This past weekend both Stonegate and Burning Girl were out of town. I reached out to Pigeon early in the week and told her my plan for our run. She agreed and that was it. Easy peasy.
Glorious Day
I have a race this weekend so I didn’t want to push too hard but I did feel the need to test my legs a bit after last weekend’s not so stellar run. Pigeon was game but had one caveat …. we needed to start early, like in the dark early.
This past weekend was also the first of the Western States Training Runs for the season. I have done this run for as long as I can remember but the high price and mileage covered were two reasons that I did not sign up this year. This is also the year of Lance!
So 6:15 am Pigeon and I started off down the trail from the Overlook towards Cool. Luckily the sun was up fairly soon so we were not in the dark for too long.
My legs felt better than last weekend which was a welcomed feeling. I had made a deal with myself prior to the run that I wanted to attack K2 since K2 (and 3 other grueling hills) will be part of my run this coming weekend.
The top of Training Hill aka K2
I left Pigeon at the base and just power hiked myself up that hill. Hiking it solo really makes the hill seem that much longer but it also allows for more breathing room if you are not talking the whole way up. haha 🙂
Made it to the top!
Overall it was a glorious day. The temps were warming and fast. Most of the ground was fairly dry and not quite so muddy.
Here comes Pigeon up the hill!
Pigeon and I had a nice day. She’s getting stronger by the run and I was content to let my legs fly down the hills as usual but I was a bit more conservative this weekend as I didn’t want to hurt myself before Saturday.
Forresthill Bridge
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We reconnected at No Hands and ran together back towards the overlook. While on our way back we saw a KCRA news reporter at the top of Robie Point. She seemed to be waiting for us to run by so we just power hiked our way up the hill as she was doing her stand-up. ha! It was quite funny.
News Van on the trails!
We had a nice laugh about that on our miles back to the Overlook. The news crews were there because Lance Armstrong was running in the training run that day.
Overall my legs felt good. They were nice and tired. Just the perfect amount of tiredness actually. The rest of this week will have a sprinkling of runs but mostly, I want to rest up for Saturday. Once Saturday comes and goes, I gear up for a mini solo vacation so lots to come!
Beautiful
This past weekend was just the start of some amazing things to come. 🙂
Post run I ended up heading to The Purple Place, a local sort of “diner” joint here with the whole family and friends. That is no excuse for a poor recovery meal mind you.
Denise’s Veggie Salad ala Trailmomma
The Purple Place sells a great veggie salad. I ask for the portobello mushroom on the side (Vans loves it – I do not). I hold the cheese AND the dressing and I ask for salsa instead AND THEN I smuggle in my own veggie burger. 🙂 Yes, I am one of those people but this ended up being a killer meal post run.
After some errands, I was content to hang with my Peanut and read a book on the patio. Did I mention that Saturday was a glorious day?
Even though I have run 20 miles numerous times, there is something to be said about running your first 20 of the season. It means training has truly begun and it is time to start seeing what works and what doesn’t. Weed out the bad stuff and push your limits.
Tunnel of Truth
This past Sunday, I had one of the best runs yet and what made this run so great, was that I had ALL my running pals together at one time. Our schedules finally collided and Pigeon, Stonegate and Burning Girl and I were all ready to hit the trails at once.
Trail Girls
Pigeon was happy to show Stonegate and Burning Girl some new trails. Trails that I have run a few times but didn’t have the confidence to do on my own just yet. Stonegate was super excited to see some new views and I don’t think this run disappointed her.
Hello Auburn!
We carpooled in two cars and parked near the confluence. We started running and then BAM within 3 minutes I had rolled my left ankle and heard a distinct “POP!” I was too busy looking at the beauty around me to notice whatever the heck it was I had stepped on.
I didn’t stop. I didn’t want to stop. I pushed the pain radiating up my leg aside and just kept going. The day was just beginning and I was too excited. Plus, I knew it was not that serious, just a minor set back.
