial Trail since it gets more sun and the temperatures have been warmer the past few days. Instead it was a solid sheet of ice! I cut the run short--I'll have to wait for safer conditions! Total: 3 miles.
Friday 1/27: Last day of finals and too much work to do! I stayed at the school until after dark getting everything together for the new semester, so I guess it will be another day without running. I wasn't really sure where I could go running anyway--it's still so slick everywhere!
Saturday 1/28: Today I went Alpine skiing, so no countable mileage for the day, but at least I got outside and did something for a change. We skinned up Angel Peak for the first run, but it was a little crusty on top and we didn't go back. In fact, it was pretty crusty on top on all of the runs. I felt a little off with my skiing--I guess that's what comes of hardly ever getting out on my skis! It was only my second day of Alpine skiing of the winter, and my first time on my own skis since I used the demo equipment last time. I think the demo telemark skis were easier than my own AT skis, but hopefully that was just the ski conditions.
Sunday, 1/29: Today I ran from home and did an out-and-back on one of the dead-end roads in my neighborhood. It's interesting to see the reaction of the neighbors to a person running on a road that never sees any traffic, especially not foot traffic. The first person I saw was near my turnaround spot--he was driving a tractor and clearing snow off of the road. When he saw me he completely stopped what he was doing and just watched me. To be honest, I intended to run a little farther up the road, but the staring was a little weird so I turned around. I waved first, and he didn't wave back--so I decided perhaps that was far enough. Then on the way back down I saw one person standing at her window just watching me run by. I think they think I'm crazy; perhaps I am! Total: 4 miles.
Weekly totals: 10.5 running miles. I need to do better than this!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Finally some snow!
Monday, 1/16: This was the only good run of the week. I started at my parents' house and ran up Antoine Peak and back. Blaze came along as my running buddy. We made it almost all the way to the top; the crew that's building the new tower was working today despite the holiday, and I didn't want to get in the way of anyone driving heavy equipment. Approximately 6 miles.
Tuesday, 1/17: I had kids in for makeup work immediately after school, and then I had to get home early to get ready for the FRA annual meeting.
Wednesday, 1/18: It snowed like crazy all day long. I was hoping to ski around campus a little after work, but the snow was too fine; I was afraid I'd damage the skis. I decided to forget it and make the drive home before it got dark instead.
Thursday, 1/19: Tonight I did ski around the school! I put on my older pair of skate skis and skied behind the school, did a couple laps on the track, and then went out on the football practice field. It was actually too deep for good skating; maybe I should have tried it on Wednesday. I also didn't stay out very long because I wanted to get home while it was still light outside. Approximately 2 miles, ski.
Friday, 1/20: Mom and dad wanted some help moving things tonight, so I went to their house after work and took Blaze out for skijoring on the field while I waited for Joe to show up to help with the moving. We only made around one perimeter before Joe arrived, but Blaze was happy to get out and play a little, even if it was a short trip. Approximately 1 mile, ski.
Saturday, 1/21: I graded papers most of the day, but escaped for the 3-mile Foothills Fun Run route in the afternoon. It was sunny out, which was nice! It was also quite icy. In the evening Joe and Courtney had a sledding party so I also got some hill repeats in while running back to the top of the sledding hill. 3 mile run.
Sunday, 1/22: Today I went to Mount Spokane to skate. The grooming wasn't great today, so I revised my original route plan and just did Shadow Mountain. It was nice to get out and ski hard for a change; this is the first time I've had my newer skate skis out on the mountain this season. 6 mile ski.
Weekly totals: 9 miles running; 9 miles Nordic skiing
Tuesday, 1/17: I had kids in for makeup work immediately after school, and then I had to get home early to get ready for the FRA annual meeting.
Wednesday, 1/18: It snowed like crazy all day long. I was hoping to ski around campus a little after work, but the snow was too fine; I was afraid I'd damage the skis. I decided to forget it and make the drive home before it got dark instead.
Thursday, 1/19: Tonight I did ski around the school! I put on my older pair of skate skis and skied behind the school, did a couple laps on the track, and then went out on the football practice field. It was actually too deep for good skating; maybe I should have tried it on Wednesday. I also didn't stay out very long because I wanted to get home while it was still light outside. Approximately 2 miles, ski.
Friday, 1/20: Mom and dad wanted some help moving things tonight, so I went to their house after work and took Blaze out for skijoring on the field while I waited for Joe to show up to help with the moving. We only made around one perimeter before Joe arrived, but Blaze was happy to get out and play a little, even if it was a short trip. Approximately 1 mile, ski.
