Writing time is pretty slim lately. I'm trying to cram so much into my days that by the time I sit down in the evening words don't turn into sentences effectively. Some great running (and riding) has been happening though!
My poor new Altras busted with less than 200 miles on them. This damage happened in one 9 mile run. I sent this picture, my receipt, and my mileage to Altra, and was sent a 50% off coupon for a new pair. They have just released a slighter newer version of this model, specifically mentioning the reinforced sidewall so it seems to have been a problem they were aware of. I had a mishap ordering my replacement, so now I have two new pairs coming, oopsies... In the meantime I had alread replaced them, but since I got ready for our 12 miler in the dark, I missed a tag! I then forgot to take it off for the FogDodger run on Sunday as well.
Our Saturday runs have been increasing in length, and adding longer runs on Sunday to start practicing on tired legs. Saturdays we now start in the dark, which is definitely an easier way to get practice for night running, though won't help with the fatigue factor. Tuesdays are typically 10 miles or so also, and I'm trying to start those in the dark also. Learning point of the week - a head lamp and rain makes it pretty hard to see, more like having a disco ball attached to my visor.
I have a new midweek running buddy, B, who is training for the Mendocino Coast 50, her longest race beyond a 10k. She's been getting some great training in, and we seem to be pretty well matched so can run well together. We went for her longest ever this week, a gorgeous route in Jackson State Forest with some decent climbing.
And the title of this post? This morning we excitedly set out (in the dark and rain) to run the final 16 miles of the MC50k course. We met at Big River, left S's car there, took my truck out to the trail head in Caspar/Butteff Nowhere, and got ready to run. The plan was to run the Manly Gulch trail to the Woodlands, and take the trail down to the river, following the haul road 10 miles home. A couple of spots we had to pause and think about the correct route, but it seemed pretty straightforward. We got to what looked like the haul road, and a 9.5 mile marker. Seems about right, off we go. Long story short, we realised this was definitely the wrong direction. Where's the sun, that will help. Except it's behind a cloud. Watch the water flow, nope that isn't really helping at all. Eventually find a Forest Service road marker. Rd 23000. Nope, never heard of it, and definitely not where we should be. Call multiple people to check online maps for us. Nobody gets back to us. Well, the mile markers are going down, so we must be heading SOMEWHERE...
Pull up Strava and Google Maps on phones to at least pin point where we are. It doesn't show the roads, just a blue blob in the middle of nowhere. Decide to keep running, trying to co-ordinate with various people with spotty cell service. Unaware that a member of our online team recently joined SAR and is ready to go guns blazing, already contacted our mutual friend who just happens to be the Sheriff's Officer in charge of SAR, who thankfully J told them to hold off, that I have half an idea of what I'm doing in the woods. We've established we seem to be heading for Highway 20, the main road out of town. That seems like a good plan, keep going that way. Finally finally make it to the road, to no cell service. Conveniently there's a call box, so we try that. No, my vehicle is not disabled or blocking the roadway, in fact I have no vehicle. Bad line and miscommunication (Yes, I see the mile marker that says I'm 14.11 miles East on Highway 20, that's actually my problem!) ended that idea. The first car we stuck our thumbs at pulled over, with a nice guy who was happy to give our stinky selves a ride into town. Half way home, and I spot two vehicles that I know heading out to search for us, apparently having not got our message that we're safe. Oh well, we make it to town, S's wife comes to get him, and I freeze my butt off outside the store waiting for J to get my message that I'm safe in town waiting for him. We get halfway out to get my truck, realise the road isn't Mini approproate, turn back for his truck. At least I can get jeans and a jumper on. Finally make it back to my truck, realise I have to go straight to work, in my poorly fitted, not work appropriate jeans, and the only clean shirt in my truck being a long sleeve. At least I keep wipes and deodorant at work! Thanks to the dumbass that forced me into the ditch on the dirt road taking the short cut to work (yay 4wd works, first time I got to test it). Make myself somewhat presentable, do the 90 minute Deep Tissue massage, and fly to town for FOOD! I highly recommend not waking at 5.15am, eating a banana on the way to a run, running 15.5 miles, driving around all over the place, working at your very physical job, and not eating anything! The bonus? Adventures are always fun!!
