I received an email from Alicia last week asking to join her on a midnight rendezvous at Afton State Park. How could I resist?
Running through the park-in the dark-at midnight-when most sane people are sleeping. An offer that was incredibly enticing.
John, Kevin, myself, Alicia, Tom, Pierre, Helen, Maria and Amy all met at the visitor center before midnight. We applied mosquito spray, donned headlamps and headed out into the dark woods. Fabulous!
As we were running the race course I noticed two bright, round lights just past a large tree. My first thought was that it must be John spooking me, as he had been running just up ahead. Eventually I voiced my find in the woods. "Look at those two lights, is that someone else out there or what is that?" It was the first of many, many deer, peering back at us as we were interrupting their nighttime rest.
A while later I saw Pierre and Kevin stop abruptly, I heard raised voices. As I walked up to them I saw what Pierre almost ran through. A HUGE circular web with a large spider attached to the middle. Creepy! Pierre could have had that web spread across his face.
We continued to run and as predicated, within 2.5 hours the thunderstorm began. Loud cracks of lighting with booms of thunder followed. There were a few very scary bolts of lighting that were loud, that had struck something out there and lit up the sky like the fireworks on the 4th of July.
It felt warm and humid during our run so the rain was actually welcomed. The storm we could have done without.
Eventfully we reached the lot and were welcomed by Nancy. She was at the park, early this morning, to begin a wonderful breakfast of grilled grass fed beef burgers for us! We changed out of our wet clothes - except Pierre who forgot dry clothes - and reminisced about our hours on the trail as we were drinking hot coffee and eating burgers, a mixture of salads, birthday cake for Tom and brownies for a second dessert.
A wonderful way to spend the dark dark hours; running with fabulous friends. I'm grateful to be a part of such a wonderful friendship.
Showing posts with label Training Run. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Training Run. Show all posts
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Zumbro Recon Run
A few weeks ago Mitch Rossman sent out an email asking if there were any takers for a run out at the Zumbro River Bottoms. Larry is directing the inaugural Zumbro 100 out there in two weeks and Steve Grabowski and Mitch were planning a run out there.
I quickly jumped in and said I could make the trip; I wanted to get in a long run before McNaughton - scheduled the same day as Zumbro 100 - next year I'll be running Zumbro.
Steve Quick, who is also running Zumbro 100, John Taylor, who will be running McNaughton and Molly Cochrane all came along as well.
Mitch offered to drive us to Zumbro. We met at Steve G. home to begin our trek. As we arrived Zumbro Bottoms we met up with Larry for maps and hooked up with Wayne and his buddy whose name I unfortunately but so typically can not remember. Wayne hurt his ankle on the trail and still ran a good 3 hours with us.
As Molly returned from the bathroom and I went in to change I saw a dead rabbit in the corner. I saw skin and fur and bones and bugs. I couldn't go in. I changed outside. Molly never saw the bunny. I told Larry he had better remove the dead bunny before his race. Molly didn't notice the bunny there after our run either. I just changed outside again.
As Larry was handing out maps and I didn't accept his offer, as typical again, I realized that I decided that I can not read trail maps. At one point I had difficulty reading a trail map and have since, just refused to try. As Molly began to read and discuss the map I realized how foolish I have been. I can read maps to drive from Minneapolis to Pekin IL, to get from Phoenix to Fountain Hills; I have decided I will begin to read trail maps and to learn to navigate. I was very impressed with Molly's and the rest of the groups map reading skills. Molly knew when we were off of the map and found our way back to the trail.
We had a great day of running. The morning began frosty. We were all cold and some were adding layers. Soon enough we were stripping off our added layers and enjoying the sun as the temperature rose out of the low 20's into the low 40's. I had never met Mitch R or Steve G before, and only Molly once, so it was really nice to get to know everyone while running the trail. Mitch and Molly are into adventure racing. I really enjoyed listening about their races, training and all that I don't know, which is everything, about adventure racing.
I thought it was pretty cool that I could jump in with a small group of people, run trail, have something in common with them all, trade stories, get to know one another all in a matter of 6 hours. Isn't that awesome?
What a great way to spend the day! The trail was pretty hard and frozen at the start, within a few hours it began to thaw and we even ran through some mud before the end of our day.
Zumbro 100 will be a great race. If I hadn't already received a comp entry to McNaughton I'd be running Zumbro instead. This will be Andy's last year as race director of McNaughton; you can bet Zumbro will have a much larger entry next year.
I quickly jumped in and said I could make the trip; I wanted to get in a long run before McNaughton - scheduled the same day as Zumbro 100 - next year I'll be running Zumbro.
Steve Quick, who is also running Zumbro 100, John Taylor, who will be running McNaughton and Molly Cochrane all came along as well.
Mitch offered to drive us to Zumbro. We met at Steve G. home to begin our trek. As we arrived Zumbro Bottoms we met up with Larry for maps and hooked up with Wayne and his buddy whose name I unfortunately but so typically can not remember. Wayne hurt his ankle on the trail and still ran a good 3 hours with us.
