2012 Iditarod

Lynnea and Aster ready to run!

Now that the humans are off the trail it is time for the real stars of the show! The 2012 Iditarod has begun! The sleds are out in the wilds of Alaska with dogs teams of 12-16 covering mind boggling distances.

As the boss of two huskies myself I have a fondness for this race, and an amazing fear full respect for it as well. The differing types of dogs running the race is an interesting aspect to consider. While many of us this of sled dogs as the beautiful Siberian Husky, it turns out that these pups look better than they perform.

Their beautiful coats and stocky build are not conducive to speed, though they are durable and dependable. Their attitudes are strong and as anyone who has ever lived with a Siberian can attest to, when they want something, they know how to get it.

There are a few teams who run all Siberian dogs at the Iditarod, but you have likely never heard of them because they don't finish in the money. They are running for adventure, not for prizes and I think as runners we can all appreciate that.

Alaskan Huskies

Alaskan Husky (VT)

The true stars of the Iditarod are the Alaskan Huskies and they are NOT the Hollywood image of a sled dog we have all come to expect. They are instead a very carefully chosen mixture of breeds, they are genetically blended racers. Speed and endurance are important, but the temperament of the dogs is what really sets them apart. They must be able to get along, to endure hardship and to love the long days and nights on the unforgiving trails... sound like anyone you know?

One Human Crew
Over the course of 1,150 miles a human is responsible to be the travelling crew for each athlete. The Musher needs to adapt to each individual athlete's needs for performance and survival. If you are at all interested in canine behavior, psychology or endurance then go ahead and immerse yourself the world of the Iditarod. Just don't fall asleep on the sled...

Our Team
Here are couple photos of summer cart training with our rag-tag team of runners. Aster's exuberance is taking her off course, Lily is dutifully following per usual and Goliath is wondering what we've got him into this time!

Aster exhibiting her leadership "qualities"

Back on course: Goliath agrees to trot along, but refuses to pull, he'll leave that part up to the ladies. Lily likes to snuggle, even while pulling. Aster is already tuckered out... a great leader! Looks like we'll have to wait another year before taking our shot at The Iditarod!

Goliath (Meremma) feeling crowded by top runner Lily (the lover)

Aster the Disaster: running with dogs

Aster the Distaster

Last night I was all laced up and ready to set out for a pedestrian 4 mile recovery run. As I walked toward the door our oldest Siberian Husky Aster howled and whined to me, pleading to get hooked up with this excursion.

When Aster runs with me, she generally falls behind pretty quickly- after her initial JV jump start where she typically drags me down the driveway against my aging stiff sinew's wishes, she usually reaches about 600m and peters out.

An Evening Run
But last night I was able to get her attention and reign her back a little as we sauntered down our driveway, partly for her benefit and mostly for mine. Rebuilding mileage has me cracking open a new exoskeleton for the initial half mile of each run these days. I keep thinking, believing that eventually this period will end and I will progress to "an easy10"... that does still happen right?

With the warm up done I was happy to see that the little girl was settling in to her trot/ jog. Her internal drive prevents her from really easing into a pace that behooves her until reaching exhaustion... then it's a drag fest to make it home- me pulling from the front and urging her to a few speedy steps.

Without a watch I was unsure of our speed last night... just slow and very cozy steps! We reached the first real climb at mile one which goes on for half a mile gaining a couple hundred feet. Upon reaching its apex I could sense that Aster was about ready to turn home... 3 miles would be her fitness limit.

...You Wanted to Come Along!

Warm Winter Evening

But- The Sean had four on the books for the schedule and so onward we pressed... she was unsure about this but I swore to her that 1) this next part was all downhill and 2) there is a creek at the bottom where she could rest and swim.

With our deal struck we meandered down the winding country hill reaching grassy fields.

Refreshments
A few minutes at creek side and with whetted tongue and paw, Aster's spirit was again ready to go. Now back up the hill half a mile... (this was the trick she hadn't seen coming). She trooped onward though and handled things well through the final climb into 3.25 miles even if her tongue was dragging a wet streak on the pavement! I could tell she was having fun and the cool temps made me more comfortable with wearing her out a little bit.

Community Watch
The "finish line" is a community watch sign which sits neglected, miles from civilization and shot full of holes and it marks my cool down toward home. Aster was bushed after our "race" to the finish line and I would guess we took about 10 minutes to cover that final 3/4 of a mile, a great chance to soak in the winter's evening air and calm feeling that set in with a successful easy run.