Saturday, 1/21: I graded papers most of the day, but escaped for the 3-mile Foothills Fun Run route in the afternoon. It was sunny out, which was nice! It was also quite icy. In the evening Joe and Courtney had a sledding party so I also got some hill repeats in while running back to the top of the sledding hill. 3 mile run.
Sunday, 1/22: Today I went to Mount Spokane to skate. The grooming wasn't great today, so I revised my original route plan and just did Shadow Mountain. It was nice to get out and ski hard for a change; this is the first time I've had my newer skate skis out on the mountain this season. 6 mile ski.
Weekly totals: 9 miles running; 9 miles Nordic skiing
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Cold!
Monday: I ran the Mormon Temple Loop from the school. 3.5 miles.
Tuesday: I had students in late for makeup work, so I finally took a day off. I needed it--my knees were killing me.
Wednesday: I had students stay later tonight than they did yesterday. I wanted to run, but I had a meeting at R.E.I. that started at 6:30--no time tonight.
Thursday: Tonight the students were gone by 3pm, so I drove to Iller Creek to run the ridge route. It was very cold, so I figured that the mud would be solid again. It was--with a solid sheet of ice on top in most places! It's a wonder I never crashed. I went up 20 minutes--I didn't get nearly as far as I normally do in that time--and then I came back down as carefully as possible. Then it was back to work for a couple more hours. 4 miles.
Friday: I returned to the Dishman Hills to run the loop out by East/West Pond and around through Camp Caro. Wednesday's meeting was about the Earth Day service project, and I wanted to visit my adopted project area. The girls don't know it yet, but I volunteered the xc team to work on the native plant garden--we'll replant it at the service day, and then water it all summer when we run out there. I don't think they'll mind! :) 3.5 miles.
Saturday: I started as early as I was able to, and drove up to Curlew to check out the Rail Trail ski day. It was fun, but they really need more snow--I gouged my skis on rocks several times. I skied out to the tunnel and back; some kids I met on the trail told me that was two miles each way. Then I drove down to Thirteen Mile to camp. I got there with a couple hours of light remaining, and it promised to be good light, too. I decided to hike straight up the hillside above the trail head to try to get to the rock face that towers over the campground. It was a lot steeper than it looked from down below! When I got nearly to the rock face I found a giant standing snag that looked spectacular in the late afternoon light, so I spent a lot of time taking pictures from different angles. I was afraid I'd run out of daylight after that, and I certainly didn't want to go back down the steep slope in the dark, so I decided to start back for the trail head. I started following game trails and contouring along hillside instead of going straight down. As it turned out, it wasn't a game trail after all; I soon saw the "center stock driveway" signs along the route. I need to look up more information on these signs, but a lot of them have graffiti dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. One of the ones I saw tonight was signed May 29, 1946! Once I knew I was back on the stock driveway, I hiked out quite a way so that I could intersect the trail and take it back to trail head. I came out above all of the switchbacks and hiked back down before it was completely dark. Then I started a campfire and ate dinner while I waited for the others to show up to camp. It snowed for a little while while I was on the trail, and it was cloudy for a little while at camp, but then it cleared and became frigid. My neck still hurts from looking up at the stars, though--there's no light pollution at Thirteen Mile, and the stars were spectacular! Ski: 4 miles; hike: 3 miles.
Sunday: Today wasn't exactly what we intended, but that happens sometimes I guess! It was soooo cold this morning, and I never exactly warmed up after I went to bed. Then we had...communication issues...that led to a very truncated hike. I started back for Spokane, but decided to stop at Sherman Pass to dig out my water bottle and a snack and contemplate a trail run. I ran into the Colemans at the pass, and Tim suggested that I ski the South Fork Sherman Creek roadbed--so I did! It started snowing in earnest while I was there. I skied for an hour and then got home, exhausted, before dark. Hike: about a mile; ski: about 5 miles.
Weekly stats: run = 11 miles; xc ski = 9 miles; hike = 4 miles
Tuesday: I had students in late for makeup work, so I finally took a day off. I needed it--my knees were killing me.
Wednesday: I had students stay later tonight than they did yesterday. I wanted to run, but I had a meeting at R.E.I. that started at 6:30--no time tonight.
Thursday: Tonight the students were gone by 3pm, so I drove to Iller Creek to run the ridge route. It was very cold, so I figured that the mud would be solid again. It was--with a solid sheet of ice on top in most places! It's a wonder I never crashed. I went up 20 minutes--I didn't get nearly as far as I normally do in that time--and then I came back down as carefully as possible. Then it was back to work for a couple more hours. 4 miles.