The Auburn fog is just amazing
We ran Clementine in single file. Such a gorgeous trail. It was muddy and slippery in sections which made it even more fun. The only sketchy part was running into a couple that had two dogs. After my dog experience last year (read about that here), I am forever hesitant on the trail and will never trust a dog or its owner again.
This couple pulled their pups way off the trail. They had one tiny dog (held by the woman) and one large dog (held by the man). When Stonegate ran by that big dog was growling and lunging towards her. Luckily the man had a good hold but I can’t say the rest of us were eager to run by next.
With that behind us though we just continued on. Stonegate and Burning Girl would run up ahead, I’d take up the middle and Pigeon was the caboose with her steady pace. We’d stop and regroup at all turns and intersections.
Regrouping
With that downhill section my tummy started doing some flip-flops which is why I slowly positioned myself to mid-pack. I wasn’t sure if the porta-potty that I remembered was still where it used to be. Lucky for me, it was!
In true goofball form, the girls decided to play a little prank on me ….
Surprise! Papparazzi!
They thought they were hilarious trying to get my reaction when I stepped out. It was pretty funny but I felt tons better! Moving on!
Weeee down hill!!
Back towards our car we ran. The first loop was done.
Photo by Stonegate – all smiles
Next it was time to introduce the girls to ….
Stagecoach!
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We all started the initial hike up Stagecoach together hiking and running when we could.
Banana Slug!
As we were hiking I saw this huge stick … moving … wait that wasn’t a stick it was a Banana Slug! 🙂
Soon however, I started to feel the pull. There have been a few times when Pigeon and I have gone up this hill and I’ve said, “See ya at the top!” Climbing is one of my favorite things to do so off I went, powering my way up.
Amazing views
There was a guy in front of me that I was determined to catch. I caught him and then passed him. I finally made it to the top feeling strong.
When the rest of the crew made it to the top, we ran through Auburn to the Overlook and then back down the trail towards No Hands Bridge. The sun was up and the day was just getting better and better.
Burning Girl however has been dealing with some hip pain and decided (wisely) not to push her limits and headed back to the car. This is where running loops is SO smart. Pigeon, Stonegate and I continued on towards K2 to do our last four miles with a good mile of climbing to start.
Burning Girl and I pushed our way up K2. Some doofus on his way down thought he was being cool and said to us, “Just so you know, you’re not even half way there.” No duh kid, thanks. 🙂
When we were all together we headed off towards the trail that leads back down. For years I used to hate this trail. Before I had my ankle surgery, this trail used to be nothing short of excruciating for me. Now that I have solid ankle strength, I love to just FLY down this section.
Stonegate and I just took off. Eventually I even lost sight of Stonegate behind me. I was just smiling ear to ear dancing around and through all the mud puddles. I was like a pig in a mud bath or baby in a toy store … it was the perfect way to end this 20 mile run.
Where’s Stonegate? I can’t find her!?
When we made it back to No Hands we were stretching and goofing around waiting for Pigeon. Stonegate decided to climb up into this cave.
20 miles and almost 5,000 ft of climbing in one day with three of my favorite running partners. My heart was full. My body felt amazing. My fueling was good and my legs felt strong. I was a happy girl.
Post-Run Fuel
If you follow me on Instagram, then you saw that I posted this after our run on Sunday. I am a strong believer that what you eat after a hard workout sets the tone for your recovery.
In the photo above, I had a gluten free teff flour tortilla topped with homemade no-oil hummus, raw spinach, shredded carrots, steamed kale mixed with hot sauce, cooked beets and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. So good. If I remember, I will continue to post the meals that I recover with because I know people are curious and it is often a question I am asked a lot.
So there you have it, our 20 miler was fantastic! I am looking forward to another weekend on the trails however mother nature it looks like she might grace us with a nice big shower for our entire run. Bring it! 🙂
Happy Trails!
Trailmomma
PS: Ankle Update – Tonight I saw my miracle worker at Elite Spinal and Sports and he said that I thoroughly jacked up the tendon between my tibia and fibula. He was pretty amazed at how messed up it was AND that I was able to continue on with the run. It feels great now, a little tender but at least I have feeling back in my toes. 🙂
If you have followed this blog since the beginning (which is probably no one but Pigeon and maybe my NJ family) you may recall back in 2010 when I was training for my first ever ultra.
