BACK AT BEALS

With Pigeon still out of town, I was left to figure out where and who to run with for this weekend’s long run. Pigeon usually makes our running decisions and I am okay with that as I really don’t mind where we go as long as we’re outside.

Luckily TiggerT was back from her trip to Boston and was actually willing to run with me. She figures that at some point, my mileage will get too high for her or that I will go do some crazy hills in Auburn with Pigeon that she won’t be able to join.

After Wednesday’s run, I was unsure as to how my run with go with my recent digestive issues. I did some reading from my old blog (here) and realized I suffered the same type of things back 2010 (although not as extreme). So in an effort to try and curtail things, I have started taking my probiotic again hoping that will help. My other “go-to” change back in my 2010 training was to drink Ensure before super long runs. I really don’t want to go that processed chemical route again so I am going to see what else I can do. I also used to use PayDay bars as fuel (I know!) so I am going to see if I can make my own PayDay bars at home because Gels/Gu don’t cut it and I really don’t like taking them. I’ve been using Medjool Dates which are great for energy, but not so much when you are starting a run with digestive issues (if you know what I mean).

The new running store in town has some new nutrition products that are much like taking a Justin’s Almond Butter packet but it has a screw top lid to it so you can actually seal it back up and it won’t become an almond butter mess in your pocket. I am tempted to try those as well.

Saturday however, we planned on anywhere between 12 and 14 miles and the course was not too grueling (like Auburn) so I decided to bring some gluten free fig newtons that I bought at the store. Not a huge change from the dates that I was bringing and definitely packaged and processed but I was desperate. The morning was not starting off well tummy wise.

The Peanut is going to a sleepover tonight with some old dear friends. I was up early finishing my breakfast and getting my things ready for TiggerT’s arrival when I see the Peanut fully dressed and coming out of her room. Oh boy. The concept of time is lost on a 5 year old. She was a little upset when I told her she wasn’t going to the sleepover until AFTER dinner but she was content to curl up on the couch with her new blanket and have a little snack. I told Vans that she was up (and dressed) and left with TiggerT.

Having seen all the posts on Facebook, I knew that two Folsom Lake Trail Runner Groups were running somewhere near the same trails, either starting at Cavitt School or running to Cavitt School. The Fleet Feet Training Group was also meeting at Cavitt. In addition, TiggerT reminded me that the New Years Free Duathalon was also over in that general area. So I decided to use my new Poppy Pass and park at Beals Point and run from there. I knew there were useable bathrooms at Beals and it would be nice to see some different trails even if for a little while.

No Lifeguard? No duh. There is no water! Seriously!

We parked. We pottied (yes, I just made that a verb) and we started off. It was cold! Definitely could feel my joints stiffening up at first but soon we were off and running and catching up on lost time.

Luckily TiggerT remembered most of these trails so we could avoid the levee. Once we made it over near Cavitt we ran into Coach Nikon! He coaches the Fleet Feet Ultra Training group but was called into work and was booking it back on the trails. It was nice to see you Coach! 🙂

TiggerT waiting patiently as I made a potty stop (sigh).

Once we had passed Twin Rocks, TiggerT was in new territory. It is very rare for ME to be showing her certain trails and Pigeon everyone knows my sense of direction is sometimes a little off (to say the least). Luckily, Fleet Feet had some pretty pink ribbons tied up everywhere so when in doubt (which was only once and I bet Pigeon can tell you where) I just looked for the ribbon.

Although not technical trails, these trails can sometimes feel a lot harder than they appear. I was starting to feel a little fatigued at points but was still managing to run up the hills most of the time. Finally we made it to the look out which is a perfect place to take a photo and then turn around. 🙂

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The run back was uneventful really. More talking, more running and maybe a little more walking at times. We stopped and filled our water bottles at the horse staging area and just continued on. My legs were feeling sluggish but I kept telling myself that this is how they may feel after 30 miles on them at AR50 and that I just have to keep moving no matter what.

When we reached the Cavitt dirt road at Granite Beach, we saw the duathlon people. We cheered and TiggerT turns to me and says “you want to run some trails back?” At first I had no idea what she was talking about but she was going to skip the Cavitt Road in lieu of some trails that skirted along the bluffs a little. So I said yes and followed her …

 

Um yea, TiggerT’s sense of direction is about as good as mine! We turned right when I think we should have turned left and climbed up this monstrosity right back to Cavitt Road! Ah well, it was worth a shot.

I love running with TiggerT because she is full of random knowledge about our area, nature, astronomy whatever! She’ll stop and look at something and point stuff out to me all the time.

My own personal little tour guide if you will. I love it.

It was bound to happen but at some point I hear “TIGGERT!” Once again, she knows someone on the trail, shocker. 🙂 My running partners are like celebrities.

We made it back to the levee area and started running, without realizing it, on the levee. OUCH! The gravel on that thing is harsh. We made it as far as we could and dipped down onto some trails. The trails we were on brought back memories of the days when we raced the Folsom Lake Trail Runner Series at Beals. It was kind of cool to run them again.

By the time we made it back to the car, my garmin said 13 miles. That was good enough for me. I know I should probably be in the 18 mile range by now, but my old training plan says 8 to 12 and after Wednesday’s race in Auburn, I want to come back slowly. I’ll wait for Pigeon to return before heading out for 18 miles. I also have a Dr. Lau appointment this week and I need his magic to fix some aches and pains that I have had lately. 🙂

When we returned home, Vans was in the garage with the girls and Squeaker was mastering a new talent.

Ramps!

Ever since my run in Auburn, she has been asking to return to the skate park. 🙂 Vans is a happy daddy. The girls were thrilled to see TiggerT too. They showed off for her a little bit.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend and gets a chance to do something outside, no matter what kind of weather you may have right now. I know the east is being hit with snowstorms lately, but it really does do a body good to get some fresh air into your lungs to blow out those cobwebs and clear the mind.

Happy Trails!

~Trailmomma