Arriving home in the new darkness of the night Aster headed for the water bowl, the scraps of baby dinner on the floor and then plopped down for the night of quiet sleep.

Epic Weekend of High Country Running

Photo Courtesy of 4.bp.blogspot.com

Saturday
I step out of my vehicle at Wilson's Creek at 2000ft elevation and dodge a steady rain as I decide what to wear... and where to go. I step out in a new direction for me and follow the round white blazes away from my normal route in this area. The river is high and normally difficult to traverse so my thought was to go high away from the big water arteries. The white blazes follow Forest Rd. 192 as it climbs away from the river below. The grade is fairly gentle but constant as I pass by deserted camp sites and dodge growing puddles of mud.


This run is beginning like all the great ones- I don't know where I am or where I am going but I am looking forward to it with a sub-tempo gear in mind. Soon I cross a few flooded creeks washing over the road and stop at about 3 miles up to take care of the morning business and stretch out some- enjoying the sounds of falling rain, dripping leaves and rushing creeks cascading down the hillsides.

Single-track Thoughts

Courtesy of cnyhiking.com

5 minutes later the white blazes turn left off from FR 192 and I am introduced to my first single track of the day on the Mountains to Seas Trail (proper). After the roughness of the forest road which was better to run than to drive I am sure, the single track is cozy and welcoming with vegetations brushing by and the line of progress clearly set out before my eyes. The trail climbed steeply for 1/2 a mile or so and then I was on the backside of a ridge... and in a new world.

Bryophyte Bonanza
Suddenly I was plopped in thick forest, lush with mosses and ferns- a Bryophyte Bonanza!!! The trail began undulating and twisting as I picked footfalls instinctively. This IS trail running. My goal for the day was 12-13 miles but with this kind of scene and cool temps I decided to just run on. The trail seemed to be approaching a ridge at 50 minutes in so the decision was made to run to the top, or to 60 minutes whichever came first.

Courtesy of: romanticasheville.com

Reaching the Climax
As I moved upward I could sense the elevation in the spaciousness around me and though closed in my rain and fog and clouds the higher the ridge ran, the more open I felt in the air. At 55 minutes I thought I could hear vehicles on a small road. I figured it was either the road I drove in on... or the Blue Ridge Parkway. I knew whatever road it was had to be just above me over the ridge. This place looked so unspoiled that it was really difficult to BELIEVE that I had heard vehicles but within 3 minutes I came out of the trail and into the Beacon Heights parking area on the BRP at an elevation of 4200ft.

The return trip was mostly under control but I did let loose in some sections allowing the mind to free itself in the moment and the legs and feet to react with the brain. I was soon back at the car with a solid 17 miles in the books and really excited to get out for a double longish run on Sunday.

Courtesy of hikingtrailsblogs.com

Sunday- Snow Day
Overnight the weather turned cold with still plenty of moisture around. Major rivers were at the edge of their banks, flooding low water bridges and small streams and creeks were overflowing, gushing.

I set out for 80 minutes of trail running which began as a windy, snow blown and cold run until I entered a thick forest section. This was about 20 miles east on the Mountains to Seas Trail for Saturday. Once in the forest I had a good 10 minutes of peaceful, dry, snowy scened single track. It was not to be the norm for the day.

Canals
The trails soon took on tributaries and I was running down 4 inches of snow melt and winter rain which kept my feet soaked and chilled. At the same time, the rhododendron was heavy with moisture and I was running hunched over and hoping the trail would open up. In a mile it did and I found myself on the bank of the Boone Fork Creek just across from a normal training loop of mine: note for the future. With the river impassible I turned and went down 2 other similar trail sections each time running into more water.

I decided to return to the car and run the Mountain to Seas Trail in the opposite direction. Turning east I was soon at the car about 45 minutes into my 80 minutes for the day and soaked to the sole. Little did I know where I was headed now.

A Wintry Summit

Nice day Rich Mtn: highcountrypress.com

As blizzard like as it was at the parking area I was soon about to head into truly nasty weather. The winds whipped enough to stand me upright and in place during gusts and the snow was already ankle deep. Any rain that had fallen was icing where it stood and those wet shoes from the earlier part of the run were now frozen. Fortunately my Smartwool running socks were keeping me toasty along with my Marmot windproof jacket and Mountain Hardwear Tights. I really was pretty cozy in the bone chilling cold.