As Molly returned from the bathroom and I went in to change I saw a dead rabbit in the corner. I saw skin and fur and bones and bugs. I couldn't go in. I changed outside. Molly never saw the bunny. I told Larry he had better remove the dead bunny before his race. Molly didn't notice the bunny there after our run either. I just changed outside again.
As Larry was handing out maps and I didn't accept his offer, as typical again, I realized that I decided that I can not read trail maps. At one point I had difficulty reading a trail map and have since, just refused to try. As Molly began to read and discuss the map I realized how foolish I have been. I can read maps to drive from Minneapolis to Pekin IL, to get from Phoenix to Fountain Hills; I have decided I will begin to read trail maps and to learn to navigate. I was very impressed with Molly's and the rest of the groups map reading skills. Molly knew when we were off of the map and found our way back to the trail.
We had a great day of running. The morning began frosty. We were all cold and some were adding layers. Soon enough we were stripping off our added layers and enjoying the sun as the temperature rose out of the low 20's into the low 40's. I had never met Mitch R or Steve G before, and only Molly once, so it was really nice to get to know everyone while running the trail. Mitch and Molly are into adventure racing. I really enjoyed listening about their races, training and all that I don't know, which is everything, about adventure racing.
I thought it was pretty cool that I could jump in with a small group of people, run trail, have something in common with them all, trade stories, get to know one another all in a matter of 6 hours. Isn't that awesome?
What a great way to spend the day! The trail was pretty hard and frozen at the start, within a few hours it began to thaw and we even ran through some mud before the end of our day.
Zumbro 100 will be a great race. If I hadn't already received a comp entry to McNaughton I'd be running Zumbro instead. This will be Andy's last year as race director of McNaughton; you can bet Zumbro will have a much larger entry next year.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Home Sweet Home
In just a few hours I went from running along the sandy surf in shorts and a sports bra to running in snowshoes along the trail dressed in long pants, gloves and hat. Amazing!
Troy and I had a fabulous vacation in Texas. Lots of sun, swimming in the ocean, reading while lounging poolside, taking it easy. Wonderful.
Fortunately we had sunny weather in the high 80's to low 90's during our stay but when we flew out the high was only going to be 50F and it was raining. I felt bad for those who were just arriving TX. They are in for a week of cool drizzly weather.
Here in MN we are having a burst of spring. 50F yesterday and 60F tomorrow. Sweet.
Yesterday was a 15 mile snowshoe run along the trail that Topaz and I had missed for a week. Today, because of the melt yesterday and over night freeze, instead of snowshoes I screwed screws into my shoes and they worked just fine. 20 miles without too much slipping and sliding.
I didn't get very many weight workouts in while on vacation so I hit the gym yesterday and will be on my way today. I actually missed lifting. I had a 10 week streak going until I was hit with the flu, then was able to complete a few workouts before I left for TX. I'm anxious to get back into my regular schedule of training.
For the past few weeks I had been focused on my speaking engagement and my vacation. Now that both these events have passed I will begin to think about McNaughton 100 Mile Trail Run. It's only a few weeks out; thankfully I'm pretty much always trained for a 100 mile finish these days. I always wanted it to be this way and wasn't sure if it was possible for me. I don't mean to say that I'm always trained for a stellar PR performance; just a finish. I remember wondering if I could be marathon trained year long. I didn't know if that was possible. It is amazing that our bodies can adopt so well to the training we put them through.
I've decided to run Lean Horse 100 in August instead of Leadville 100. My friend, Alicia, is going to be running it and Tom and Nancy are going to pace/crew. We had such a great time at Vermont 100 I just couldn't pass it up! The four of us will road trip together. Good times!
I did not enter Badwater. I have always had a self-imposed rule that I would save $ for my races the year prior. I didn't even have Badwater on the 2009 radar until December and the entry of $800 was due in February. In addition I would have needed $4000 to fly/crew/van/hotel. I was just not ready for those expenses. It would have been the only race I could do this year. That isn't what I wanted. Ideally I'd like to crew or pace someone out there, then save for the following year. We'll see.
My racing calendar is begining to come together. Confirmed are McNaughton 100, FANS 24 Hour, Lean Horse 100. Depending on how I am feeling with the bodybuilding endeavor I'd also like to run Superior Sawtooth 100 and Javelina 100. I'm not sure what my body will feel like so those are still uncomfirmed but a probabaly. Of course I'll run Superior 50K, Afton 50K, Voyageur 50 Mile. The rest of the year is still coming together.
OK, off to the gym.
Troy and I had a fabulous vacation in Texas. Lots of sun, swimming in the ocean, reading while lounging poolside, taking it easy. Wonderful.
Fortunately we had sunny weather in the high 80's to low 90's during our stay but when we flew out the high was only going to be 50F and it was raining. I felt bad for those who were just arriving TX. They are in for a week of cool drizzly weather.
Here in MN we are having a burst of spring. 50F yesterday and 60F tomorrow. Sweet.
Yesterday was a 15 mile snowshoe run along the trail that Topaz and I had missed for a week. Today, because of the melt yesterday and over night freeze, instead of snowshoes I screwed screws into my shoes and they worked just fine. 20 miles without too much slipping and sliding.
