Friday, August 12, 2011

Seen on a long run...

Last Saturday I left my house, hiked up the hill a few hundred feet and headed west on the SHT. This route involves hills; lots of them! I ran an out and back course with the turn around at Highland & Getchell which is just at the start/end of "The Big W" as the next section (to Magney-Snively) of the SHT is fondly referred to. Along the way I saw:

This rock formation which is large enough for me to crawl into;

Monotropa uniflora
aka: Corpse Plant or Indian Pipe.

Also found raspberries and blueberries which meant I had to take a few snack breaks. It was a glorious morning for a run and I had the most fun I have had in a long time. I ran with a friend and this was his longest trail run ever. Fun to bring someone else into the fold!

Later that day I joined my youngest daughter in her move across the state to Grand Forks, North Dakota. It was a long day of driving but offered us a great opportunity to chat and, once we arrived, to explore her new home together. Sunday, while waiting for the rest of the family to join us, we headed to the Greenway and I ran while she biked. I have never been to Grand Forks so this was a wonderful way to see a bit more of the area and check out the Red River (which was still over it's banks). Finished out the day with a bit of cross-training (aka the moving truck arrived and we unloaded it) and then drove back home that same night. By Monday morning I had logged 22 hours of sleep in 5 days. Not ideal for functioning at work!

Based on a week of consistent running I sent my application in for the Wild Duluth 50K. I decided I should finally commit and hope that this will help keep me on task as far as training goes. I tend to be more motivated when there is a goal ahead of me (and money on the line).

It seems to be working so far as I have logged runs on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (which are for running to - and from - work after all). Tomorrow I will hit the trails again, this time tackling The Big W and many more hills on my way home on a point to point run. Sunday I am scheduled to run again and have yet to sort out where that will occur. I do know my legs are much happier on trails than pavement so suspect I will opt for another section of the SHT.

4 comments:

Brian said...

Glad you are signed up for Wild Duluth! That is one tough course. Good thing it's in your backyard...I have a feeling you'll be very well prepared. Good luck training!

wildknits said...

Thanks Brian!! Andy is already trying to talk me into the 100K. But for the injury this spring I would do it. After all, this race is a tradition - and my intro into ultras!

Hoping training continues to go well, I like to be well prepared!

See you there?

Brian said...

I don't think I'll be making it up to that one unfortunately this year...one of these years I'd love to though. Are you going to be up at Superior at all this year? I'll be there crewing and volunteering...looking forward to it.

wildknits said...

Brian - unsure about Superior right now. Hope to up there in some role or other (volunteer, crew, pacer, running the marathon) but will see. Have to work Friday till at least 1:30 (reality 2:00/2:30) pm.

Yes - you should make time to run a Wild Duluth Race!!

Have fun in your next race!