After a 10 minute climb of 20% grade I landed on a road bed which is part of the Moses Cone Manor. This is a training haven for runners in the area and is often used by ZAP Elite for staple training sessions on its gravel horse paths. I was on the approach to Rich Mtn, well near the top of it by now and figured I could take the 10 minutes to summit and return to the car just about right at 80 minutes.

The round bald of Rich Mountain is beautiful on a pleasant day and deadly on a harsh day if you were to be trapped there. My circumstances were not dire and I followed the brave steps of a running who seemed to be about my size and speed who had been there and gone about an hour before me. As I matched his easy strides I made my way to the summit and paused to admire the ice casings enclosing the weather worn trees and rocks at the summit. I placed a stone on the pile and headed back to the car finishing the day in 82 minutes and totaling 28 miles for my two days on the trails.

I hope your running weekend was as exciting as mine and that you are out finding new routes to explore and keeping your mind as limber as your legs!!

Happy Running!!!

Warmth and Sun and Runs

"Is that it?"



The un-trusting runner looks around himself, expecting a snowflake, a blustery wind, a patch of ice in his path... but there is nothing. Could the onslaught be over?

"Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight"

Utopia temporalis
Twice a year we runners enjoy Utopia... The mild seasons of the spring and fall ease the cold and heat of their predecessor's oppression. We run with relaxed strides, with little thought of gear to wear and with renewed vigor. With an eternal youth to our step adding up year after year.

This week has brought that promise and hope of Utopia. Though we who run our winter miles on the tundra-like roads and trails know that this battle is not through. It IS ONLY February... and in my experience we have about 60 days left of at least sporadic winter-like weather, cold rain and snow...

A Warm Silver Lining... like a space blanket
During this transition we can take solace in the ever-lengthening days. We can delight in finishing nearly every evening run with at least dwindling sunlight with the pale blue whiteness of dusk when everything seems stiller and united.

The runner-incarnate
The miles are less lonely this time of year too. We see hoards of returning runners rejoining the paths we have tended in the off-season. More dogs, more strollers...

Perseverance not permanence

While we welcome them back, we also hold something inside of us. A badge of self-knowledge in our continued endurance in the face of all things. We have tempered the storm. While that other runner suffers through the adjustment to fitness, to leaving the belt-of-doom behind glass doors until the next in-climate day, we (winter) runners are able to fully appreciate the glow of soft sunshine, the cleared paths and the muddy trails... our Utopia is found in the dance with hardship.

...and, as this mud grows sloppier and the run gets warmer... we might even find ourselves once again wishing for the crystal crunch of day old snow under our feet, for the clarity of a deep, crisp winter breathe and its white billow of release... and for the solitude of our very own pure-white personal running route.  Happy running!

Good things on the horizon!!!

Hey ya'll!! Hope the forecast is looking as promising where you are as it is here in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Reports say we might see a 60 degree day this week... woah!! I was happy with an easy 6 in the 30's today, I am not greedy... gotta say it is still nice to have some cruchy snow on the trails though:)


24 Hour Tempeh Taco

To prove my altruistic persuasion I wanted to remind you all that you still have a couple of days to enter for your chance to be in the running for the Athlete's Plate nomination. Click there for all the details.

It is wicked easy to enter. Just follow and leave a comment on the linked post.

Enjoy your weekend of running, whether your running 20 minutes or 20 miles or more... whether you are racing for gold or sharing trails with friends or soaking in the quiet and solitude, remember that each step really is special, just ask someone who doesn't have the option!! It may be corny and easy to dismiss with a snarky or cynical comment, but we are blessed, each of us, to be able to live a lifestyle that promotes heath, stress reduction and a connection to our body. In this fast food world, it is comforting to know that there are people out there crazy enough to take time for themselves each day to run toward nowhere and arrive a renewed person, ready for the latest challenge. Congratualtions to you all!

Happy running.

On the 7th day...

Finally a solid week of training in the legs. A far cry from what I need to be doing BUT exactly what I need to be doing to do what I need to do. Right? Right! With a couple of quality runs mixed in with some easy paced, low effort longish runs the pattern of habit seems to be taking hold at least. Consistency is soon to follow. I am feeling pretty worn down at this moment but was able to get out for a 6 miler with Lily last night.