Friday: I returned to the Dishman Hills to run the loop out by East/West Pond and around through Camp Caro. Wednesday's meeting was about the Earth Day service project, and I wanted to visit my adopted project area. The girls don't know it yet, but I volunteered the xc team to work on the native plant garden--we'll replant it at the service day, and then water it all summer when we run out there. I don't think they'll mind! :) 3.5 miles.
Saturday: I started as early as I was able to, and drove up to Curlew to check out the Rail Trail ski day. It was fun, but they really need more snow--I gouged my skis on rocks several times. I skied out to the tunnel and back; some kids I met on the trail told me that was two miles each way. Then I drove down to Thirteen Mile to camp. I got there with a couple hours of light remaining, and it promised to be good light, too. I decided to hike straight up the hillside above the trail head to try to get to the rock face that towers over the campground. It was a lot steeper than it looked from down below! When I got nearly to the rock face I found a giant standing snag that looked spectacular in the late afternoon light, so I spent a lot of time taking pictures from different angles. I was afraid I'd run out of daylight after that, and I certainly didn't want to go back down the steep slope in the dark, so I decided to start back for the trail head. I started following game trails and contouring along hillside instead of going straight down. As it turned out, it wasn't a game trail after all; I soon saw the "center stock driveway" signs along the route. I need to look up more information on these signs, but a lot of them have graffiti dating back to the 1930s and 1940s. One of the ones I saw tonight was signed May 29, 1946! Once I knew I was back on the stock driveway, I hiked out quite a way so that I could intersect the trail and take it back to trail head. I came out above all of the switchbacks and hiked back down before it was completely dark. Then I started a campfire and ate dinner while I waited for the others to show up to camp. It snowed for a little while while I was on the trail, and it was cloudy for a little while at camp, but then it cleared and became frigid. My neck still hurts from looking up at the stars, though--there's no light pollution at Thirteen Mile, and the stars were spectacular! Ski: 4 miles; hike: 3 miles.
Sunday: Today wasn't exactly what we intended, but that happens sometimes I guess! It was soooo cold this morning, and I never exactly warmed up after I went to bed. Then we had...communication issues...that led to a very truncated hike. I started back for Spokane, but decided to stop at Sherman Pass to dig out my water bottle and a snack and contemplate a trail run. I ran into the Colemans at the pass, and Tim suggested that I ski the South Fork Sherman Creek roadbed--so I did! It started snowing in earnest while I was there. I skied for an hour and then got home, exhausted, before dark. Hike: about a mile; ski: about 5 miles.
Weekly stats: run = 11 miles; xc ski = 9 miles; hike = 4 miles
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Keeping Track
Craig Romano just posted his last year's mileage stats on Facebook and asked others to comment regarding their stats, and I realized that I have no idea outside of my Hike-a-Thon mileage!
I have always been one to have good intentions and very little follow through when it comes to keeping something as simple as a training log for my running mileage. I could dig out any of my old training logs (from high school or college or post-college) and locate entire sections that were completely blank. It's not that I had zero mileage for all of those days, just that life got too hectic to write it all down. Then there would be other sections, suspicious sections, where the mileage said "-ish" after it and all of the writing was done in the same pen. These were the weeks of the educated guesses about mileage. I'd be vacuuming and discover the training log under my bed and realize I hadn't written down any workouts for the past three weeks (and I probably hadn't vacuumed for that long, too)--but I could surely remember what I did (plus I wanted a cleaning break)!
So, this attempt is probably doomed to failure, but hey, aren't all resolutions? And I don't have a resolution yet, so here it is: this year, I will keep track of my mileage. Not just Hike-a-Thon, and not just running. We'll see how far I can keep this up, but here is the start:
Sunday, 1/1: I wanted to start the year running, so I ran from home to the end of Piper and back. 4 miles. In the afternoon I met Diana and some other people for skijoring at Mount Spokane. We went to the skijor turnaround and back, probably 5.5 miles. I don't think I'll factor in my ski mileage, but it was a good double workout day for me.
Monday, 1/2: Grading, grading, grading, and then escape for a loop north on Forker to Farwell, up the hill and then back to the house. 3 miles.
Tuesday, 1/3: Back to work. I escaped after school and did the Saltese Loop, then entered grades for a few more hours. 3 miles.
Wednesday, 1/4: I thought it would be a good idea to go to Iller Creek for a nice run on this nice warm afternoon. It wasn't a good idea, or at least it wasn't a good idea to take the tower trail. It was so muddy! I guess it was a nice soft running surface for my always-achy knees. I finally gave up the idea of heading to the tower and slid back down to the creek-side trail to get a little more mileage in. At least I didn't fall down (because I left all of my extra clothes at school)! Then it was back to school to work a little bit longer. 4 miles.