I didn't get very many weight workouts in while on vacation so I hit the gym yesterday and will be on my way today. I actually missed lifting. I had a 10 week streak going until I was hit with the flu, then was able to complete a few workouts before I left for TX. I'm anxious to get back into my regular schedule of training.
For the past few weeks I had been focused on my speaking engagement and my vacation. Now that both these events have passed I will begin to think about McNaughton 100 Mile Trail Run. It's only a few weeks out; thankfully I'm pretty much always trained for a 100 mile finish these days. I always wanted it to be this way and wasn't sure if it was possible for me. I don't mean to say that I'm always trained for a stellar PR performance; just a finish. I remember wondering if I could be marathon trained year long. I didn't know if that was possible. It is amazing that our bodies can adopt so well to the training we put them through.
I've decided to run Lean Horse 100 in August instead of Leadville 100. My friend, Alicia, is going to be running it and Tom and Nancy are going to pace/crew. We had such a great time at Vermont 100 I just couldn't pass it up! The four of us will road trip together. Good times!
I did not enter Badwater. I have always had a self-imposed rule that I would save $ for my races the year prior. I didn't even have Badwater on the 2009 radar until December and the entry of $800 was due in February. In addition I would have needed $4000 to fly/crew/van/hotel. I was just not ready for those expenses. It would have been the only race I could do this year. That isn't what I wanted. Ideally I'd like to crew or pace someone out there, then save for the following year. We'll see.
My racing calendar is begining to come together. Confirmed are McNaughton 100, FANS 24 Hour, Lean Horse 100. Depending on how I am feeling with the bodybuilding endeavor I'd also like to run Superior Sawtooth 100 and Javelina 100. I'm not sure what my body will feel like so those are still uncomfirmed but a probabaly. Of course I'll run Superior 50K, Afton 50K, Voyageur 50 Mile. The rest of the year is still coming together.
OK, off to the gym.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Strappin' on the Snowshoes
After scoping out a 50 mile run route last week I was really looking forward to a non snowshoe run. That's what I get for hoping! We received about 3.5" of snow last night. Although it looks beautiful I really wasn't looking forward to 50 miles on snowshoes..again.
I kept reminding myself that I actually had fun last year during my 50 mile snowshoe run and it was going to be warmer today than it was when I did this last year.
Topaz and I headed out at 4 into the crisp cold air. I decided to stay off of the snowmobile trails, I could hear the snowmobiles in the distance even at this early hour. Instead I drove over to Blue Hill Trail to forge yet another path through the woods.
Flashlight in hand, running down the trail, I realized the snow had made the trail much nicer to run than it had been earlier in the week. The ice had been hazardous. Now there was a few inches of fluff over the ice and as long as I was in snowshoes the surface was fine.
I kept thinking about the two bear that I had seen earlier this winter. Eventually I decided there was no reason in fearing something that I couldn't see and probably wasn't even there.
A few grouse freaked Topaz and I out and they ruffled near the trail, sounding loud and strange so closely to us. While we were running the gravel road 18 deer crossed in front of us, what a sight!
As daylight began to dawn the sky began to run a gorgeous rose/purple. The snow had a pink reflection upon it. Beautiful!
The hours ticked by and not another soul was on the trail. I couldn't believe I didn't see tracks from anyone else. It was a lovely day and no one was out in the woods enjoying it. Lucky me!
Topaz began to roll in the snow as the temperature warmed into the high teens, chewing on the snow and chasing after the rabbits. I was able to get him to take in some water each time we went back to the car.
We left the trail and ran some of the gravel road, now covered in snow and good for snowshoeing; out across the lake and back.
51.8 miles, 2 gallons of water, 11 gels and a 2 Cappuccino Optimum Nutrition protein shakes later we headed back home. Me for a hot shower and Topaz to curl up near the fireplace.
I'm tired..I believe I will sleep well :)
I kept reminding myself that I actually had fun last year during my 50 mile snowshoe run and it was going to be warmer today than it was when I did this last year.
Topaz and I headed out at 4 into the crisp cold air. I decided to stay off of the snowmobile trails, I could hear the snowmobiles in the distance even at this early hour. Instead I drove over to Blue Hill Trail to forge yet another path through the woods.
Flashlight in hand, running down the trail, I realized the snow had made the trail much nicer to run than it had been earlier in the week. The ice had been hazardous. Now there was a few inches of fluff over the ice and as long as I was in snowshoes the surface was fine.
I kept thinking about the two bear that I had seen earlier this winter. Eventually I decided there was no reason in fearing something that I couldn't see and probably wasn't even there.
A few grouse freaked Topaz and I out and they ruffled near the trail, sounding loud and strange so closely to us. While we were running the gravel road 18 deer crossed in front of us, what a sight!
As daylight began to dawn the sky began to run a gorgeous rose/purple. The snow had a pink reflection upon it. Beautiful!
The hours ticked by and not another soul was on the trail. I couldn't believe I didn't see tracks from anyone else. It was a lovely day and no one was out in the woods enjoying it. Lucky me!
Topaz began to roll in the snow as the temperature warmed into the high teens, chewing on the snow and chasing after the rabbits. I was able to get him to take in some water each time we went back to the car.
We left the trail and ran some of the gravel road, now covered in snow and good for snowshoeing; out across the lake and back.