Here are the bookends of that experience in moving pictures, in sound and in English! Enjoy its brevity.

Music from Gordon Lightfoot. Filming by Lynnea.

Happy Running to all! and may your rest days be restful.

Back on Track?



Fall Creek crossing



This weekend was a productive one from the running perspective... I had a big run planned- a difficult one even by the standards of the fittest version of The Sean and so I was a bit apprehensive about how things would go. The doubt that occupied my mind for this route was tangible and I fully expected that the last 3 miles would be a bit of a horror show.

The Route

This run is one that I have tried to do before, but have always taken an errant turn and had to a adjust to an out and back, but Saturday I was going to be sure to run the loop properly and Map My Run along with a sandwich bag and an index card made this possible, clearing up the repetitive wrong turn.



The typical scenery



The low point of the run bottoms out at 1.4 miles and 2,552 feet before climbing gradually to 2700 ft. 3 miles. From here the fun begins and over the next 5k the terrain adds about 800 feet of climbing before eye popping views are bestowed as the road crests and falls.  I felt pretty weak to get started on this run. This could have been doubt rearing its unattractive face... or the lack of substantial breakfast. Soon, though I was settled into running smoothly and awaiting the grueling climb.



The summit at 6+ miles.



As the elevation gained and gained I found my rhythm and surprisingly enough- I never felt too taxed by the run. In fact, looking back on it from a cozy chair, this run was the most enjoyable I've had in recent memory! While I know I have some work to do to get back to where I was, I can't be upset about my starting point. It is nice to know that the previous two years was enough to bridge the gap of a 6 week period of inconsistent mileage.  I think what has been a large contributing factor is the intensity of the running I have been doing.



Though only 2-3 times per week- I have been running hilly and running hard most often. This must be enough to serve as a reminder to the body to not forget what it has been asked to do. And after the 10+ I did get in back to back runs. So I am beginning to feel some traction in the consistency and plan on getting a 3rd day in a row today. 3 months until Boston- so time is certainly NOT on my side.

 

Another enjoyable run



Lows and Highs and Eventual Evenness

Training? No. Not training at all.

The past month has been full of diaper changes and... burping and very little in the way of training... this boils down to about 2 runs a week and just cracking into double digits for mileage estimates. Ouch. What I have gained in appreciated quality family time, I am sure to have lost exponentially in fitness (and the mental game is a fading memory).

So the down sides are obvious and the positives are immeasurable and gushy... but this is a running blog, so let's focus on that.

Perpetual Mondays
I found my mood plummeting over the last week, ever since the hard effort in the FYTO V5k, which had been my last run until yesterday. The combination of 3 more feet of snow (about 5 feet already this winter), fatigue and general laziness and wont of warm comfort... has kept my running gear stowed in its upright and locked position and my mood degrading by the minute. On Wednesday and Thursday I was finally tasked by my wife to get out and go for a run... I guess this is one way to get out of diaper changes??

"But I don't wanna"

What could be chasing this man?

I did not feel like running. I did not feel like covering up every inch of skin to run around on icy roads and in temperatures of  7 degrees (with wind chills I don't want to know about). I felt like checking facebook again or reading blogs or sitting and staring out the window in my beer-stained sweatpants.

But- I knew getting out would make things better... logic did not tell me this- rather the memory of a time long forgotten (December) said get out there and see how 5 minutes feels, just go that far.

So I did. I got geared up, face warmer and all and hooked up the elder husky (Aster) who is normally good for about a mile of all out pain and a return mile of dragging her behind me (reminds me of me in high school). Off we went, cold as berries in the wind and pretty cozy in the wind shade.

The Run (Here is the route)
We reached a mile and Aster looked back at me, and we moved along, a little further. Another mile and we reached the base of a steep 1.5 climb. I stopped and let her rest near some cattle and assessed her condition. Could she make the climb? Yes... I think so. Can she run another 25-30 minutes afterward? Well, let's see!

Certainly no question of overheating, just fatigue and after all... she is a dog. So- we began the climb.

Aster enjoying the snow

The first section is very steep so we eased into it and soon we were breathing with a healthy, deep rhythm. We then recovered on the small transition to the next area. This was a little shorter and a little less steep but it was easy to see that Aster was beginning to feel her lack of mitochondria density. We kept on slowly and I used this opportunity to do some uphill form drills... high knees and butt kicks.

