Green Mountain, Beaver Pond

My brother Steve and I ran up at Green Mountain today. Click here for a map of the area. Green Mountain is a "working forest". The good news is that the area is surrounded by over 6000 acres of state forest. It is a trail runners paradise pacific northwest style. Even though motorized vehicles are allowed on the trails, I haven't seen or heard motorcycles on the trails for a few years. Maybe I am just lucky.

Usually we stay on Wildcat Trail, but this time we took a turn on Beaver Pond Trail. Good choice for sure. We didn't see a soul and enjoyed the bridges over small creeks, beaver ponds, and the solitude and peace one can find in the woods. Dose my German Shorthaired Pointer was with us and we only saw her when she ran back to "check" on us....always wondering why we couldn't stay up with her.

While we didn't go on a sunny day, check out the view one can have from the top of Green Mountain, East to Seattle.

Today was awesome. All told we ran for 3 hours in preparation for the Eugene Marathon in 3 weeks. Hopefully we will be enjoying the fruits of our labor today!

Directions:
Going north on Hwy 3, past Bremerton and before Silverdale, take the Newberry Hill Road (Silverdale) exit and turn left/west. Follow Newberry Hill road for about 3 miles then turn left onto Seabeck Hwy. Follow Seabeck Hwy for about 2 miles and turn right onto Holly Road. Follow Holly about 2 miles to the Wildcat Lake trailhead. There is a green sign 500 ft from the double entrance.

Perspective

I am at the hospital with my wife and daughter as she recovers from spinal fusion surgery to correct severe scoliosis. She will be here for approximately five days and will be out of commission for many weeks/months. Contact sports such as soccer are out of the question for a year. It is times like these that remind me to enjoy the simple things in life. It is silly that it takes something like this to find that perspective.

While my daughter loves soccer, she found much confidence during her first season of track last spring. She ran the 1600 meters and was bound and determined to break 6 minutes by the end of her 8th grade year. She pulled it off during her last meet with an inspiring last 200 meters in the league championships. The pain etched in her face told met that she found out how to run through the pain when the going got tough.

As I look at her now recovering, I know that her short time as a distance runner will help her recovery period. Distance runners constantly push the limits and learn how to push through rough patches. I am glad she has proven to herself that she can withstand pain and on the other side of pain is comfort.

I am looking forward to taking a run with her this spring/summer as she recovers and I will be sure to enjoy the simple things.

Mountain Running - Mt. Walker

Just got back from running up Mt Walker. The trailhead starts at 800 ft and climbs to 2800 feet in two miles. There was snow on the trail starting at about 2000 ft. As usual, Dose Wallips, our German Shorthaired Pointer was leading the way and loving every minute of the run.

It was so cold and rainy/snowy at the top that I didn't waste any time heading back down. It was hilarious watching my dog skid uncontrollably around the switchbacks, not once going completely off trail. One thing that strikes me is how natural dogs are running through trails. I find myself watching her trying to mimic her light springy steps and fluid motion. So far, not much luck in that department.

While I enjoy running in the snow, I am really looking forward to hitting the trails on a nice, sunny, Pacific Northwest day. ....yes, it is true, we do get nice sunny days in the Northwest. I will post some pics this spring and summer to prove it.

Hansville Greenway - Buck Lake

The Hansville Greenway is a great place to hit the trails. This morning I went with my German Shorthaired Pointer for her regular morning jaunt. The new surroundings and fresh scents were of particular interest to her, as we usually stay in the same section of wilderness near my house. Click here for a trail map of the areas.

We went for about 4 miles today and I am feeling like I am getting my legs back after running the New York City Marathon. I will start training officially for the Eugene Marathon on January 4th. That will give me about 17 weeks of training to try for a Boston Qualifier. I plan on running 3:15 in Eugene. That would be a PR by about 7 minutes or so....think positive!

I highly recommend the Hansville Greenway for trail running, especially if the hills tend to scare you away...the hills are gentle for the most part starting out at Buck Lake, with beautiful views of the water from several different spots. Hansville is about ten minutes north of Kingston, WA.

Hope to do some snow running within the next week or so...plan on running up Mt Walker and back down on the fire road with the snow shoes....good for about 2000 feet of elevation gain on the way up...hope to blog about the run within a few days. Happy Trails!

New York City Marathon

Last Sunday I ran the New York City Marathon. This was truly one of the most fantastic sporting events in which I have every participated. Not only was the run incredible, our visit was a blast. I had never been to New York City before and the bright lights didn't disappoint.

