The Cabin...covered by trees!
Monday, January 31, 2005
Lake Vermilion Weekend
I had a great weekend 'Up North". Lake Vermilion is roughly 4.5 hours North of Twin Cities. My parents own a cabin on Lake Vermilion. I have always though of it as 'our' cabin, as my parents bought the property when I was 12 years old. As I was telling co-workers that I was going to 'my cabin' I realized it is not mine, it is theirs.
The cabin has no road access. In the summer we park our vehicles at the local resort and boat approximately 2 miles to the shoreline. In the winter, a neighbor, who lives there YEAR ROUND (I can not fathom) plows a road right over the ice. I had emailed him previously to make certain that we could use his private road and could he please please please plow the road over near our shoreline so that it would make our trek that much easier. He was willing, and did a wonderful job!
We arrived at the cabin around 3 PM Friday afternoon. The ice road was fantastic. It was wide - at least 20 feet - and well marked. They have received over 5' of snow this winter so there were obvious snowbanks on both sides of the road. We hopped out of our vehicles and shovelled our way up to the front door. Our (their!) cabin sits atop a huge hill, approximately 1/2 mile from the lakeshore...we shovelled and shovelled and shovelled our way up..then some more to the sauna..the wood shed...the outhouse..eventually we were unpacked and in the cabin. Where it was 28 degrees F INSIDE of the cabin!. Yeah, welcome to Northern Minnesota.
Larry started a fire which had the cabin at a toasty 75 degrees within 3 hours...amen! Is there anything worse than being cold? Don put on a huge kettle of turkey soup that he brought along, I put together a loaf of bread for the breadmaker, dinner was ready before we knew it.
There were 8 of us who spent the weekend. We did many hours of snow show running. I brought Topaz, my trustee running partner along, he slept all the way home yesterday..I think he had a great weekend workout..
We headed on out with snowshoes Saturday morning, ran for 5 hours through the deep snow and made our way to the Vermilion Gorge, which sits atop the Vermilion River. It is a spectacular damn and waterfall. The water was running so quickly, it was around 35 degrees outside, and then freezing on the rocks. I have some really neat pictures I'll post.
We headed back to the cabin, near the lakeshore we cut out holes for ice fishing. I don't really care to sit and ice fish. It is not my thing. I and Topaz opted to run a few more miles up and down the ice road while they caught many many perch.
Pierre, ultra-runner magnificent- (he ran the 135 mile Badwater Ultra - through Death Valley this past summer AND the Grand Slam- 4 100's in 3 months...and placed in the top 100) fried up huge fish fry for us Saturday night.
Our neighbors up there thought we were crazy. Running, snowshoeing and Pierre brought his 'winterized' bike. He rode 100 miles in the Susitna 100 race (Alaska) last February. This February, he and Don are snowshoe running it..not only do you have to run the 100 miles, you have to pull a sled with 15 pounds of survival gear/food and water. Yowzie...these are the folks I spent the weekend with! They make me look quite moderate!!
My best friend, Bonnie came along too; she caught the biggest perch. A whopping pound, I'd say! (Bonnie is the friend who WON the woman's McNaughton 100 mile race that we are doing this April 16).
We went out for another couple hours of running yesterday AM before we cleaned up and headed on home. Sure was a great weekend!!
I indulged in some chocolate chip/pecan/cherry cookies that we baked up there, some homeade caramel corn and the fried fish. With all the running, my weight didn't creep up, THANK GOD! I maintained!!
The cabin has no road access. In the summer we park our vehicles at the local resort and boat approximately 2 miles to the shoreline. In the winter, a neighbor, who lives there YEAR ROUND (I can not fathom) plows a road right over the ice. I had emailed him previously to make certain that we could use his private road and could he please please please plow the road over near our shoreline so that it would make our trek that much easier. He was willing, and did a wonderful job!
We arrived at the cabin around 3 PM Friday afternoon. The ice road was fantastic. It was wide - at least 20 feet - and well marked. They have received over 5' of snow this winter so there were obvious snowbanks on both sides of the road. We hopped out of our vehicles and shovelled our way up to the front door. Our (their!) cabin sits atop a huge hill, approximately 1/2 mile from the lakeshore...we shovelled and shovelled and shovelled our way up..then some more to the sauna..the wood shed...the outhouse..eventually we were unpacked and in the cabin. Where it was 28 degrees F INSIDE of the cabin!. Yeah, welcome to Northern Minnesota.
Larry started a fire which had the cabin at a toasty 75 degrees within 3 hours...amen! Is there anything worse than being cold? Don put on a huge kettle of turkey soup that he brought along, I put together a loaf of bread for the breadmaker, dinner was ready before we knew it.
There were 8 of us who spent the weekend. We did many hours of snow show running. I brought Topaz, my trustee running partner along, he slept all the way home yesterday..I think he had a great weekend workout..
We headed on out with snowshoes Saturday morning, ran for 5 hours through the deep snow and made our way to the Vermilion Gorge, which sits atop the Vermilion River. It is a spectacular damn and waterfall. The water was running so quickly, it was around 35 degrees outside, and then freezing on the rocks. I have some really neat pictures I'll post.
