20 miles, about 18 of them on mountain trails in the snow. total time- 4:19,
12:57 ave pace.
FLY'S STUPID ADVENTURE
I missed my long run and a couple other runs last week and so I was
determined to get in my miles this week. As the family had plans for the
weekend and I had a ton of errands to do Friday day, I needed to run this Friday
and finish by noon. The trail marathon is only 3 weeks out so I was determined
to get in trail miles with some steep climbs and descents.
So off I went into Friday morning's snow storm. About the only thing good I
can say for the weather is that it wasn't too windy for a good part of the run.
Trail conditions started out with wet snow and got worse from there. I was
post-holing for much of the run. The worst sections were easily shin deep (I
wore gaiters). Every so often I'd hit a drift and sink to my knees. On many
stretches the trail was lost in the snow. Luckily I know these trails well
enough to have not gone too far astray.
Normally I enjoy great views but I was running in the clouds and the
visibility in some areas was probably about 25 feet. This lent an eerie feeling
and I would find myself playing melodramas in my head, "I'd better not get lost
or trip and hurt myself, or I'll die of hypothermia in the snow...."
Coming down and toward home the trails were becoming sloppy, snowy mud
puddles and rivulets. My feet were soaked (but not frozen, I love SmartWool
socks). At about mile 18.5 I finally did fall. My feet slid out from under me
and my back side became as soaked and muddy as my feet.
This may not have been the smartest thing I've done but I did get it done. I
feel prepared to at least finish, if not finish strong in my upcoming trail
marathon. Time wise, this was the longest run I've ever done. After the run I
did NOT take an ice bath, but a quick, warm shower. Then it was off to play
chauffeur for my kids. Recovery wise I felt good Saturday and skied a full day
with my kids. | 