As we approached the final pitch, a gradual and drawn out section seemingly on top of this particular portion of the Earth- I took in the view of snow covered beauty. Aster took in the smells of dog pee and climbed around on snow banks. She had made it! Then we were blessed with the relaxed coast down the backside of the route. With an extra mile of distance on the return, the grade is more gentle and spread out allowing me to focus on smooth running- at least as smooth as I can within my current state.

The Payoff
During the downhill ride I had the opportunity to think about how good this feels, this running. How the crisp winter air allows clarity of thought (and nostril) and the deep powder in the adjacent woods which is so comforting to take in.

Upon returning home my mood was completely reversed, I felt healthy and happy again and so thankful for the gift of running!

Happy Running!

Freeze Your Thorns Off Virtual 5k Race Report

With Temperature near zero (that is not windchill...) this virtual race lived up to every bit of it hype. Now, for all the specifics click on the video, sit back and enjoy!!



Snowshoes

Aster is elbow deep in love with winter

Another blast and dump of winter white stuff has stopped commerce in the High Country. This latest event began  with the arrival of Santa Claus around sun up on Christmas morning. By lunch time the ground was covered and by mid afternoon the world was a winter wonderland! The storm continued dumping snow and blowing wind until Monday afternoon and left us with about 15 inches of goodness!

I took the opportunity to get out the snow shoes and tromp about with the pups. I broke trail and laid track in on Monday for about an hour, use the link to see all the pictures.  Yesterday with most of the trail "restored" I set out with the best runner in the family, Lily to run about 60 minutes in the snow shoes. While this takes getting use to, it is much better than post-holing every 3-4 steps. We covered just about every inch of the Dragon Trail network and with the snow were able to run some new areas too, the snow kind of levels some steep surfaces making them more approachable.

After the hour with Lil' I returned home and hitched up Goliath for a couple hours of hiking. The big boy likes to savor life and so we plodded slowly and deliberately along. I used this opportunity to fully define the tracks, with the aim and the hope of getting out next run in my screw-shoes on the trails, ideally I will have a nice crunchy and groomed track to peruse.

Again, if you are a visual learner, check out the above link for more pictures than I care to mess with here.

Happy running!!

A Winter Run

 With the recent onslaught of winter weather mileage has been hard to come by. However, there is always a silver lining, or in this case a white one.

With the abundance of snow, already about 18 inches this season, the trails have been transformed into a world of fluffy, then crunchy, now slippery beauty by the day.

The changing conditions provide enjoyment and contemplation beyond running while allowing me to run each step for itself... or else I might find myself plummeting from the edge of the trail toward a sudden halt against an old tree trunk!

Recently I went out for an hour of running along the Dragon Trail here at home and brought along my camera to document the beauty in the winter forest.

I came along many deer  and turkeys and even some large paws in the snow... couldn't be a mountain lion because we all know they don't exist in these here parts... so it must have been the prints of a very large house cat.

 Upon leaving the cover of the hardwood forest and climbing about 500 feet over a mile, I came upon this beautiful view. I like to pause here and look off toward Beech Mountain and think of times past and present and of how this place will be here for our children to enjoy as well.

How fortunate we are, as runners and trail runners, to take the time for ourselves to get into the experience of exploring the land on foot. While the cold may taunt us, and the ice may take us down, it is our spirit which brings us above the temporary discomfort, in fact utilizes it, to do things we could not imagine only a moment ago. 

After dropping back off from the high spots I circled around the water shed and through more hardwood, disturbing a gaggle of turkeys as they marched aimlessly through the woods in the snow looking for food. The roar of their wings was startling and I found myself running along that snowy deer trail in amazement at how things had instantaneously been transformed. One second I was crunching in the snow, the next drowned out by the awkward flight of these wild birds!

I then emerged into this meadow, which at its peak is the spot where I had taken the expansive photo about 10 minutes before. It is all so beautiful.

 Further down I dropped toward the river and into pasture lands for neighborhood cattle. Deserted for the year now, I utilized more deer trail and followed the path taken just an hour or so previous, by solitary adult deer.

On and on I went following footsteps this way and that, where ever they led I followed. In this way I found a few new areas which as so unspoiled and natural it seems almost a disservice to be there. With this in mind I did my best to leave only a depression in the snow and remember to savor the moments in this amazing back yard!