We headed back to the cabin, near the lakeshore we cut out holes for ice fishing. I don't really care to sit and ice fish. It is not my thing. I and Topaz opted to run a few more miles up and down the ice road while they caught many many perch.
Pierre, ultra-runner magnificent- (he ran the 135 mile Badwater Ultra - through Death Valley this past summer AND the Grand Slam- 4 100's in 3 months...and placed in the top 100) fried up huge fish fry for us Saturday night.
Our neighbors up there thought we were crazy. Running, snowshoeing and Pierre brought his 'winterized' bike. He rode 100 miles in the Susitna 100 race (Alaska) last February. This February, he and Don are snowshoe running it..not only do you have to run the 100 miles, you have to pull a sled with 15 pounds of survival gear/food and water. Yowzie...these are the folks I spent the weekend with! They make me look quite moderate!!
My best friend, Bonnie came along too; she caught the biggest perch. A whopping pound, I'd say! (Bonnie is the friend who WON the woman's McNaughton 100 mile race that we are doing this April 16).
We went out for another couple hours of running yesterday AM before we cleaned up and headed on home. Sure was a great weekend!!
I indulged in some chocolate chip/pecan/cherry cookies that we baked up there, some homeade caramel corn and the fried fish. With all the running, my weight didn't creep up, THANK GOD! I maintained!!
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Better than 10
I'm happy to report that I ended up running 25 miles today. I was feeling like a loser because I didn't make the trip to Duluth. Crazy to feel that way, but I did.
I and Topaz ran for 15 miles this morning. It was rough work. We broke the trail so the first loop was the most difficult. Each loop is 5 miles. We ran 15 miles the first trip out. Went home, showered, and attended Troy's basketball game.
Figured I still hadn't run as much as I was scheduled to, and planned to. I had been eating extra carbs all week, tapered my trail running a bit and didn't lift legs because of the race today.
We went out for another 10 miles. Yahoo! I was exhausted, but felt like I accomplished something. Back home, another shower and hit the movies with the family. Meet the Faukers. Too funny!
I am trying to upload some pics of our run and keep getting error messages. I'll try again.
Just heard from my friends' at the race that left yesterday morning before the snow hit. NO BODY finished the whole marathon, too much snow. It took Bonnie and Don 8 hours to run the 1/2 marathon distance. They broke the trail. Unreal! There was 26" of new snow over the past 2 weeks to break. Wowzie. Still, wishing I was there...
Tomorrow I'll be happy with 5 miles!
I and Topaz ran for 15 miles this morning. It was rough work. We broke the trail so the first loop was the most difficult. Each loop is 5 miles. We ran 15 miles the first trip out. Went home, showered, and attended Troy's basketball game.
Figured I still hadn't run as much as I was scheduled to, and planned to. I had been eating extra carbs all week, tapered my trail running a bit and didn't lift legs because of the race today.
We went out for another 10 miles. Yahoo! I was exhausted, but felt like I accomplished something. Back home, another shower and hit the movies with the family. Meet the Faukers. Too funny!
I am trying to upload some pics of our run and keep getting error messages. I'll try again.
Just heard from my friends' at the race that left yesterday morning before the snow hit. NO BODY finished the whole marathon, too much snow. It took Bonnie and Don 8 hours to run the 1/2 marathon distance. They broke the trail. Unreal! There was 26" of new snow over the past 2 weeks to break. Wowzie. Still, wishing I was there...
Tomorrow I'll be happy with 5 miles!
SNOWED IN
Of all weekends for the snow to come, why this weekend? Why last night?
I've been excited for the snowshoe marathon all winter long. We had no snow to train on but there was plenty in Duluth for the race.
Yesterday we began to get our snow..and snow..and snow. Today there is 13" of the white powdery stuff out there.
I left the house this morning at 4 AM, hoping the roads would be plowed and just fine. They weren't. The County Roads haven't been touched, the wind is whipping, the snow if flying, the roads are impassable.
I drove 45 minutes and turned around and came home. Defeated by the roads. I'm a chicken driver anyway.
I totalled out a car when I was due to have Tyler in two weeks. I was drving to fast into work one day and lost control on ice. It was horrible. I ended up in the ditch, rolling over, then upside down. Frightful.
I'm so sad to miss the race..I tried..I couldn't drive in those conditions.
The positives..I and Topaz will hit the trail ourselves..it won't be 26 miles but I'll at least get in 10. I'll be able to watch Troy's basketball game at 11:30 too.
I've been excited for the snowshoe marathon all winter long. We had no snow to train on but there was plenty in Duluth for the race.
Yesterday we began to get our snow..and snow..and snow. Today there is 13" of the white powdery stuff out there.
I left the house this morning at 4 AM, hoping the roads would be plowed and just fine. They weren't. The County Roads haven't been touched, the wind is whipping, the snow if flying, the roads are impassable.
I drove 45 minutes and turned around and came home. Defeated by the roads. I'm a chicken driver anyway.
I totalled out a car when I was due to have Tyler in two weeks. I was drving to fast into work one day and lost control on ice. It was horrible. I ended up in the ditch, rolling over, then upside down. Frightful.