51.8 miles, 2 gallons of water, 11 gels and a 2 Cappuccino Optimum Nutrition protein shakes later we headed back home. Me for a hot shower and Topaz to curl up near the fireplace.
I'm tired..I believe I will sleep well :)
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Out Exploring
This morning while Topaz and I were heading out to the trail I had something in mind, in addition to snowshoeing for a few hours. As the boys will be gone next Saturday day into Sunday, I wanted to scope out a prospect for a 50 mile run next week. I was hoping to find someplace to run through the Refuge where I wouldn't have to run upon snowshoes for 9 hours.
We ran our regular loop for 8 miles and then ventured off to a deer trail that was pretty slick with ice. Lots of ice. My snowshoes weren't gripping very well, it was cold, 3F and I just wanted to see some gravel. I looked at my Refuge map and figured we should eventually come to a non maintained gravel fire road. Sure enough, a few more miles of ice and I could see the gravel road. Woohoo! What a sight for 'tired of snowshoeing every day' eyes. I ditched my snowshoes at the side of the path and ran upon the gravel, whooping it up, scaring the bejeezus out of Topaz as I screeched with glee. Look, no snowshoes! I'm running..fast..I can feel it in my hamstrings..nice! It was wonderful.
The map tells me this gravel road is 25 miles in length. It eventually ends at the bank of the St Francis River which meanders all throughout the area. Perfect for next weeks 50 mile run.
I put my snowshoes back on and we hit a trail I hadn't been on before that was covered with snow, no ice. A few more miles back to the Blue Hill Trail, back to the ice and back to the car.
Next week I'll try the gravel road sans snowshoes. Of course if we have ice and snow before then I can take screws to the shoes and run 50 miles of road into Big Lake, around town and home. Ack.
We ran our regular loop for 8 miles and then ventured off to a deer trail that was pretty slick with ice. Lots of ice. My snowshoes weren't gripping very well, it was cold, 3F and I just wanted to see some gravel. I looked at my Refuge map and figured we should eventually come to a non maintained gravel fire road. Sure enough, a few more miles of ice and I could see the gravel road. Woohoo! What a sight for 'tired of snowshoeing every day' eyes. I ditched my snowshoes at the side of the path and ran upon the gravel, whooping it up, scaring the bejeezus out of Topaz as I screeched with glee. Look, no snowshoes! I'm running..fast..I can feel it in my hamstrings..nice! It was wonderful.
The map tells me this gravel road is 25 miles in length. It eventually ends at the bank of the St Francis River which meanders all throughout the area. Perfect for next weeks 50 mile run.
I put my snowshoes back on and we hit a trail I hadn't been on before that was covered with snow, no ice. A few more miles back to the Blue Hill Trail, back to the ice and back to the car.
Next week I'll try the gravel road sans snowshoes. Of course if we have ice and snow before then I can take screws to the shoes and run 50 miles of road into Big Lake, around town and home. Ack.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Winter Carnival 1/2 Shortened
Up until Friday night I still wasn't sure if I was going to run the Winter Carnival 1/2 Marathon. I wasn't sure if I wanted to drive for two hours in total to run 13 miles. I knew that I probably would though.
Friday night I received an email that because of the wind chill and cold temperature the 1/2 Marathon would be shortened to a 10K. The officials made my decision for me: no thanks.
Instead Topaz and I went for a lovely crisp 20 mile snowshoe run. I must say, I am certainly looking forward to the day when I no longer need to strap on the snowshoes. It will be heaven to run the trail with only shoes. Something to look forward to!
I was again offered to help coach the MDRA women's group this spring. I accepted, with honor. We're going to offer a women's boot camp this year, running 8 weeks. The draft of the schedule looks great; Diana Pierce will speak at one session, maybe even offering us some Saturday KARE 11 airtime, we'll take a 'field trip' to TC Running along with other speakers and highlights. I can't wait.
January is just about wrapped up, spring will be here before I know it!
Friday night I received an email that because of the wind chill and cold temperature the 1/2 Marathon would be shortened to a 10K. The officials made my decision for me: no thanks.
Instead Topaz and I went for a lovely crisp 20 mile snowshoe run. I must say, I am certainly looking forward to the day when I no longer need to strap on the snowshoes. It will be heaven to run the trail with only shoes. Something to look forward to!
I was again offered to help coach the MDRA women's group this spring. I accepted, with honor. We're going to offer a women's boot camp this year, running 8 weeks. The draft of the schedule looks great; Diana Pierce will speak at one session, maybe even offering us some Saturday KARE 11 airtime, we'll take a 'field trip' to TC Running along with other speakers and highlights. I can't wait.
January is just about wrapped up, spring will be here before I know it!
Friday, January 16, 2009
Still Cold.
A frosty -32F at home this morning. I don't recall seeing the thermometer this low..ever.. at our home in Orrock Township. We've lived here for 18 years. It's downright cold.
I ran on the treadmill this morning. Topaz whined at my feet, sad that we weren't on the trail. I'll take him out later in the afternoon for a short jog when it warms up a bit. If it warms up a bit.
We've been below zero for 86 hours.