I kept climbing on the return trip, and now the air was warming a bit, the ice turning to water and the trees dropping their heavy burdens. In some cases crystals of ice tinked along the crusty snow, rolling and tumbling downhill.                           In other places weak limbs gave way, crashed down and rested on the earth and this larger sound filled the hollars before again giving way to the tinkling of crystals.

And, while the footing was tough in spots I moved with the land in my wonderful winter running shoes. if you have not done so, take your old shoes, buy some 1/4" sheet metal screws and get to work. Ice will leave your vocabulary as an excuse to not run... Not only are they functional, but you will not feel them at all. My only advice is this: DO NOT LET YOUR WIFE CATCH YOU WEARING THEM IN THE HOUSE!!!!!!

Well no matter where you are doing your running this winter. I hope to take the time to pause and enjoy this season. It can be tough, but no more so than those hot days in August. Just grab another layer or two and take it slow and easy! Happy Running!!

Snow, ice, rain... (baby??)

While all of this winter weather has provided the mail man with a canvas to create legendary delivery status for junk mail and bills... maybe a few cards as well... it has done nothing for my mileage. I've done my best to squeeze in an hour here and there- but without much success. Honestly I feel pretty out of it right now and the worst is that I am not too worried about it.

After an hour of trudging through a foot of ice crusted snow in the woods yesterday- I was taking a shower and thinking about Boston. Now about 5 months away I stood under the cascade of warmth, waiting for the water heater to run empty... and I thought- 'you know, Marathons are not easy- they are hard. You better get running."

Forecast calls for above freezing temps and no precipitation for the next week, forecast also calls for a baby to be joining our life any day now!!!

Loopy Tuesday...

Due to inclement weather... doesn't look like the Tuesday will be too loopy this week... Happy Running

Loopy Tuesday: Compound Sets

Winter is here, even though it isn't winter. I am declaring it.

This week's loopy adventure found be back at the Appalachian St. track, in the early darkness of the evening. While the tough guys of the ASU football team played patty cakes in their heated practice facility, I was making loops on a 20 degree, windblown and ice covered oval. Half of lane one was solid ice and in two spots at 120 and 180 meters the ice extended into lane four, this let me take about 15 crunchy steps each lap, but did not seem to cause too much disruption in the pacing.

Speaking of pacing here was the workout for the day. On the menu was 2x compound sets where I would run 800m at 5k pace, a mile at 10k pace and then 2 miles at marathon pace before taking a full recovery and going back into the same breakdown for set two. To be clear, these are run with no break between effort/distances allowing some turnover work, some hard pace and then practicing finding the marathon goal pace while tired.

The first set was precarious as I was still unsure of the footing in places and how it would affect splits. I settled in on effort in lieu of the safety considerations and soon found the groove in the track and in my effort. The wind slapped me on the backstretch (always... why?) each lap and focusing on power and arm drive was helpful in maintaining pacing through these "rough patches". The first set went according to plan as I finished in 800m: 2:50, Mile: 5:50 and 2 mile: 12:40.

The 5 minute rest was happily taken inside to warm the core temperature a little (and drop a little weight). For the second set I decided to reverse direction since I was mainly doing pace work out there and I thought the wind might cut me a break the other way around. The mysterious forces of wind were actually worse that way. The backstretch conditions were more obstructive and now- I had the homestretch wind also... good decisions...
BUT- switching now would instill weakness so stubbornly I worked the loops "backwards" crunching in places, blown backward in others and every so often finding areas where I could just run... which is nice.

The second set went much the same though I was a little surprised to be tiring in the last mile of the workout at marathon pace. But I held together and came in a second or two faster in all cases on the second set. The major battle was against myself to find the willingness and enthusiasm to run fast in these conditions. I had a list of excuses mounting in my head:

• You could die out here...
• This cold air in unhealthy...
• You could get injured...
• That ice is slippery, just go home where it is warm...

I am grateful that the voice in my head reminded me what the point of being out there is, to get better as runner and as a person. To work through the tough spots and become stronger.

February-Schmebruary- Month in Review

With a big weekend (37+, which to me is 38) I was able to pull out 200 miles this month.

Friday night I went out on an adventure on the backside of Howard's Knob and its associated ridge. Including a mile long ascent up a 30% crust and ice packed road bed in the Bob Timberlake Housing Development (seriously) I was able to hammer in 16 miles of brutally windy and f-ing (f-reezing) cold running. I even had a change of gloves for the return and still my hands were numb... it was a fast descent.