I'm so sad to miss the race..I tried..I couldn't drive in those conditions.
The positives..I and Topaz will hit the trail ourselves..it won't be 26 miles but I'll at least get in 10. I'll be able to watch Troy's basketball game at 11:30 too.
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Bonnie and Julie
This is I and Bonnie, my great ultra running friend, after the Snowshoe Marathon last year. I finished in 5:35. It was tough!
Bonnie and I ran our first 50K and 50 miler together. She now is ultra runner extrordinare. She has 5 100 mile finishers to her credit, plus she WON the woman's group in the 100 mile McNaughton last year. She talked me into making it my first 100 miler this year. April 16. Eeek!
Bonnie and I ran our first 50K and 50 miler together. She now is ultra runner extrordinare. She has 5 100 mile finishers to her credit, plus she WON the woman's group in the 100 mile McNaughton last year. She talked me into making it my first 100 miler this year. April 16. Eeek!
Monday, January 10, 2005
My Lovely Feet
They look in such rough shape, and really, they are better than usual. The blisters are subsiding because I haven't been running 50 milers since October. I wouldn't dare to go and get a pedicure. The poor technician would probably vomit.
I take such good care of them. I soak them in Epsom salts, I use a pumice stone on them, I soak in my foot spa, I lube them up before I run..still..blisters and broken, gone or black toenails.
I think I have found the answer. After reading John Vonhof's Fixing Your Feet I am trying some new items.
This weekend prior to my Saturday and Sunday runs I taped my feet with Elasticon tape. And it actually stuck. Usually the tape I use ends up in a ball at the end of my sock, inflicting more damage than if I hadn't taped in the first place. This Elasticon stayed right where I put it. I then sprinkled my feet with powder instead of using Body Glide. I didn't get ANY blisters Saturday or Sunday. Not even a hot spot. I think I'm onto something.
I am running the Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon on January 22nd. That will be a good test.
I take such good care of them. I soak them in Epsom salts, I use a pumice stone on them, I soak in my foot spa, I lube them up before I run..still..blisters and broken, gone or black toenails.
I think I have found the answer. After reading John Vonhof's Fixing Your Feet I am trying some new items.
This weekend prior to my Saturday and Sunday runs I taped my feet with Elasticon tape. And it actually stuck. Usually the tape I use ends up in a ball at the end of my sock, inflicting more damage than if I hadn't taped in the first place. This Elasticon stayed right where I put it. I then sprinkled my feet with powder instead of using Body Glide. I didn't get ANY blisters Saturday or Sunday. Not even a hot spot. I think I'm onto something.
I am running the Northwoods Snowshoe Marathon on January 22nd. That will be a good test.
Saturday, January 01, 2005
Surprise Birthday Party!
My very good friend, Ann, planned a Birthday Party for me. I had no clue. I thought the two of us were going out for a birthday dinner. I couldn't believe my eyes when we were shown to our table, and 8 of my best running buddies were waiting for me.
We've spent many hours and miles on the trail together but not many hours dressed in regular clothes, make up and hair.
They kept telling me I 'clean up pretty well'. I think that was a compliment?
We've spent many hours and miles on the trail together but not many hours dressed in regular clothes, make up and hair.
They kept telling me I 'clean up pretty well'. I think that was a compliment?
Welcome 2005
Another year begins. My mother was right, as time goes on, the years come and go with more speed.
It's crazy outside today. There is freezing rain coming from the sky. There isn't any snow on the ground. This is Minnesota for cripes sake!
I and Topaz ran 10 miles on the trail today. He went faster on the second loop than the first. The dog doesn't run out of energy. Well, actually, he is curled up next to the fireplace right now..sleeping.
My sister and I did some shopping today. I think the holiday's have left me with that 'all shopped out' feeling. I wasn't into looking for deals, I just wanted to be home next to the fire.
I decided not to go to the New Year's Eve party last night. For some reason home just seemed like a better place to be. We were all snug in our beds by 10:30. Such partiers!
Today marks Day 1 of Challenge II. I'll complete 3 sessions of HIIT each week, 3 lifting days and follow the BFL way of eating.
For Challenge I I lost 7 pounds of fat and gained 3 pounds of muscle. For Challenge II I want to lose more fat and retain the muscle.
It's crazy outside today. There is freezing rain coming from the sky. There isn't any snow on the ground. This is Minnesota for cripes sake!
I and Topaz ran 10 miles on the trail today. He went faster on the second loop than the first. The dog doesn't run out of energy. Well, actually, he is curled up next to the fireplace right now..sleeping.
My sister and I did some shopping today. I think the holiday's have left me with that 'all shopped out' feeling. I wasn't into looking for deals, I just wanted to be home next to the fire.
I decided not to go to the New Year's Eve party last night. For some reason home just seemed like a better place to be. We were all snug in our beds by 10:30. Such partiers!
Today marks Day 1 of Challenge II. I'll complete 3 sessions of HIIT each week, 3 lifting days and follow the BFL way of eating.
For Challenge I I lost 7 pounds of fat and gained 3 pounds of muscle. For Challenge II I want to lose more fat and retain the muscle.
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