Thursday, 1/5: Bowdish Loop from school. There were golfers at Painted Hills! 3 miles.
Friday, 1/6: Dishman Hills Natural Area. I ran the loop that goes up to the high point in the Natural Area--I think it's called Eagle Peak? There were a lot of people out walking tonight. 2.5 miles.
Saturday, 1/7: I started at mom & dad's and ran Antoine Peak, lower trail to turn-around time. I finally started feeling like a runner again today; the rest of the week has been fairly slow and painful. 4.5 miles.
Year to date = 24 miles (running); 0 miles (hiking)
I have always been one to have good intentions and very little follow through when it comes to keeping something as simple as a training log for my running mileage. I could dig out any of my old training logs (from high school or college or post-college) and locate entire sections that were completely blank. It's not that I had zero mileage for all of those days, just that life got too hectic to write it all down. Then there would be other sections, suspicious sections, where the mileage said "-ish" after it and all of the writing was done in the same pen. These were the weeks of the educated guesses about mileage. I'd be vacuuming and discover the training log under my bed and realize I hadn't written down any workouts for the past three weeks (and I probably hadn't vacuumed for that long, too)--but I could surely remember what I did (plus I wanted a cleaning break)!
So, this attempt is probably doomed to failure, but hey, aren't all resolutions? And I don't have a resolution yet, so here it is: this year, I will keep track of my mileage. Not just Hike-a-Thon, and not just running. We'll see how far I can keep this up, but here is the start:
Sunday, 1/1: I wanted to start the year running, so I ran from home to the end of Piper and back. 4 miles. In the afternoon I met Diana and some other people for skijoring at Mount Spokane. We went to the skijor turnaround and back, probably 5.5 miles. I don't think I'll factor in my ski mileage, but it was a good double workout day for me.
Monday, 1/2: Grading, grading, grading, and then escape for a loop north on Forker to Farwell, up the hill and then back to the house. 3 miles.
Tuesday, 1/3: Back to work. I escaped after school and did the Saltese Loop, then entered grades for a few more hours. 3 miles.
Wednesday, 1/4: I thought it would be a good idea to go to Iller Creek for a nice run on this nice warm afternoon. It wasn't a good idea, or at least it wasn't a good idea to take the tower trail. It was so muddy! I guess it was a nice soft running surface for my always-achy knees. I finally gave up the idea of heading to the tower and slid back down to the creek-side trail to get a little more mileage in. At least I didn't fall down (because I left all of my extra clothes at school)! Then it was back to school to work a little bit longer. 4 miles.
Thursday, 1/5: Bowdish Loop from school. There were golfers at Painted Hills! 3 miles.
Friday, 1/6: Dishman Hills Natural Area. I ran the loop that goes up to the high point in the Natural Area--I think it's called Eagle Peak? There were a lot of people out walking tonight. 2.5 miles.
Saturday, 1/7: I started at mom & dad's and ran Antoine Peak, lower trail to turn-around time. I finally started feeling like a runner again today; the rest of the week has been fairly slow and painful. 4.5 miles.
Year to date = 24 miles (running); 0 miles (hiking)
Monday, December 26, 2011
Winter Update
Once August and Hike-a-Thon ended, my life, as usual, became a whirlwind of work and coaching. I can't believe that it's nearly the end of 2011! I guess it's about time I update this thing with the highlights of the last few months.
First, an update on Hike-a-Thon! Despite everything that got in the way of my mileage goal, I still ended up with my second-highest monthly mileage, and it was good enough for a repeat performance for highest H-A-T mileage (full discloser: one of the WTA board members did well over 300 miles, but as a board member she doesn't qualify to win the category). My H-A-T mileage got me into good enough shape that I was able to run some decent times in a few 5ks during the cross season.
Speaking of the cross season, it was fabulous this year! The girls set some lofty goals for themselves. They fell short on getting the whole varsity team to the regional meet, but they did qualify five individuals (and I could have a separate blog post on the unfairness of having five athletes in a race but not being able to score as a team). Three of the five qualified to state! It was the first time since I became head coach that we had anyone at state, so to have three was fantastic. It has also made EVERYONE even more determined to get there as a team next year. Four team members went on to compete in the Footlocker race in California, so the cross country season extended all the way into December this year!