Tomorrow promises to be a warmer day. Above zero! Even in Duluth :)
Oh. Monday is the deadline for applying to Badwater. I haven't sent in my app. I'm having a hard time justifying the expense. I don't know that I need to spend $795 in application fee and probably a few more thousand in rental, crew, hotel and airfare. My Dad's advice to me growing up was always 'when in doubt, don't do it' . Because I am having trouble justifying the expense, maybe I should let this one go. I don't know.
I ran on the treadmill this morning. Topaz whined at my feet, sad that we weren't on the trail. I'll take him out later in the afternoon for a short jog when it warms up a bit. If it warms up a bit.
We've been below zero for 86 hours.
Tomorrow promises to be a warmer day. Above zero! Even in Duluth :)
Oh. Monday is the deadline for applying to Badwater. I haven't sent in my app. I'm having a hard time justifying the expense. I don't know that I need to spend $795 in application fee and probably a few more thousand in rental, crew, hotel and airfare. My Dad's advice to me growing up was always 'when in doubt, don't do it' . Because I am having trouble justifying the expense, maybe I should let this one go. I don't know.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Yeah, It's Cold Outside
It is. Cold. Outside.
Last night at about 900 I finished watching my DVR of The Biggest Loser. I love the series. I loved that Dan, the heaviest so far at 400+ pounds, the youngest so far, at 19 (or 18?), actually told Jillian to crank up the treadmill and go FASTER! He was running 30 seconds at a 7 minute mile. While Joelle whined about having to jog for 30 seconds. Dan has the mentally tough enough attitude to get him where he needs to be. He WANTS to work out, he wants to feel his body move. It's amazing. I cried.
Anyhow, pretty soon across the TV were the happy words: Big Lake School District: Closed Tomorrow. Woohoo! Nothing better than an unplanned day off. The boys ran around in circles hooting and hollering and I joined in. Good stuff.
This morning it was -26F on our thermometer with a - 53 wind chill. The wind was only 10 mph but it is enough to get a low low reading.
Topaz donned his cordura booties and I donned my Gortex Inov8 Flyrocks. I love them. I wear test Vasque and tried out a Gortex version of the Blur. I didn't care for the bulkiness, how heavy they felt and stiff. It is only a test model and may not be the one that will show up on the market. The Inov8's feel like a glove. A nice, light, warm and dry glove.
The trail was quiet. Not a peep from a bird, no action from the deer. Just stillness. I didn't feel cold. I had on two pair of heavy tights, two shirts a jacket, gloves, mittens, gaiter and hat. I was actually comfortable. My back was too warm and I could feel sweat rolling off of it. That was an odd sensation. I was thankful that the Northwoods Snowshow Marathon wasn't today. It was even colder in Duluth! Crazy.
The booties kept Topaz's paws safe. He didn't perform 'cold foot dance' where he lifts one foot and then another, he didn't have to eat ice from his paws. We had a nice enjoyable 5 mile romp through the woods.
When it is this cold the snowshoes make a distinct click click click upon the frozen snow. My neck gaiter was frozen solid with snot and such. I had to give it the spin around to the back of my head. I'll carry an extra along while I do the marathon and another in my bag that I can stash at the start line. We loop through one time. I'll have to do the spin.
It is supposed to be this cold again tomorrow morning. I can't imagine we'd get another day off. But I'd sure like it :)
On the bright side: Last night we finished our snowshoe run at 505 PM and it was still light outside! We have gained 26 minutes of daylight since December 21. Woohoo!
I was very grateful to come home and hop onto the treadmill for 10 miles. I didn't get bored, didn't feel out of energy. I was so happy to have a day from work, an unexpected day where I could run, go to the gym and hang out with the boys. Good stuff.
Embrace the cold. Have some fun. Minnesota Tough.
Last night at about 900 I finished watching my DVR of The Biggest Loser. I love the series. I loved that Dan, the heaviest so far at 400+ pounds, the youngest so far, at 19 (or 18?), actually told Jillian to crank up the treadmill and go FASTER! He was running 30 seconds at a 7 minute mile. While Joelle whined about having to jog for 30 seconds. Dan has the mentally tough enough attitude to get him where he needs to be. He WANTS to work out, he wants to feel his body move. It's amazing. I cried.
Anyhow, pretty soon across the TV were the happy words: Big Lake School District: Closed Tomorrow. Woohoo! Nothing better than an unplanned day off. The boys ran around in circles hooting and hollering and I joined in. Good stuff.
This morning it was -26F on our thermometer with a - 53 wind chill. The wind was only 10 mph but it is enough to get a low low reading.
Topaz donned his cordura booties and I donned my Gortex Inov8 Flyrocks. I love them. I wear test Vasque and tried out a Gortex version of the Blur. I didn't care for the bulkiness, how heavy they felt and stiff. It is only a test model and may not be the one that will show up on the market. The Inov8's feel like a glove. A nice, light, warm and dry glove.
The trail was quiet. Not a peep from a bird, no action from the deer. Just stillness. I didn't feel cold. I had on two pair of heavy tights, two shirts a jacket, gloves, mittens, gaiter and hat. I was actually comfortable. My back was too warm and I could feel sweat rolling off of it. That was an odd sensation. I was thankful that the Northwoods Snowshow Marathon wasn't today. It was even colder in Duluth! Crazy.