Saturday was more mild and I slogged through 12 miles of more hilly, more patient running before getting in another 9 on Sunday (with the deer).

The nine miler brought me to 200 for February... so I guess I pulled it out in the snowiest month I can remember running in in my years on the roads (as trails don't really EXIST right now...).

Tallies For My Allies (and leeway, I beg.)
Monthly Total- 200 miles
Weekly high- 60 miles (two times)
Longest Day- 16 miles

The overall impression has been of running hilly miles in brutal wind. Introducing a lot more speed work has been nice this month and has led to faster training paces as well. At least I am able to get more for my time in these nasty weather months. But I love it... really, I do.

As I type this, we have received an additional 3 inches of heavy wet snow. I had a nice hard hill run with Lil today, that dog made me chase the leash for 8 miles of tempo with surges at 5k effort or better... and now she is still running mad in the living room! I am barely able to read these words... can I make to watch 'LOST' tonight??? Somebody make a pot of coffee...

Feeling Your Run; Actually

A gentle 9 miles in a flurry of snow fall. The hilly terrain allowed me to practice patience as the hill dropped below, crested and I was released to feel the energy of the downhill pull me toward it. I tried to focus on this feeling. How the varying degree of climb actually felt. I ran with strength and not speed, with patience and not hurry and the climbs became so interesting. The tension would slowly build in my legs, then- my legs would adjust and adapt and I felt normal in this climb.

As the hill would relent I could sense the release of its grip and my stride opening up without a change effort. These are innate things we know, but to fully experience them is something else. To back off the pace on these easy days and allow the gasping of breathe to occur another time, to renew the self in this type of run. It was essentially a runner's renewal through the medium of a hill.

Earlier in the run... near halfway I could sense something around me. I had been following the grade of the river for a few miles. I watched as the water made its way down the course. Large icicles dangled, growing from the mist around the river's drops... snow falling gently in my tiny universe. Still feeling something in my presence I heard a twig snap. I looked over my left shoulder and slightly behind me. There, ran a small doe, pacing off me on a peaceful Sunday morning.

I have read of these encounters, deer and elk running with humans... but to be honest it never seemed really plausible. But today, for a short moment I was fortunate to have that joy.

A succesful weekend! 38 miles total, two very hilly runs. I thought a lot of those brave runners on Mt. Mitchell this weekend, running 40 miles is unreal winter conditions.

Crunching, Slipping and Climbing

For those that aren't aware, which would be everyone I presume, I have a bit of a trail network in my backyard, literally it is my backyard. The process is ongoing and currently I have about 4 miles on site with access to adjacent acreage allowing a loop of about 6 miles without repeating. Part of this is the Dragon Trail which I loop around a (long) mile at a time to do hill circuits occasionally.

Well, with all the winter we have been receiving this winter I have not had much occasion to get out there on the Dragon Trail this year. BUT- sometimes it just feels right to get there and slop around in the woods, so **Lil' got her "shoes" on and we ran along for an hour this weekend.

The Run:)
The course meanders through rhododendron and up to our christmas tree acreage where a loop is completed with some flowing downhills and progressive uphills. After this section, we zoomed downhill through the woods for the next 15 minutes over untouched trail, aside from a deer or raccoon and even one turkey... the cool winter air brushed us and soon we were riverside for a minute to reflect and for Silly Lily to do some swimming and drinking. What a nut!

Watauga River in Winter

The Climb!
Well, then we turned and headed back uphill to get the day's work in. Halfway up the gradual climb things felt great and we had even pushed a few times.

We then reached Aster's Ascent. Here, severe switchbacks give 500ft of elevation over the next half mile on primitive deer trail. This is the most direct route up to the highest point on our land. Severity was compounded by the slippery slope and the breaking of the underlying crust during each footfall. What great work though!

Training Effect
The power needed to run this type of terrain is normally demanding, in "ideal" conditions; and that I precisely why I run this trail. This day though, we required additional body form checks to minimize slipping, increasing (hopefully) mechanical efficiency. No matter how well we ran, the physics of the conditions demanded a greater workload. Another half mile later we were back up to the christmas trees and getting in a nice cool down as we stared out across the Watauga River valley and up toward Beech Mountain.

