Sunday, September 21, 2008

Anniversary Run - Baker Lake 50K

The Baker Lake 50K is a beautiful run! The course did not follow the traditional route due to a bridge washout. Instead, we ran over the dam and started uphill, continuing up for a good two miles on gravel road. After coming back down, we entered the single track. First a seven mile out and back, then a five mile out and back, then the two mile run back to the finish. I would like to try this again next year on the regular course.


Robin and I starting out.

Eric, Steve, Robin (Steve and Lorri's 19 year old son) and I ran the first 20 miles together, then Eric and I ran alone for about 10.5 miles. Robin and Steve surprised us by catching a ride back up to run the last 1.5 miles in with us.


View from the dam.

We used the 50/50 method to haul ourselves up the two mile climb. 50 steps walking, 50 steps running. Abi was with us at this point and we had a lot of fun. It set the silly tone for the day as the boys began the monkey calls. A lady from Arizona was quite impressed, and every time we crossed paths for the rest of the day demanded the monkey calls.


The log crossing. Notice me holding the cable tight!

The seven mile out and back was tough for me. I contemplated quitting, but didn't want to give up on our anniversary run. I wondered why I had just signed up for Autumn Leaves - what was I thinking? I thought about half marathons, nice and easy. I warned Eric that I'd be sitting for a few minutes at the aid station. The thought of sitting down and drinking a Doubleshot kept me moving. That and the desire to get in before the cutoff. The boys kept me entertained though, they were singing every song they could think of, changing words to fit the running theme. For a while they even had a love/marriage theme going! The best was the rousing round of Cheeseburger in Paradise - I even sang along on that one! The other runners on the trail always had big grins when we passed by singing...


On the trail.

Since we were on single track, and doing a double-out-and-back, oh, and in dead last position, we encountered every runner multiple times. We always stepped off the trail to let them pass, which would mess up our momentum. Even so, we were doing good. We made it to the aid station with a good hour to spare (thanks to our hour early start). I plopped down in a chair and drank my double shot - heaven! I had hopes that the rest would revive me, just like resting for a few minutes in the trailer during the 50 mile did. I ate mashed potatoes, some granola bar and a few animal crackers before heading back out. It worked like a charm! I had a much stronger second loop than first.


Robin and the biggest tree of the day.

It began to rain about two miles out from the aid station, but we were in such deep canopy we couldn't feel it, only hear the dripping. When we got to the aid station, we were greeted by the fabulous volunteers, including Laura, who took my pack for me. Getting it off my back was wonderful and gave me renewed strength for the last two miles. We were running down the hill and saw a car coming toward us. It stopped, and out popped Robin and Steve. They'd come to run us in. They forewarned us that Eric was expected to carry me across the finish line. Once I voiced my doubts about that, Eric picked up the challenge. (and me!)


Can he do it?


Yes! Carrying me over the finish line!

Imagine our surprise to find a cake waiting for us...


Thank you to Laura and Shawn!


Jane with bloody knees.



Linda at a wide spot in the trail.

(Sorry to Abi and Marco, we didn't get any pictures of you.)

We spent 9 hours and 9 minutes out on the course. It was hard, beautiful and fun. I think it was hands-down the best anniversary gift ever!


29 years and still going strong!
Love you Eric!

34 comments:

Ryan said...

Great photos, what a happy ending to a wonderful day congratulations on 31 miles of trails and 29 years of marriage. Happy anniversary!

Unknown said...

Looks like a fabulous run. Happy 29th Anniversary! Way to go on finishing the 50k and don't doubt your abilities for Autumn Leaves. Maybe you need a training plan :)

Jon said...

*LOL* I knew he'd have enough left in the tank to carry you over the threshold! :-D

Glad you enjoyed Baker! It was great seeing you both! The course should be relatively easier next year when the bridge is accessible again.

Sarah said...

How sweet. : ) Happy Anniversary!

Darrell said...

Hey, doesn't that carrying over the finish line mean you didn't finish under your own power? ;-)

I'm happy to hear that you made it all the way through. All that singin' must have been a barrel of fun.

Happy Anniversary!

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

Whoo Hoo! Sorry I missed it....ahh for next year and the 30th anniversary! Looks like everyone had a great time! See ya soon!
Jenny

L said...

Awww, very nice! Happy Anniversary!

:)

Adelyn said...

Congratulations on the anniversary!

I love the picture of him carrying you over the finish- you both look so happy :)

wendy said...