The booties kept Topaz's paws safe. He didn't perform 'cold foot dance' where he lifts one foot and then another, he didn't have to eat ice from his paws. We had a nice enjoyable 5 mile romp through the woods.
When it is this cold the snowshoes make a distinct click click click upon the frozen snow. My neck gaiter was frozen solid with snot and such. I had to give it the spin around to the back of my head. I'll carry an extra along while I do the marathon and another in my bag that I can stash at the start line. We loop through one time. I'll have to do the spin.
It is supposed to be this cold again tomorrow morning. I can't imagine we'd get another day off. But I'd sure like it :)
On the bright side: Last night we finished our snowshoe run at 505 PM and it was still light outside! We have gained 26 minutes of daylight since December 21. Woohoo!
I was very grateful to come home and hop onto the treadmill for 10 miles. I didn't get bored, didn't feel out of energy. I was so happy to have a day from work, an unexpected day where I could run, go to the gym and hang out with the boys. Good stuff.
Embrace the cold. Have some fun. Minnesota Tough.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Frosty!
I can't believe how well my iPhone works. I took this photo after my first snowshoe run this morning. My Cannon is worthless when the temperature is 20F or less. The battery drains. The iPhone: I carried it with me for three hours. I began running at -21F and finished at -6F. I was able to take the photo. It's a good photo! Better than my Cannon. Amazing.
After taking the photo I emailed it to myself and Mom and Dad. Amazing again I say. Amazing.
No, it didn't snow today. I am just Frosty.
Guess what else my iPhone did today? On snowshoe run number two, this afternoon, it identified bird calls for me while at Lake Maria State Park. Yes! I kid you not.
On the way home from they gym today I heard a song on 93X that I didn't know all of the words too. I clicked on radio click, touched 93X, view lyrics and bammo. Lyrics to the song. I was singing, reading and driving at the same time. I guess this could be dangerous...
I heart my iPhone.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Baby, It's Cold Outside
I'm just thankful that I snowshoed long yesterday while it was warm and balmy (21F and a snowstorm, we received 6") and short today. 8 miles snowshoeing at -12F and a -43 wind chill. It really does put goosebumps on my skin.
First two pants run of the season. 2 shirts, wind jacket, gloves and wind mitts, turtle fur hat and neck wrap keeps me toasty. My feet became cold as my gortex Inov 8's were still soaked from yesterday. I should have stuffed them with newspaper but spaced it. I wore my Flyrock's instead.
The snow is just wonderful! We were the first to break the trail of course and in some of the meadow areas where the big drifts were, it was well past my knees. Cool. Topaz loped over the moguls, enjoying it all.
Topaz stayed warm with his booties. The first time I put them on him he didn't know what I was doing. He didn't want his paws to touch the floor, and stepped high, barely putting any weight on them. It was quite funny! Now he knows that they keep the ice out and are a preparation for a run. When he saw the booties in my hand this morning he knew we were going for a run and did his silly happy run dance.
1.5 hours on the trail was enough for me today! This afternoon I'm going to meet Suzanne for a yoga session. Nice and warm.
First two pants run of the season. 2 shirts, wind jacket, gloves and wind mitts, turtle fur hat and neck wrap keeps me toasty. My feet became cold as my gortex Inov 8's were still soaked from yesterday. I should have stuffed them with newspaper but spaced it. I wore my Flyrock's instead.
The snow is just wonderful! We were the first to break the trail of course and in some of the meadow areas where the big drifts were, it was well past my knees. Cool. Topaz loped over the moguls, enjoying it all.
Topaz stayed warm with his booties. The first time I put them on him he didn't know what I was doing. He didn't want his paws to touch the floor, and stepped high, barely putting any weight on them. It was quite funny! Now he knows that they keep the ice out and are a preparation for a run. When he saw the booties in my hand this morning he knew we were going for a run and did his silly happy run dance.
1.5 hours on the trail was enough for me today! This afternoon I'm going to meet Suzanne for a yoga session. Nice and warm.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
First Snowshoe Run of the Season
Today it is downright balmy! 36F and only a hint of a breeze. What a day! Tomorrow the temps should fall 30 degrees during the day along with 4 " of snow. Monday's high is 5. Enjoy today!
Last night while running on the trail I was slipping and sliding all over. I went off trail to scout out some new areas and the snow was about 4". Good enough for a snow shoe run.
This morning Topaz and I hit the trail at 4 AM, early enough to get in 20 miles before the boys would be ready for Belgian Waffles at 9.
I couldn't help but think about the two bear I saw on the trail last week, I couldn't help but think of the big tracks I saw last night..when I looked up the description of what it was that I saw, I read it was a wolf. I'm not sure. I am not a master of tracking! I enjoy looking at tracks and poop surely that isn't too odd..the poop. Maybe that is why Nancy and Alicia brought back "Who Pooped in the Park?" for me while they were out traveling..and trying to figure out what it is what I am seeing. Remember the poop with the paw in it last year? Amazing.