I was part of the Fleet Feet Ultra Training Group (the first one there ever was) and that is where I met Pigeon, Coach Nikon, Captain Kirk, Kuni the Beast, Miss P and a whole host of others who I still see both on and off the trails.
But what stands out most that training year was the RAIN. We had multiple runs where we were soggy, muddy and just down right drenched. I would venture to guess that was the last time we had a “real” wet winter here in Northern California.
One of my favorite 2010 shots – Puddle Jumping! Photo by Coach Nikon
This year is starting to look and feel more and more like that crazy water-logged 2010 year did.
Gray Skies Again!
Last Saturday I found myself running with Pigeon and Stonegate. We decided to run 16 so we carpooled to the Auburn Damn Overlook (ADO) together.
We knew that rain had been forecasted for the most of the morning but when we started our run it was only spitting.
We set off for the canal with plans to run down Cardiac hill and out towards Avery’s Pond. I happen to love this section of trail.
Good Old Cardiac!
After a rough work week (eeerrr month), I had energy to spare and was pretty excited to be out running.
Pigeon is working herself back up to where she left off last season and was content to let me and Stonegate run off ahead like two little kids in a toy store. 🙂 And boy did we!
The mud was thick and slippery and there was no use trying to dance around any puddles. Needless to say, our socks and shoes were pretty wet fairly early into the run.
The trails were pretty busy with various groups and people out running or walking their dogs. Every once in a while the rain would come down a bit harder but for most of the run, we were dry (well, minus our feet). I even took off my jacket after a while and ran in a t-shirt as I was getting quite hot.
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We ran past Avery’s Pond and eventually turned around and made our way back the way we came.
Fallen Tree!
Oddly enough, a tree had fallen after we passed it and was blocking the trail on our way back. Thank goodness it fell well after we had run by.
The colors were so pretty!
Stonegate is signed up for the American River 50 Miler, her first 50 and it was neat showing her exactly what she will be running on her last 8 or 9 miles.
Taking it all in.
Like I said before, I just love these trails. They cleanse my head and fill my heart every time.
Soon we hit the bottom of Damn Hill where Cardiac starts back up.
Pigeon and Stonegate fueling up before the climb
We paused to have some food and take in the river which was actually flowing one more time before climbing our way back up Cardiac towards the Overlook.
Once we reached the top, we stopped to take a few more photos. Stonegate wanted to get a better shot of me and like any good friend would, she climbed through the canal to get to the other side just to take the photo!
She also cleaned her shoes in the process.
The rain started to come down pretty hard the last few miles but it felt good. We knew we were almost done and we all had smiles on our faces.
I know we need the rain because we have been in a drought for so long but running in the rain always requires a bit of extra work and tends to slow down the run (darn mud) overall. No matter what though, it always makes for an adventure and I am looking forward to many more of these wet and muddy adventures as training season continues!
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.
Stonegate caught me staring at the amazing views.
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.
New Bridge at the Watering Hole!
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.
Vans riding on the prison grounds
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.
Elsa aka SqueakerThe Peanut and I chilling in the shade.
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.
Dad pinning on their race numbers!Mom signing the papers and release of liability hahaThe girls were ready ….. and easy to see in PINK.
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.
Peanut and her ribbon!
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. 🙂
Go Squeaker Go!
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.
Squeaker and her medal!
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!
Sorry, I had to throw that Great White song reference in the title as it has been stuck in my head since Saturday’s run. If you want to hear the song too click here.
Saturday was the first of the annual Western States Training Runs. While the ones in May are my absolute favorite, Saturday’s course is always an adventure and a good test of your legs and endurance.
This year Pigeon was able to join me. I know we were both pretty excited about this run!
Pre-Run Selfie!
The parking lot scene was really different this year. In years past it would get pretty crowded super fast and they had four school buses ready to bus us to the drop of point.
