Sunday, January 14, 2007

Something New

I've added some runs to the Upcoming Events on the sidebar. I'm pushing the edges of my comfort zone here - trail runs. The first one coming up is next weekend - the Capitol Peak Fat Ass. I'll do one loop (17 miles) with Jenny and Jane. This is the one that prompted me to buy trail shoes. After much discussion, Eric and I decided to give up Hagg Lake and go for the Orcas Island 50K instead - 50K for him, 25K for me. It's a much better training run for Eric for Western States. It takes us up to the top of Mt. Constitution on Orcas Island - I haven't been there since Web was a baby in a backpack.

I'm very nervous about the Capitol Peak run and the Orcas Run - not so much about the Pigtails run at Lake Youngs. I think it's because I've run part of the Lake Youngs trail and know what to expect - plus it's not up in the wilds and it's a loop around the lake - I really can't get lost. I'm nervous, but also excited to give this trail running thing a try. I keep reminding myself that if I can hike to Camp Muir and back on Rainier, I can do these runs. The distance is farther, but it's not at elevation and not quite the climb. I'm talking about mental toughness here - because I'm feeling a little psyched out. I never, in my wildest dreams, thought I'd try trail runs. I have given myself permission to skip out on Orcas if I decide that I didn't like the first one. On the other hand, I'm taking a leap of faith here and registering for Orcas today. (And by the way, if you check out the website, you'll see they've got a whole summer camp thing going on. We have opted for the nearby resort hotel instead. And that was a mutual decision, not just me being a wimp.)

Yesterday we had a good 7.2 mile run through ice and snow. It was cold at 27 degrees, with a heavy gray sky overhead. Later in the day we got a few mild snow flurries. This morning we ran on part of the Orting Trail - bright blue skies, a crystal clear look at Mt. Rainier and an even colder 18 degrees. Parts of the trail were covered with snow, parts with ice and a lot of it was perfectly clear - I imagine the sunny days we have had melted the snow off those sections. We ran 6 miles this morning. My new shoes have had a good break-in period since I have chosen to wear them on these icy runs. I think they are going to work out well on my big adventure next weekend!

19 comments:

Unknown said...

I'll admit that I would have never forecasted that you would be out doing a Fat Ass run on trails and in the snow. Will you get lost? You might.

Now you're tempting me with Orcas Island. You could just take the ferry over in the morning as well and save yourself some money.

susie said...

Trails! You inspire me, Michelle. And I so get the resort hotel notion, too. Have a great time next weekend!

Wes said...

Man oh man oh man! Are you becoming a marathon only gal? LOL. You have fun out there running on the trails. I know you will be wonderful.

Sarah said...

Sorry you and Eric won't be at Hagg. : ( First marathons, now trails! Woohoo! You'll have lots of fun. : )

seagull junker said...

Remember Orcas Island run is long. It is beautiful. It is a fantasic run.

And E. David sent in $ for the lottery just like I did. (he is not a two time loser) The money goes to maintain the Western States Trail. Last year to open up the Duncan Canyon Section it cost almost $20,000.

Darrell said...

It's great the you keep pushing the envelope a little further. You are doing Capital Peak with your friends, would you be alone at Orcas Island? I really think you are going to love the trails. Enjoy!

JustRun said...

Wow, look at you! What an inspiration- you are all over this stuff. Good luck and have fun!

Chad said...

The Orcas Island run sounds like a blast. I'll need to think up and excuse to join, how do you find 50k to run on that island - must have to loop it twice. The island has special memories for me.

Jack said...

The trail runs sound great. We lack "real" trail races here in Germany, the routes are all too civilized.

Thomas said...

With people like Eric, Rob and Olga around you it was only a matter of time until you tried trail runs.

I bet you'll enjoy the experience.

Olga said...

It is fun to watch your transformation inot a long distnace tough terrain runner:) And I know you will love it, because you have so much joy getting out there and outting one foot in front of another!

IronWaddler said...

Those are some awesome runs that you have signed up for! The experiences you have ahead are very exciting.

Anonymous said...

How fun to try something new! You're becoming quite the versatile runner. :) Remember to strengthen those ankles for all that trail running! You don't want to end up like me - healing. :)

teacherwoman said...

Wow, the runner you are! I can only dream right now of becoming one like you! Trail runs...how I wish there were of those around my neck of the woods... to attempt! I have only done one and was not prepared for it... Someday!

Joe said...

Your trail shoes sound like a wise move, Michelle.

As does the resort hotel!! As my brother-in-law put it, his idea of "roughing it" was having to wait for room service!!!

And, it all happens with the base of those daily runs...even in 17 degree weather. You're doing it well!

seagull junker said...

Oh, as for CP, you can't get lost. Yes if this was the first year that could happen. But each year the trail gets more work and getting lost is pretty hard to do. You might even have to work at it to get lost.

Orcas hasn't been measured as you can see by the finishing times. So, really make sure you have a little extra fluids. James probably just measured it by running time. Gotta love him for coming up with great runs.

But be ready for ANY weather at CP. Remember we even had snow in April last year let alone January.

Have fun,
tom

matt said...

i am so excited!! i think somebody is testing the ultra waters...am i right? :)

you are going to do great, michelle!

hey, can you give me some pointers on running in the cold, cold weather?

i am Susan said...

I am so clutzy I don't think I could ever venture into trail running

Ryan said...

Your gona rock on the trails! It's great to see you registered for some long distance trail races, good luck this weekend take your time watch out for those roots/rocks and keep an eye on those trail markings and you'll do fine, it sure will be a great adventure! Also the Orcas Island Race looks gorgeous, what a rough, fun and beautiful course.