Anyhow, it was a very mild morning, beautifully so. Every hour or so we would loop back to the car for water and gels. Topaz is too excited to drink from a bowl when we are out at the trail. He simply refuses. He did eat a lot of snow, but I wish he'd drink some water!
At 650 I could see the first light of dawn; beautiful pinks, reds and purples. The birds began to sing and move around. It reminded me of while running a 100, the morning arrives and the animals begin to move and make noise.
As the sun rose I put away my flash light and began to look at the tracks. It seemed that two people were on skis up ahead of me. It seemed that they had a few dogs, off leash, as the tracks weren't near the skis, they were all over the place. Topaz was following the dog tracks, sniffing, and peeing all over the pee that was peed before him.
I fear loose dogs while running. You may recall that I was bit by a black lab on one of my earlier runs. I was training for my first Twin Cities Marathon and 1 mile into a 20, I was bit by a dog that I had run by almost every fricking day. On this day he decided to chase me down and bite me in the butt. I stood there, screaming at this dog. "I HAVE A 20 MILE RUN TODAY. WHY DID YOU BITE ME?" A neighbor the owners of the dog were in the house sleeping off a hangover and would not open the door of the mean dog brought me over some Advil and a roll of paper toweling that I proceeded to stuff into my shorts. "You are not going to continue running?" "Um, yeah, I am, I'll stop here later to deal with the drunks". And off I went. 20 miles and a shower later I was at ER getting 32 stitches into my butt. NICE!
So, yeah, I fear lose dogs while running. I now assume every dog will attack me. Sad but true. It is an irrational fear that I can't get over. Maybe not irrational. Topaz would bite if scared enough.
So back to this morning; I am running along, fearing a pack of out of control loose dogs. Soon enough, Topaz begins to act out his people and dog signal. He returns to me, running just a foot in front of me, looking back at me, waiting for a command. "It's ok Pazzie. Run on, we'll catch them soon". Sure enough I see two women on cross country skis. I don't see any dogs. I cough, trying to get their attention. I yell TOPAZ HEEL. Even though he is right at my side, he knows this is to get THEIR attention. He heels tighter to me and the women look back and see us. They panic. They begin to yell for their pack of dogs which are darting here and there. They are yelling loudly, taking of their skis and running through the woods trying to reach their dogs. It was almost comical. Topaz and I patiently wait for the untrained women and untrained dogs to come together. Gee, they only have 4 leashes. 3 dogs are eventually snapped onto leads, 2 dogs are held in arms with leashes dangling all over the place. One dog refuses to come. A big beautiful white shepherd stands 3 feet in front of the woman. She is screaming at him, GET OVER HERE.COME. COME HERE. I wouldn't want to come either. She looks at me "I think he'll be OK" Oh good lord woman, are you retarded? Why would you come out here with six dogs, off leash, and think this is OK. Why wouldn't you train your dogs you stupid bitch. They need to be on leash if you can't control them. I look at her and say "Maybe if you get down on your knees like this and I get down on my knees, and say come on in a sing song voice which I do and the COME ON in a respect me voice he'll come. Guess what? Beautiful white shepherd looks at me, cocked his head, made eye contact, wagged his tail and butt and proceeded to trot to me. I couldn't believe it. Topaz wagged his butt, whitey wagged his butt and off Topaz and I went. The woman stood there with her mouth wide open.
I don't get it. I will never understand some people. Many people. But people with dogs need to train their dogs. I don't know that there are stupid dogs but I know that there are stupid people.
Whenever Topaz and I are out running I always have his lead and collar along. As soon as we come up on a person I snap on his collar and lead. It's happened so many times that when we begins to smell a person he comes to me and drops down as he knows that is the command I would give if necessary. I snap on the lead and we pass the person. Even when he is out herding deer during our run, one click of the tongue and bam (!) he is at my side. If I hadn't been trained to train him he would not be running offleash.
End Of Rant.
My shoulders and neck began to feel tension after we left these women. I told myself to forget it, everything turned out fine. Pretty soon Topaz looks to the left of the trail and becomes all bristly. Oh come on! Not something out there in the woods. Not the bear. Not the wolf. He growls! Topaz never growls. He legthens his neck out toward the deep woods and sniffs the air. Oh good lord I can't take it. No bear. I look and look, we go off trail, looking for tracks but I didn't see anything. I shrugged my shoulders, rolled my neck and gave up the tension. Time to enjoy this run again. And enjoy I did!
We finished up our 20 miles via snowshoe in plenty of time for the Belgian Waffle fun before I and the boys went running errands. They had some shopping they wanted to do.
Tonight I'm going to Bucca with my ultra runner friends for a Christmas Dinner. I suppose I could replenish the glycogen stores with some carbs..I'll probably stick to the warm tomato/chicken/spinach salad. Woohoo! Enjoy today :)
Last night while running on the trail I was slipping and sliding all over. I went off trail to scout out some new areas and the snow was about 4". Good enough for a snow shoe run.
This morning Topaz and I hit the trail at 4 AM, early enough to get in 20 miles before the boys would be ready for Belgian Waffles at 9.