Even though the girls were still training, I had my weekends back starting in early November. I haven't been able to get out of town quite as often as I would like, but I have managed a couple of overnight trips to the Colville National Forest, including one December backpack trip to 13-mile. That one made me realize that I had lost all of the conditioning from Hike-a-Thon--I had a 45-50 pound pack and we only went in about four miles, but I was dying!
The ski season has also gotten off to a good start, although snow totals have been disappointing. I haven't been out on my AT skis or my new skate skis yet because I'm afraid there are still too many exposed rocks, but I have been on my older skate and Nordic skis quite a few times and that has been great. Blaze has been out skijoring with me twice, and I have done one snowshoe hike to the summit of Mount Spokane. I have also been doing quite a few trail runs--mainly up Antoine Peak, but a couple at Iller Creek as well.
First, an update on Hike-a-Thon! Despite everything that got in the way of my mileage goal, I still ended up with my second-highest monthly mileage, and it was good enough for a repeat performance for highest H-A-T mileage (full discloser: one of the WTA board members did well over 300 miles, but as a board member she doesn't qualify to win the category). My H-A-T mileage got me into good enough shape that I was able to run some decent times in a few 5ks during the cross season.
Speaking of the cross season, it was fabulous this year! The girls set some lofty goals for themselves. They fell short on getting the whole varsity team to the regional meet, but they did qualify five individuals (and I could have a separate blog post on the unfairness of having five athletes in a race but not being able to score as a team). Three of the five qualified to state! It was the first time since I became head coach that we had anyone at state, so to have three was fantastic. It has also made EVERYONE even more determined to get there as a team next year. Four team members went on to compete in the Footlocker race in California, so the cross country season extended all the way into December this year!
Even though the girls were still training, I had my weekends back starting in early November. I haven't been able to get out of town quite as often as I would like, but I have managed a couple of overnight trips to the Colville National Forest, including one December backpack trip to 13-mile. That one made me realize that I had lost all of the conditioning from Hike-a-Thon--I had a 45-50 pound pack and we only went in about four miles, but I was dying!
The ski season has also gotten off to a good start, although snow totals have been disappointing. I haven't been out on my AT skis or my new skate skis yet because I'm afraid there are still too many exposed rocks, but I have been on my older skate and Nordic skis quite a few times and that has been great. Blaze has been out skijoring with me twice, and I have done one snowshoe hike to the summit of Mount Spokane. I have also been doing quite a few trail runs--mainly up Antoine Peak, but a couple at Iller Creek as well.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
August 31, 2011--Where did my August go? Somewhere over the rainbow!
I had lots of big plans for today--too many plans, really. And mother nature had a few plans of her own!
What I did manage to do was hold today's cross country practice at Iller Creek. I have turned the majority of the team into dedicated trail runners. When I said we were going to the top, the girls cheered! That's a tough run, so I'm thrilled that they love it so much. In fact, several of the girls who were just introduced to the trail in the past year through cross country practice have told me that they have returned with their families in order to share it with them, too. One girl told me that when she took her mom, her mom couldn't believe that Iller Creek was public property (and so close to home!).
After the run I had a few errands to take care of, and then I intended to either go to Coeur d'Alene or Mount Spokane for another hike. In fact, I already had my day pack stocked with lunch, snacks and water and it was in the back of the car, ready for anything. Then I came out of a store to a downpour. There seemed to be a break in it, but I decided to hang out in the garden for awhile just in case. I got distracted by my veggies and spent a couple hours harvesting things (until I had about 50 pounds-worth in the wheelbarrow!). By then the storm clouds were moving in and it looked like a thunder storm was on the way. I decided that perhaps my knees had had enough. I started hike-a-thon by camping in the biggest thunderstorm ever in the Wallowas, and I ended hike-a-thon by watching a relatively tame thunderstorm from the comfort of home. Mother nature even rewarded me with a gorgeous double rainbow in my front yard:
So I fell a little short on my mileage goals...okay, a lot short. But hey, rainbows are there to remind us that things will be better in the future, right? Next year I'll hike more (and avoid illness and hopefully funerals!). Besides, Hike-a-Thon is really about the fundraising, and that has gone better than I could have possibly imagined! Donations are still coming in, and I have far surpassed my original goal! I'm calling this H-A-T a huge success!
Total mileage = 5.5
Hike-a-Thon 2011 grand total = 252.8!!!
What I did manage to do was hold today's cross country practice at Iller Creek. I have turned the majority of the team into dedicated trail runners. When I said we were going to the top, the girls cheered! That's a tough run, so I'm thrilled that they love it so much. In fact, several of the girls who were just introduced to the trail in the past year through cross country practice have told me that they have returned with their families in order to share it with them, too. One girl told me that when she took her mom, her mom couldn't believe that Iller Creek was public property (and so close to home!).
