A totally different Ben Lomond run this afternoon. Last time I was up there, the trail was dusty, the trees were green and the sun was hot. I was also at the end of a deep training cycle leading up to the Bear 100. I was tired, burned out and ready for a break. Needless to say those last few trips up the peak were a bit of a grind. I needed to hit the refresh and remember why I loved running this trail so much. I wore a watch, but refused to look at it at any regular splits, I ran with the only goal to be keep my heart rate even and my legs working smoothly.
Not long into the run I could tell things were going to be different. The trail was muddy and snow covered in spots, the trees were yellow and brown, the breeze cool and the sun hidden behind high clouds. Everything felt fresh, my legs spun easily, my heart rate and breath was smooth and even. I felt totally engaged in my thoughts and the trail, just one of those runs when everything seems to be clicking. Just past the saddle as I headed into the last mile-and-a-half steeper section. The trail became almost entirely snow covered and the higher I climbed the deeper it got. The thing that struck me was the lack of any previous tracks. No one had been up to the peak in a while, there were a few tracks, but they were a week or so old. Eventually the deep snow forced me to traverse up and left to what I call the “goat trail” as there are always goat tracks out the steep ridge. I scrambled straight up to the peak, glanced at my watch and was happy to see 1:35, a good time without snow, and it felt totally easy and enjoyable.
The peak was completely deserted. The last entry in the register was 10/23. The only people I had seen since leaving the trailhead 8 miles ago were a group of three mtn bikers I had passed on the way up in the first mile or so. I was not in a hurry to leave. I am leaving on a family vacation for two weeks in a few days and knew, given the pending weather, this was most likely my last trip to the peak for 2010. Looking North East at the landmarks along the Bear course, Logan Peak, Mt Naomi above Tony Grove, and beyond to the peaks surrounding the Bear Lake valley I was struck with the deepest sense of joy and gratitude for the great summer of running I have had and the incredible experience of completing my first 100 mile race. Easy cruise back the parking lot, stopping to talk to the three mtn bikers still on their way up.
Total run time 2:41, 15.70 miles, 3850 vert.
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