I couldn't help but think about the two bear I saw on the trail last week, I couldn't help but think of the big tracks I saw last night..when I looked up the description of what it was that I saw, I read it was a wolf. I'm not sure. I am not a master of tracking! I enjoy looking at tracks and poop surely that isn't too odd..the poop. Maybe that is why Nancy and Alicia brought back "Who Pooped in the Park?" for me while they were out traveling..and trying to figure out what it is what I am seeing. Remember the poop with the paw in it last year? Amazing.
Anyhow, it was a very mild morning, beautifully so. Every hour or so we would loop back to the car for water and gels. Topaz is too excited to drink from a bowl when we are out at the trail. He simply refuses. He did eat a lot of snow, but I wish he'd drink some water!
At 650 I could see the first light of dawn; beautiful pinks, reds and purples. The birds began to sing and move around. It reminded me of while running a 100, the morning arrives and the animals begin to move and make noise.
As the sun rose I put away my flash light and began to look at the tracks. It seemed that two people were on skis up ahead of me. It seemed that they had a few dogs, off leash, as the tracks weren't near the skis, they were all over the place. Topaz was following the dog tracks, sniffing, and peeing all over the pee that was peed before him.
I fear loose dogs while running. You may recall that I was bit by a black lab on one of my earlier runs. I was training for my first Twin Cities Marathon and 1 mile into a 20, I was bit by a dog that I had run by almost every fricking day. On this day he decided to chase me down and bite me in the butt. I stood there, screaming at this dog. "I HAVE A 20 MILE RUN TODAY. WHY DID YOU BITE ME?" A neighbor the owners of the dog were in the house sleeping off a hangover and would not open the door of the mean dog brought me over some Advil and a roll of paper toweling that I proceeded to stuff into my shorts. "You are not going to continue running?" "Um, yeah, I am, I'll stop here later to deal with the drunks". And off I went. 20 miles and a shower later I was at ER getting 32 stitches into my butt. NICE!
So, yeah, I fear lose dogs while running. I now assume every dog will attack me. Sad but true. It is an irrational fear that I can't get over. Maybe not irrational. Topaz would bite if scared enough.
So back to this morning; I am running along, fearing a pack of out of control loose dogs. Soon enough, Topaz begins to act out his people and dog signal. He returns to me, running just a foot in front of me, looking back at me, waiting for a command. "It's ok Pazzie. Run on, we'll catch them soon". Sure enough I see two women on cross country skis. I don't see any dogs. I cough, trying to get their attention. I yell TOPAZ HEEL. Even though he is right at my side, he knows this is to get THEIR attention. He heels tighter to me and the women look back and see us. They panic. They begin to yell for their pack of dogs which are darting here and there. They are yelling loudly, taking of their skis and running through the woods trying to reach their dogs. It was almost comical. Topaz and I patiently wait for the untrained women and untrained dogs to come together. Gee, they only have 4 leashes. 3 dogs are eventually snapped onto leads, 2 dogs are held in arms with leashes dangling all over the place. One dog refuses to come. A big beautiful white shepherd stands 3 feet in front of the woman. She is screaming at him, GET OVER HERE.COME. COME HERE. I wouldn't want to come either. She looks at me "I think he'll be OK" Oh good lord woman, are you retarded? Why would you come out here with six dogs, off leash, and think this is OK. Why wouldn't you train your dogs you stupid bitch. They need to be on leash if you can't control them. I look at her and say "Maybe if you get down on your knees like this and I get down on my knees, and say come on in a sing song voice which I do and the COME ON in a respect me voice he'll come. Guess what? Beautiful white shepherd looks at me, cocked his head, made eye contact, wagged his tail and butt and proceeded to trot to me. I couldn't believe it. Topaz wagged his butt, whitey wagged his butt and off Topaz and I went. The woman stood there with her mouth wide open.
I don't get it. I will never understand some people. Many people. But people with dogs need to train their dogs. I don't know that there are stupid dogs but I know that there are stupid people.
Whenever Topaz and I are out running I always have his lead and collar along. As soon as we come up on a person I snap on his collar and lead. It's happened so many times that when we begins to smell a person he comes to me and drops down as he knows that is the command I would give if necessary. I snap on the lead and we pass the person. Even when he is out herding deer during our run, one click of the tongue and bam (!) he is at my side. If I hadn't been trained to train him he would not be running offleash.
End Of Rant.
My shoulders and neck began to feel tension after we left these women. I told myself to forget it, everything turned out fine. Pretty soon Topaz looks to the left of the trail and becomes all bristly. Oh come on! Not something out there in the woods. Not the bear. Not the wolf. He growls! Topaz never growls. He legthens his neck out toward the deep woods and sniffs the air. Oh good lord I can't take it. No bear. I look and look, we go off trail, looking for tracks but I didn't see anything. I shrugged my shoulders, rolled my neck and gave up the tension. Time to enjoy this run again. And enjoy I did!
We finished up our 20 miles via snowshoe in plenty of time for the Belgian Waffle fun before I and the boys went running errands. They had some shopping they wanted to do.
Tonight I'm going to Bucca with my ultra runner friends for a Christmas Dinner. I suppose I could replenish the glycogen stores with some carbs..I'll probably stick to the warm tomato/chicken/spinach salad. Woohoo! Enjoy today :)
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