CONFIDENCE BOOSTER

I haven’t run in Auburn in quite some time. Well, pretty much the last time I set foot in Auburn was during the last few miles of AR50. I have been running, just not super far or anywhere outside of my little town. I could slowly feel my mojo for running seeping out little by little. I needed something to bring it back front and center. Something that would get me excited again to run trails again. One place does make me happy. Auburn (and Tahoe but Auburn is closer).

Which is why I reached out to Stonegate and Burning Girl. Pigeon was working this weekend so I knew she was out and she is also tapering for her big race next weekend. Burning Girl bailed last minute so it was just Stonegate and I. We were both eager to get out on some Auburn trails and just have a good run.

Due to some obligations that Stonegate had, I agreed to pick her up at 6 am and that we would be running by 6:30 so that she could be home in time for the rest of her day. This was hard as the night before, Vans and I had visited our favorite sushi restaurant and I know from past experiences, that sushi and wine before a long run, don’t generally mix. Luckily, things worked out just fine in that regard.

The sun was up and the parking lot was surprisingly active that early in the morning. Stone gate and I quickly gathered our gear, hit the restrooms and were off down the trail. It was a beautiful morning. We knew it was going to get hot but so far, there was a light breeze and the views were gorgeous.

We ran and talked all the way down the trail. When we rounded a corner I gasped out loud. Stonegate totally thought that I had seen a bear. I laughed. I hope I won’t squeal like that if I run into a bear. I didn’t the last time!

No, instead I gasped because I saw that some trail fairies had come and built such a beautiful bridge so that we no longer had to try and jump across the stream.

It may not seem like a big deal to most, but it isn’t easy to get down this far on the trail running or hiking let alone carrying tools and machinery. It is a beautiful bridge.

We came upon No Hands Bridge pretty fast and took advantage of the porta potties that are there before climbing our way back up towards Cool.

Soon we hit K2. We paused at the bottom of the hill, not quite ready to start out climb. The trails were pretty busy already with people hiking. We even ran into someone hiking down K2. I always see people hiking down …. why is it I am always hiking UP K2? 🙂

When we finally reached the top, we stopped to catch our breath before running again. Stonegate had some flashbacks from her Way Too Cool 50K race as we were running towards the fire station. She now understands the love hate relationship with that little fire-road where you can see the station but know you have to run around to get there.

We reached the fire station and decided that neither of us needed water or the porta potty. So, we just turned around and started making our way back to the trail.

The route back always seems to take a little longer. Mostly because quite a bit of it is going up hill back to the overlook.

We paused on No Hands for a quick selfie. Always have to have the selfie on a good run like this.

When we were making our way back towards the overlook, the hikers and families were all over the place. It was so good to see people out enjoying nature. On one of our climbs back up I saw this person just bouncing down the trail towards us and I smiled. Jumping Bean was headed out on a run with some friends. We both squealed and managed sweaty hugs. We chatted for a bit and I introduced her to Stonegate. It is always so nice to see her. She is such a sweet and genuine person. She too is running Quicksilver next weekend.

The climb back up definitely was as hard as it usually is. For a 14-15 mile run, it can always surprise you how hard it can be to make your way back to the car when the temps are rising. We probably hiked more on the way back but we kept moving (and talking). It took us just over 3 hours to complete this run.

When we got to the car, we immediately grabbed what we needed for a quick soak in the canal. No matter what, Stonegate wanted to make time for that and I will always oblige a nice cold soak after a good run like that.

That run will either boost your confidence or give you a reality check. It was nice to see that my fitness hasn’t completely left me high and dry. I am looking forward to some big runs later this month and now at least, I know that I can survive although it may be a bit more work than I originally planned.

The rest of the weekend consisted of bikes and more bikes. We went on a family bike ride on Saturday evening followed by a few races for Vans and the girls on Sunday morning/afternoon.

There is a bike series near by called Race Behind Bars bike series where you get to ride your bike on some amazing trails that are around Folsom Prison. I’ve run these trails last year and will again for the trail runner version of this same breakout series.

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The girls and I sat and watched Vans complete 3 big loops around the prison grounds. We tried to entertain ourselves between each loop.

 

When Vans finished his race, it was time for the kids races! The girls decided at the last minute that they wanted to sign up and do the race. I was blown away because usually, racing events is not exactly their “thing” … but today, they were excited.

They kids stood on the starting line. The MC guy came by and asked them all for their name and age. The Peanut proudly said her name and age over the loud speaker . Squeaker however, just whispered that she was 3. 🙂 She was the only one on a strider bike and I do believe that my girls were the only two GIRLS in the entire race. 🙂 (proud mama for sure)

The Peanut did awesome. She is handling her bike so much better and I do believe she actually had fun. She almost passed a boy coming into the finish shoot.

Squeaker had to use her legs since strider bikes do not have pedals. She ran and ran and ran. Vans ran along side her too wearing his mountain bike shoes AND mountain bike helmet still. 🙂

 

I am not exactly sure how long their race was but I do know that they had to go down this hill and then back up. It was a mixture of paved bike path, grass and dirt.

The finish line was just busting with cheers for all the kids (and dads) making their way into the finish line. My heart melted a little bit when the Peanut stood at the finish cheering her sister’s name.

Both girls finished and both were smiling ear to ear (and also very thirsty). Squeaker despite being on the strider bike, did not come in last! You go girl!

After the bike racing was over, we headed over to the Folsom Zoo area and just hung out with friends, having a picnic and watching the kids play on the play ground. There were also wild peacocks walking about … I was so not loving that part.

Overall, it was a fantastic weekend spent outside the majority of the time being active as a family. I love weekends like these. Yes I have mountain of chores and errands to do still, but I love seeing my family so happy. Get outside. Your body and mind will thank you.

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma

PS: I want to send many many Trailmomma vibes to my training partner Pigeon! She is running Quicksiler 100K this weekend. I won’t be out there cheering in person, but I will definitely be sending as much positive energy as I can muster to help carry her! Go Pigeon Go!