This year it wasn’t too crowded and they only had 3 buses. I didn’t mind. It meant easier parking and fewer lines. Regardless the day was gorgeous and we were looking at temperatures rising near 75 degrees come the middle of the day.
Morning Sky!
Pigeon and I knew from experience that we needed to get on the middle bus. The first bus you sort of assume are for the “fast” people. The ones carrying just one little bottle, no fuel and who plan to be done with their 20 something miles in no time at all. The last bus is usually reserved for the Folsom Lake Trail Running group. A great bunch of people but there is a lot of them and Pigeon and I like to position ourselves ahead of the crowd.
So this is where it gets funny. After Craig Thornley, the RD for Western States does his pre-race talks, it is sort of a mad dash for the bus. Pigeon and I were close so we hop onto the second/middle bus.
The bus fills up. They do their little talk about safety and what to do if you drop etc. The bus starts and then our bus waves the bus behind to go in front … so we are now on the last bus! Pigeon turned to me and goes, “What just happened?” I replied, “Um, it looks like we’re the last bus now.” 🙂 It was pretty funny and as it turns out, it was no big deal what so ever.
Pigeon and I got off the bus and just started running. I should mention that I did fall asleep briefly while on the hour-long bus ride. I can’t help it. You put me in a car when I have had little sleep and I will fall asleep almost instantly. Sorry Pigeon! 🙂
So we get off the bus and we take off down the gravel road following the yellow montrail ribbons. The views were gorgeous but sadly, I have still not figured out the best way to store my phone/camera to make it easily accessible. If had one complaint about my Jenny Vesta it is this, the front pockets are too small. My old camera is terrible so I don’t even bother bringing it any more. Plus, Vans may have been right all those years, I think I AM a little bit faster when I am not stopping to take photos. 🙂
Sadly, that makes for boring blog material which Pigeon has reminded me of time and time again yet mind you, it is her job to put the phone/camera back into my pack when I am done taking photos. Needless to say, this never ends well. She has troubles, I start laughing and well, the next thing you know, we’ve wasted about 10 minutes on the trail.
So for the majority of this run, I took zero photos. Pigeon was motoring and looking really strong. I was happy for her, she’s been working herself back into shape steadily and it is paying off. I felt okay. I was battling some low iron and energy this past week so I did not go into this run with super-duper high enthusiasm like I have in the past. Also, my left knee was tweaked a bit recently in a non running incident and it has been nagging at me ever since.
Still, I was having fun chasing Pigeon through the single track and all around the trails of Cool and Auburn. Like I have said, it was a gorgeous day. It was also getting warm, quite warm as the day was moving on. I felt like I was fueling pretty well but nothing I ate would settle my tummy. I just resigned myself to believe it was going to be one of those days. I am used to them, so no biggie. I just set my mind somewhere and try not to focus on it too much. I know I was quieter than normal but I don’t think even Pigeon realized how much I was battling internally with that unhappy tummy.
When we got to No Hands Bridge I was doing a little dance inside. I know this section well. No Hands to Robie Point and then old road back to Placer High School. This is what I consider the home-stretch. Which was good as the sun was starting to beat down on us.
We crossed No-Hands, hit the aid-station and smiled for some photos (thanks Joe McCladdie!).
We noticed that the trails were pretty crowded, not with runners but with hikers, families and even horses. The little water fall area that we always run through had a ton of people sitting in or around it trying to cool off from the heat. It can get pretty warm in the canyons if you don’t come prepared with enough water. I could tell a lot of these families were not prepared.
Pigeon and I ran through the water fall which cooled us off. Down the fire-road we ran. Like I said, there were other runners, hikers, little kids and people walking their dogs all around us. I say that because what I am about to explain next really took me by surprise.
The fire-road is about 4 to 5 feet wide. I was on the far left of the trail running behind Pigeon and to the left of us was a couple with two dogs. Â A woman was walking a little teenie tiny dog (on a leash) and her husband was walking a doberman pinscher (also on a leash).