Time is Running Out...
These types of runs are only available in the winter and really provide a wonderful training stimulus to the entire body. The arms are pumping, the quads are burning and the heart is pumping at maximum volume... and those lungs are doing their best to deliver sweet oxygen. 5k season is nearly upon us...

I was pleased with my body's ability to handle this run pretty easily and very proud of my mentality when it got tough. I thought, "Form, form; move ahead... up this climb. Push."

These moments will come back to us. They will benefit our racing. We cannot expect to train one way and race another. Success is a choice. Running is momentum. Once month until Leprechaun Leap 5k:) Can I make it 3 in a row?




Like winning free things??? Go see Adam at 'I am Boring'




**This was Lily's longest run ever, she extended another mile and we did not loaf as we had before. When we were finished she slept for about 5 minutes and then was running wild again. What an animal!!

"Summer Nights, Summer Days are Gone..."

With my apologies to Bob Dylan the "Summer Days, Summer Nights" are indeed gone. But, I know "somewhere where something is still goin' on!"

The snow is here again. This time he has brought along a friend, that is bitter, fierce winds. Not exactly the way to make friends. With the 5 below temps outside I took the night off after back to back tempo efforts, maybe it was time anyhow; more likely I am rationalizing.

Half of the driveway... sweeping to the left from the house.

One great benefit of this weekly winter weather is the cross training benefit associated with all of the shovelling. In addition to the 50-60 mpw I am currently logging, I am also getting in about 3 hours of shovelling every ten days. I think this equates to about 8 miles of running... at least, and depending on the moisture content of that particular snow. My driveway is about 200yards, or meters... long with enough parking for 4-5 cramped vehicles.

BUT- tomorrow is a new day, and that will bring more training!!! No matter the weather, I will run. Not inside, like the dreaded Ivan Drago... NO!!! DRAAAGOOOO!!!!!! Never, I will be outside, communing with the elements. If only to feel the simple motion until I freeze through the layers. I will continue to train as I must, the only way I know... the way that cultivates the toughness needed when we face the real world. No race worth racing... was ever raced on a damned treadmill.

You make the choice! (notice, the monkey is barefoot.)

Go check this out.

What Goes Up?

The latest winter weather has passed through the High Country and we were left with about 5 inches in our neighborhood. Sounds as if some surrounding areas garnered a bit more this time around. I am not complaining though, as I spent Saturday cross training, that is shovelling out driveway, which is about 200 yards. I said shovelling.

This morning, well... afternoon, when I woke up I ate a muffin, made some oatmeal and began planning my first long run since Disney. Time to get into the hill running routine. This type of running will be very important for my goal races this year.

Out the door I went, patiently plodding down snow packed and ice scraped roads. At 3 miles I hit the first real climb of the day. This one went on for awhile and somewhere in mile 6 it gave way for about 5 minutes. Recovery in, now well above the surrounding landscape, taking in some amazing panoramas, I was ready for climb number two.

This took me out to the halfway point at mile 9. So I climbed for an additional 30 minutes and when I was ready to turn for home I could look across the valley at the base of Beech Mountain, where the vacationing folks were all taking the easy way up and then sliding their way to their starting point. Having just taking my ride up, I was set for the trip on down, and back to the shed.

What a free feeling it is, to run downhill for 9 miles on a crisp winter's afternoon. The day was the clearest I remember for sometime and the winter season affords the eyes such sights which aren't available during the growing seasons. I could hear birds a-chirping and spotted several deer a-leaping. A magnificent day.

As I approached the final miles of the run I came upon a man in his yard who said he'd seen me on the way up. I stopped to chat with him for a minute and he told me "that might not be so healthy if you were to fall down..."

True enough. But, I think we can all agree, at least amongst the running circle, that we'd rather fall down running, than never run at all. Here's to this magical season, full of promises for the year to come and challenges on a daily basis. This is the time when success is made. Just watch your step out there!!

The Sort of Stuff You Should Tally

Flurries are fluttering-
temperatures are teetering-
...on freezing
there outside.

Sitting here inside-
my breathe, can only hide
praying to stay put!
in warmth.
-----------------------------------
But an intangible ping
Yearns for that sting
a feeling of striving
toward more-

So I lace up them shoes
and defeat Winter blues
with a step at a time
for awhile

Soon, don't you know-
my soul it did glow!
A smile brightened
that valley

And while we get more
through running outdoors
it ain't the sort of stuff
you should tally!