After the run I had a few errands to take care of, and then I intended to either go to Coeur d'Alene or Mount Spokane for another hike. In fact, I already had my day pack stocked with lunch, snacks and water and it was in the back of the car, ready for anything. Then I came out of a store to a downpour. There seemed to be a break in it, but I decided to hang out in the garden for awhile just in case. I got distracted by my veggies and spent a couple hours harvesting things (until I had about 50 pounds-worth in the wheelbarrow!). By then the storm clouds were moving in and it looked like a thunder storm was on the way. I decided that perhaps my knees had had enough. I started hike-a-thon by camping in the biggest thunderstorm ever in the Wallowas, and I ended hike-a-thon by watching a relatively tame thunderstorm from the comfort of home. Mother nature even rewarded me with a gorgeous double rainbow in my front yard:
Total mileage = 5.5
Hike-a-Thon 2011 grand total = 252.8!!!
August 30, 2011--getting back to work
I had an all-day meeting with the 10th grade GVC team in my district today, and cross country practice was scheduled to begin as soon as the meeting ended. Since the cross country team had a hard workout at the school, I knew that my only chance to get in some miles would be during our lunch break at the meeting. The meeting was at district office and the Centennial Trail is nearby, so I drove to the Barker Road trailhead and ran 4 miles out-and-back, and then returned with just enough time to scarf down my lunch before we got back to work. I wish I had hour-long lunch breaks during the school year!
Total Mileage = 4
River visited = Spokane River (3rd visit for H-A-T)
Total Mileage = 4
River visited = Spokane River (3rd visit for H-A-T)
Friday, September 2, 2011
August 29, 2011--back to civilization
Today I hiked back out, adding huckleberries to my water bottle as I went. I was a little disappointed that I didn't see a bear along the way; I'm pretty sure yesterday's large animal was a bear, but I haven't actually seen one at all this summer. By this time last year I'd seen several.
I returned to the car and drove down to Mill Pond and hiked a short section of the Mill Pond Interpretive Loop. I didn't hike the whole thing this time; instead I tried to fish a little. I didn't have any luck.
After that I made a stop at Sweet Creek and hiked the trail there--and saw the funniest trail sign ever:
It was, of course, a perfectly manicured trail. It was paved up to that point, and when it changed to gravel it became dangerous. I wonder what the sign makers would have said about the Shedroof Divide?
Mileage = 8.5
I returned to the car and drove down to Mill Pond and hiked a short section of the Mill Pond Interpretive Loop. I didn't hike the whole thing this time; instead I tried to fish a little. I didn't have any luck.
After that I made a stop at Sweet Creek and hiked the trail there--and saw the funniest trail sign ever:
It was, of course, a perfectly manicured trail. It was paved up to that point, and when it changed to gravel it became dangerous. I wonder what the sign makers would have said about the Shedroof Divide?
Mileage = 8.5
August 28, 2011--Salmo Priest Wilderness and solo backpacking!
I left home super early to return to the Salmo Priest and hike the Shedroof Divide. I had an ambitious plan to hike in about 17 miles, spend the night, and then hike out the next day. The problem was, I was tired. Really, really tired. So tired I wanted to take a nap alongside the trail when I stopped for lunch. Well, I'm used to modified plans at this point--so that's what I did.
I hiked as far as the intersection with the Thunder Creek Trail and scouted a campsite near that intersection and the intersection with the Jackson Creek Trail. I set up the tent, stashed all of my overnight gear, and set off to hike the Jackson Mountain Trail--according to the sign it was only 3.5 miles to the Jackson Mountain Lookout. Unfortunately, it was only .25 miles until the trail completely disappeared in the underbrush. I returned to my campsite and took the Jackson Creek Trail instead. This trail had been cleared recently--within the last week, I'd guess. However, it was fairly evident that whoever cleared it used a chainsaw. Even the small logs that had been cut had sawdust only on one side of the cut and 2-3' back from the log. Crosscuts and bow-saws just don't cut like that.
So it was nice that the trail had been cleared, but I was angry that whoever did it wasn't following wilderness rules. The Jackson Creek Trail is really nice, though. It passed through some great huckleberry patches (I ate so many berries I'm surprised I wasn't sick!) and then slowly descended into a gorgeous cedar forest. It was overgrown with thimbleberries on the upper portion, and there were a few wet areas with drainage problems, but otherwise it was a great trail. I'm not sure if I hiked far enough to cross into Idaho or not (I haven't had any luck finding trail info online or in guide books), but I know that the trail ends at Hughes Meadows in Idaho; I found an old USGS survey marker that dated to 1912 but it didn't have state names on it.