What an AWESOME post, Michelle. Great run, great company, and fabulous pictures! You two are the best, seriously. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful anniversary!

Journey to a Centum said...

Thanks for the great day and the wonderful years!

You are still my favorite car hop!

Joe said...

Happy Anniversary!! Great post, great pix, thanks!!

Oh, and one more thing in common...you and I both thought a lot about how nice a series of half marathons would be during our races yesterday :-)

Anonymous said...

lovely and sweet and cute. you guys make me giggle. i'm gonna call you tonight.
love
your "wonderful young man"

Laura H said...

Happy anniversary! It was so fun to see you having a good time out there! I can't wait til the party next year - hopefully I'll be able to join in on the trail too! ;) You guys are so cute - I've enjoyed knowing you! Have a good one.

tryathlete said...

Happy anniversary. What a lovely way to spend it.

Anne said...

Love the photos of Eric carrying you across the finish line. Congratulations on 29 years of marriage. Can't wait to see what the two of you cook up for your 30th next year!

Wes said...

Happy anniversary, Michelle! Congrats on a great run!!! Kudos to Eric for carrying his bride over the line, again :-)

Steve S said...

Running the first 20 was perfect for Robin and me. I'd glad you recovered well for the last third. I think Shawn may have to DQ you for being carried the last 10 yards though. Thanks for letting us tag along. I'll post a race report and send you some pictures if I can get them off my phone. It's acting funny after being dunked.

Cheers
MM1

iJuls said...

Oh that was so beautiful it made me tear up a little. Happy Anniversary! I love that he carried you. Very sweet.

E-Speed said...

Happy Anniversary! I just love how much fun you two have together on and off the trails!

adam said...

Happy Anniversary and congrats! You will be carrying Eric next year, right? ;)

lizzie lee said...

Dear Michelle and Eric!!!! Thanks for sharing such a wonderful anniversary run. CONGRATULATIONS on your 29!!!!!!! I wonder what plans for the 30th!!!!!!

29 years and still going strong.. I love that.

Salud to LOVE!!!

sincere-lee
lizzie lee

Leslie said...

You guys have inspired me! I asked my honey if he was interested in doing an anniversary run for our 10th in November and he said YES!!

Fortunately or unfortunately for him, the only race on the calendar was in ummmmm....California, so that idea quickly morphed into a 10day holiday including a 30k trail race, a trip to Yosemite and a weekend in San Francisco. Yipee!

Dori said...

Congratulations. You two make such a great couple! It must have been difficult for a competitor like Eric to be in last place;, so you know he loves you. :-)

I got an email about an inaugural Seattle Rock and Roll marathon in June. Do you think you might do it? I'm considering it, but there isn't a lot of information on the website. If it's like San Diego, the race will last 7 hours. Dave loves Seattle, so it will probably be easy to get him to go.

http://www.rnrseattle.com/

Jack said...

How romantic, and carrying you over the finish line too - he has set the standard high for the rest of us ;-)

What a beautiful trail too, thanks for sharing the pictures.

Meghan said...

Aw, this post is so very sweet! It made me a little emotional, especially the end photo (Perhaps I should not be reading this in my already emotionally heightened moving-to-California state.). Congrats on a great day out together, and happy 29th anniversary! I wish you many, many more years of love and happiness!

Love,
Meghan

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Happy Annivesary Michelle and Eric what a way to spend such a special day!!!

Olga said...

It really does sound and look like a great time by all! May be I should get my ass out and run some anniversary run (hmm, walk) for fun. Perspective:) Happy 29!

Sunshine said...

You are still each other's favorite!! Can't beat that for a joyful journey.

Thanks always, Michelle, for the pictures of the places we cannot go.

shawn said...

Congrats on your anniversary and on finishing the run together without killing eachother ;-)

I hope the bridge is fixed next year too! (Sorry about that uphill at the beginning!)

Great job Michelle!

Anonymous said...

That is so cool! What a fun anniversary. Love the photos of Eric carrying you over the finish line. :)

Anonymous said...

happy anniversary! gorgeous photos :)

Legs and Wings said...

Excellent way for you two to celebrate! Happy A! All the best.

Jenn said...

What a wonderful day - I hope to be able to do the same thing on our 29th wedding anniversary! Truly inspiring!

Dawn - Pink Chick Tris said...

What a beautiful trail and a great way to celebrate. Congrats!