The training leading up to the marathon was going quite well for me and I was on pace in my training to give 3:20 a shot, which is a Boston Qualifier time for my age. Unfortunately a problem I have been having with my IT band didn't allow me to run over 18 miles in my preparation. Two of my longer runs ended up with me having to walk the last few miles home. Needless to say, I adjusted my goal for the race.

On race day I decided that 3:30 was within reason. I went out in 1:44 for the first half and finished in 3:34:58. While this was 13 minutes or so off of my best time, it was one of my proudest efforts. My body felt creaky the entire time and I felt like I was plodding along the whole way. I took the opportunity to really see and take in the vibe of the 2.5 million spectators lining the city streets. I found myself relaxed and enjoying myself more than I ever have in a race. I am wondering how I can bottle that feeling and uncork it when I am going for a personal best.

This was my fourth marathon. After the first three, I wasn't all that interested in signing up for another. This time I cannot wait. I plan on running the Eugene Marathon on May 1st. I will qualify for the Boston Marathon that day...how is that for positive thinking?! Goal Pace: 3:15....After that, my wife and I may run Pikes Peak in August. Let the fun begin!

Times Square two nights before the marathon





Staten Island around 5:45 a.m., waiting for a 9:40 a.m. start in 38 degree weather!





Participants attempting to stay warm in one of the several tents set up in the waiting area



Marathon Training - Running Long on the Pavement

Last weekend I ran the Duckabush River Trail 8 miles out and 8 miles back with a friend. The run took 3 hours and the terrain was rolling single track with some serious switchback climbing at the beginning. As we were finishing our run, I made the statement that since we were out running a tough 16 mile route, it should count for a twenty miler in my marathon training! Running the same effort for three hours on the road would have been at least 20 miles.

I am off soon to test that theory. I am hoping to hit 20 miles on the road this morning. I am sitting here drinking coffee and blogging instead of running because I don't feel like running in the dark today. Also, I am a bit hesitant to hit 20 miles on the road...in looking at my log I noticed over my last 60 runs, only three of them have been on the road. Since I am running the New York City Marathon in a few weeks, I think it is probably a good idea to get some time on the pavement today.

Check out this interesting article: The Myth of the 20 Mile Long Run I have read similar articles before. It asks you to consider the cost benefit of running 20 miles long runs if your weekly mileage is less than 50 miles per week. I have found that even running 40 mile weeks, I benefit psychologically from running a few 20 milers before a marathon. However, the article has its merit...I just haven't found the time or energy to get my miles up to 70 miles per week, yet I still have the desire to hit a few 20 milers in my marathon prep.

Okay, time to get hydrated and hit the road for a solo 20....

Roots, Rock, Trail Series - Port Gamble Half Marathon

The Port Gamble Half Marathon was the final event for those looking to collect points in Poulsbo Running's Roots, Rock Trail Series. There were about 100 people running this fantastic event through the trails that run between Port Gamble and Poulsbo, WA. After the event was a post race barbecue, beverages, and an awards ceremony. Finally, as is usually the case, the Poulsbo Running Store gave away a ton of gear in their customary raffle. All in all, the race series has an excellent vibe with a relaxed attitude. All race proceeds go to local cross-country teams and the North Kitsap Trails Association.

I enjoyed most of the race, especially the last 7 miles or so. The first half was a bit painful, as I was having some stomach distress. The last 6 were great. Lots of downhill running, which I happen to love to do. The best part of the series for me is the fact that it gets the old competitive juices flowing. With about 5 miles to go, I caught another guy that I recognized in the 40-49 year old age group and I was assuming he and I would be duking it out for third place honors. I was correct...we chatted for awhile and with about a mile to go I decided to pick up the pace for about 200 yards to see if he would come with me. I realized after about 201 yards that this may have been a mistake as I was starting to feel concrete filling my legs. Thankfully I had just enough to continue for a strong finish and a placing in my age group.

This brings me to my next thought...as this blog entry is turning into a veritable, rambling mess. Sometimes in road races, trail races, and other racing events I settle into a pace and may even start having a brief chat with someone. This has happened to me in my last several races. Each time, in my mind, there comes a point where you can keep talking or start racing. Is it rude to stop talking and surge? I know I never feel bad if someone takes off, sometimes I am actually relieved if I am having trouble talking and staying up with the person at the same time. However, I know that everyone joins events for different reasons. Some are content with running, relaxing, and enjoying the surroundings, without really thinking about racing. I tend to vacillate between racing or relaxing. I need to make the transition to racing AND relaxing. It shouldn't be "either" or "or", it should be the genius of "and"! Anyhow, enough rambling. I will just go with the notion that people are really out there just doing there own thing for the most part and that is okay with me! Can you tell I have had one too many cups of coffee this morning...okay off for a long run!