Based on hiking time, I estimate I turned around after five miles. When I passed the good huckleberry patches on the way back up I decided to fill my empty water bottle instead of just eating them on the spot. As I got to the best patch I could hear a very large animal that was concealed in the thick bushes. I talked to it and talked to it, and it continued to rustle the bushes and not pay any attention to me...until suddenly it became aware of my presence and ran off. I'm pretty sure it was a bear, but there's no way to know for sure. At any rate, I decided I'd better skip that huckleberry patch and get back to my tent. I made sure I cooked my dinner and hung my bag of food a long way from my tent as the good huckleberry patch was actually pretty close to where I was camping.
Mileage = 17.1
I hiked as far as the intersection with the Thunder Creek Trail and scouted a campsite near that intersection and the intersection with the Jackson Creek Trail. I set up the tent, stashed all of my overnight gear, and set off to hike the Jackson Mountain Trail--according to the sign it was only 3.5 miles to the Jackson Mountain Lookout. Unfortunately, it was only .25 miles until the trail completely disappeared in the underbrush. I returned to my campsite and took the Jackson Creek Trail instead. This trail had been cleared recently--within the last week, I'd guess. However, it was fairly evident that whoever cleared it used a chainsaw. Even the small logs that had been cut had sawdust only on one side of the cut and 2-3' back from the log. Crosscuts and bow-saws just don't cut like that.
So it was nice that the trail had been cleared, but I was angry that whoever did it wasn't following wilderness rules. The Jackson Creek Trail is really nice, though. It passed through some great huckleberry patches (I ate so many berries I'm surprised I wasn't sick!) and then slowly descended into a gorgeous cedar forest. It was overgrown with thimbleberries on the upper portion, and there were a few wet areas with drainage problems, but otherwise it was a great trail. I'm not sure if I hiked far enough to cross into Idaho or not (I haven't had any luck finding trail info online or in guide books), but I know that the trail ends at Hughes Meadows in Idaho; I found an old USGS survey marker that dated to 1912 but it didn't have state names on it.
Based on hiking time, I estimate I turned around after five miles. When I passed the good huckleberry patches on the way back up I decided to fill my empty water bottle instead of just eating them on the spot. As I got to the best patch I could hear a very large animal that was concealed in the thick bushes. I talked to it and talked to it, and it continued to rustle the bushes and not pay any attention to me...until suddenly it became aware of my presence and ran off. I'm pretty sure it was a bear, but there's no way to know for sure. At any rate, I decided I'd better skip that huckleberry patch and get back to my tent. I made sure I cooked my dinner and hung my bag of food a long way from my tent as the good huckleberry patch was actually pretty close to where I was camping.
Mileage = 17.1
Saturday, August 27, 2011
You Knothead!
Instead of Cutthroat, a funeral. I still had time for a morning run, however. It's no spectacular 11-mile trail race, but the Little Spokane River Natural Area is still a nice place for a run. I started at Indian Painted Rocks, where the trail parallels the Little Spokane River for 1.7 miles. From there, it crosses a paved road or driveway (I'm not sure which), and then it's 5.7 miles back to the trailhead on the Knothead Trail. Before today I did not know that was the name of the trail, but somehow it seems fitting for me! (Just ask my mom. She'd second that.) It has been a long time since I have done this loop, and I've never done it in this direction. It was very nice! I also saw the Shadle CC team at the trailhead--none of the girls ever caught me, so they must have been doing an out-and-back on the lower trail.
Today's mileage = 7.4
River visited = Little Spokane River
Today's mileage = 7.4
River visited = Little Spokane River
Friday, August 26, 2011
Eat & Run!
I only did a half mile with the team before their workout in the Dishman Hills this morning. I should have done more after the girls were done, but we had potluck snacks after practice today and I ate too much! We had soooo much food!
I had to plan an afternoon run instead, plus I had to do some work in my poor neglected garden. I picked so much fruit and so many veggies this afternoon that I had to get the wheelbarrow to bring it up from the garden! Once I got it into the house I got ready for my run on Mount Spokane--I started at the bottom of 110 just inside the park enterance and ran up to trail 100, took that all the way across to the old 115 intersection, and then returned via the same route. It was 5.6 miles total. I was running slow today, though--I could actually hear my knees creaking while I ran. Needless to say, I'm spending some quality time with the ice packs tonight!