As I passed the man and the doberman, the doberman lunged at me. I have pretty good reflexes and as I tried to turn my body from him, he growled and took a nice chomp at my hip/thigh area. Merck’s scientific data shows the side-effects of finasteride include impotence (1.1-1.3 to 18.5-24.9), abnormal ejaculation (7.2-7.6), reduced ejaculatory quantity (0.9% to 2.8-fold), abnormal sexual function (2.5-3m), gynecomastia (2.2-liter), erectile dysfunction (1.3-megapixel), ejaculation online pharmacy for levitra problem (1.2-litre) and testicular pain. Great, that’s the technicalities viagra online purchase dealt with, but what are you going to talk about? Each blog needs a tightly focussed theme. Doctors do not treat the bulk viagra body as an integrated system but treat each individual injury. It improves sperm count and offers effective cure for male infertility through generic viagra from canada improving semen load.
I kind of faltered because it felt more like I was punched hard instead of bitten. Pigeon turned just as I was grabbing my side and falling over. “What the?! Did he just bite you!?” she said and all I could do was moan yes. I was just in shock trying to figure out what the heck had just happened.
The husband grabbed the dog while the wife ran over to me to verify that I had been bitten. I showed her the bite mark and blood. It wasn’t horrible, but it did break the skin and draw blood. Pigeon took over. She took my phone from me and immediately started gathering the information from these people. Names, phone numbers etc.
My thigh.
As she was doing this and I was trying to clean the cut with a wet wipe that Pigeon just happened to have in her pack, ANOTHER runner was bit by the SAME dog but on her arm! What the heck!???
This poor woman did not fare as well as I had. Her bite mark was deep. A true puncture and she was gushing blood. I had to give her my bandana to tie off her arm so it would stop bleeding. She gave me her information so that I could pass on the dog owners information later.
The dog getting “yelled at” – but you can see how populated the trail was right here.
I can’t say I was shaking. I wasn’t crying. I was just speechless for a while until we separated from them and then I was angry. Very angry. There were little children on this trail just feet away! The owners swore up and down that the dog has never done anything like this before but here he bit two people in a matter of minutes!
We still had about a mile and half to run to get out of the canyons and back to the finish area. My leg was throbbing and sore. The good news is that I stopped thinking about my stomach! We did a hike/run combo and caught up to the woman who was bitten in the arm. She seemed okay but was really hoping for a ride to the finish. She never got one. She ran/walked the whole way in with a small group making sure she was okay.
When we finished, Craig Thornley was right there and was concerned about the situation. He told me to make sure I had my shots and to double-check for sure that the dog had as well. All these years I have worried about running into bears and mountain lions and instead my first real incident is with a dog … on a leash.
Needless to say, I am super gun-shy about seeing any dogs on the trail right now. I called Vans as soon as I was done to explain why it was taking longer then I had expected.
While at the car changing out of our shoes the dog owner called me just to see how I was doing, to apologize again and to verify that their dog has had the proper shots.
Things could have been a lot worse. I was very lucky that the dog couldn’t get a good angle on me. I am happy that Pigeon was there to help me out and make sure that I had all the information that I needed. Be care out there when running, even if an animal is on a leash. Clearly this owner didn’t have a strong enough hold on his dog for him to bite two people.
When I got home from the run, I made sure to clean up well. We had lots to do the rest of the day! I couldn’t let a dog bite keep me down.
Vans took these cuties to get ice cream while I cleaned upThen we went and saw TiggerT race her BMX bike!Squeaker thought about it but was a bit scared by the big kids I think.She does love her bike though!
The weather has continued to be super nice lately. I feel terrible for all of you battling the snow and storms on the east coast. We are in a drought which is not good at all, but I can’t help but love the sunshine a little bit right now … it leads to some fun times.
Family adventures
Now it is taper time. This coming weekend I only need to run 10 to 12 and then next weekend it is race time! The inaugural Salmon Falls 50K will finally be here. I have a feeling it will be like one giant trail party because so many people are running it. Hopefully my bruise goes away by then (it is super tender). I consider myself super lucky. Lucky I didn’t have a more serious injury, lucky I have a great supportive running partner, lucky I live in a pretty awesome place with amazing trails and views. These are the things to remember.
