Big Trail Workout - I joined Jon (joe was a no-show) as we re-visited a classic once a year run that I just have to do. It about killed me last year, but this year it would be different. The difference this year, was that we now know very well the trail up to the Wind Caves Saddle (Birdineau). Last year there was some serious bushwhacking but not this year. I wasn't feeling terribly well today so took it easy from First Dam to Guinavah Malibu (6 miles in 49 mins). Things didn't improve on the wind caves trail (3 miles in 44 mins - 2200' climb). Jon was hardly working the uphills. He sure felt better than I did on the climbs. We stopped at the summit to enjoy the view before blasting down the Green Canyon side hurdling the hundreds of tree roots. Things suddenly perked up for me on the downhill and soon I was out of range of Jon. I took a nap waiting for him at the bottom, but soon enough he arrived and it was time to hit the singletrack out of Green Canyon. He was whining and moaning so I left him again. Too bad the whole run today wasn't downhill as I could do that just fine. Before long, we finished the short BST section and we were back at the car. I looked back at the run data from last year and this year, we ran the Wind Caves climb 4 mins faster (even though sticking to the correct trail we added 1/2 mile) and picked up another 5 mins over the last 6 miles. Fun run, but that one time is enough for the year. I will be back next year... T-2:17:52 (8:53) 156 ave 180 max 3000' gain according to SportTracks.
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