Total mileage = 6.1
I had to plan an afternoon run instead, plus I had to do some work in my poor neglected garden. I picked so much fruit and so many veggies this afternoon that I had to get the wheelbarrow to bring it up from the garden! Once I got it into the house I got ready for my run on Mount Spokane--I started at the bottom of 110 just inside the park enterance and ran up to trail 100, took that all the way across to the old 115 intersection, and then returned via the same route. It was 5.6 miles total. I was running slow today, though--I could actually hear my knees creaking while I ran. Needless to say, I'm spending some quality time with the ice packs tonight!
Total mileage = 6.1
Thursday, August 25, 2011
I got in my first trail mile of the day after cross country practice this morning. The team has a hard workout at Camp Caro tomorrow, and I went to measure part of the route today. I took both the Main Trail and the East/West Pond Trail as I wheeled out our route for a total distance of one mile, all in my sandals.
The afternoon was better, but it was also so hot! I had to be at the GSL coaches meeting at 5:30, so I timed my errands so that I could run at 4pm, be done by 5pm, and still make the meeting on time. I went out to Bowl & Pitcher in Riverside State Park and did an out-and-back on trail 25. I wanted to do my favorite loop, but I feared that it was too hot on the exposed bluff and that I wouldn't have enough time to finish it without being late to the meeting. The lower trail stays fairly close to the river, so it was nice and cool except out on the burned portion (in some places I think there must be underground streams entering the river--there were spots along the trail that were downright chilly). The run was 5 miles.
Total mileage = 6 miles
The afternoon was better, but it was also so hot! I had to be at the GSL coaches meeting at 5:30, so I timed my errands so that I could run at 4pm, be done by 5pm, and still make the meeting on time. I went out to Bowl & Pitcher in Riverside State Park and did an out-and-back on trail 25. I wanted to do my favorite loop, but I feared that it was too hot on the exposed bluff and that I wouldn't have enough time to finish it without being late to the meeting. The lower trail stays fairly close to the river, so it was nice and cool except out on the burned portion (in some places I think there must be underground streams entering the river--there were spots along the trail that were downright chilly). The run was 5 miles.
Total mileage = 6 miles
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Liberty Creek Falls Loop with the team
Every year the team finishes our campout with a trailrun to Liberty Creek Falls. Some of the girls turn back there for a 10k run, but the varsity continues all the way up to the boy scout cabin and then completes the loop by running down the Edith Hanson Bridal Trail on the other side. The girls ran great today! Many of them absolutely love trails now, and they are getting to be so tough on the hills that I can't keep up with several of them anymore! In fact, we realized that of our three sophomores running with the front pack today, only one of them made it as far as the waterfall last year; the other two turned back at the cedar grove. This year, all three beat me back after completing the entire loop!
Mileage = 7.5
Mileage = 7.5
Tuesday, August 23, 2011: Campout with the CC team!
Today we went on the annual team campout at Liberty Lake County Park. My morning mileage with the team was not on named trails, but for our afternoon run we did an out and back on the Edith Hansen Bridal Trail.
Mileage = 3.5
Lake visited = Liberty Lake
Mileage = 3.5
Lake visited = Liberty Lake
Monday, August 22, 2011: Cross country starts and finding time to hike gets tough
Day one for the 2011 cross country season! We had practice at 8am and we had to shop for the team campout immediately after practice. I didn't make it home until nearly 3pm, and I'd only had a couple of energy bars and a granola bar for lunch. I ate some peanut butter and took off for Mount Spokane to get in a short run--I'm still determined to avoid a zero-mileage day! I started at the park entrance and ran up trail 110 and did the short trail 100 loop before returning to the car.
I also found out that the funeral is set for Saturday. No Cutthroat Classic for me after all. I was feeling ready, too! Next year...
Mileage = 4.2
I also found out that the funeral is set for Saturday. No Cutthroat Classic for me after all. I was feeling ready, too! Next year...
Mileage = 4.2
Sunday, August 21, 2011--running & huckleberries
Today I returned to the mountain for a morning trailrun and to get the huckleberries I spotted yesterday. For the run I started at the hairpin turn and took trail 100 up and then out to Smith Gap, and then followed the Mount Kit Carson Loop back to the car. After that I returned to the snowmobile snopark lot and hiked up trail 130 and followed it out to the alpine area to get huckleberries. I got about a gallon today.
In the evening I got some bad news, however. My grandmother passed away today.
Mileage = 3.5 for the run & 3.7 for the hike; 7.2 total
In the evening I got some bad news, however. My grandmother passed away today.
Mileage = 3.5 for the run & 3.7 for the hike; 7.2 total
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