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January 30, 2006
No Snow Here
Apparently it's snowing elsewhere, at higher elevation, but it's only put down a few inches here. So much for "The Big One." I'm okay with that, I think, despite a pang of feelings akin to those I'm-in-second-grade-and-I-really-want-to-have-a-snowday emotions of childhood.
In my last post, I said I wasn't planning to ride the bike trainer last night because I wanted my legs to recover well to do a long run today. I should have stuck to my word. Instead, I was overcome by the desire to cross-train and I jumped on the bike trainer. If I can, I watch TV or a movie while I ride, to pass the time. Sometimes, when, I'm watching TV, I'll gauge my riding to the program. For example, I'll ride the commercials hard and the show easy, or vice versa. Anyhow, I was doing a giddyup out-of-saddle "climb" last night during a commercial interrupting "Sex and the City" when somehow the rear wheel of my bike slipped off the trainer (Ok, it wasn't somehow, I didn't double check it before I climbed on to pedal. If I had looked before, I would have noticed that the trainer needed to be re-tightened against the wheel. It is all my fault.). It was ugly, I'm sure rather entertaining to watch, but ugly to participate in. It was one of those moments where no matter how hard you try, you can't get your foot out of the clips in time, but then when you stop trying it mircaulously pops out on its own. Me and the bike just bounced down out of the trainer and fell to the left side. How awful. My list of aches: 1) Left elbow and left knee, the two spots that hit the groud first. 2) Left hip- Did I hit it on the second bounce? I dunno, but it's bruised. 3) My butt- Let's just say that when my foot finally came out of the clip and my body made a rapid descent relative to the bike, it was the spot hit the saddle hard on the way down.
I know, you can't take me out in public. I'm a danger to myself and to the rest of society.
5 sore, achy, slow miles trudging through a little snow, feeling sorry for myself. No long run today.
Oh well. It'll be funny in another day when I don't feel like I was pulled into a back alley by a lunch-stealing bully.
Posted by Meghan at 8:52 PM | Comments (2)
January 29, 2006
A Break in the Action
I woke up this afternoon after sleeping away my night shift, fully expecting to see the accumulating product of the predicted snowstorm. Instead, I was greeted with sun and bare roads! What happened to the storm? I later learned the the brunt of the storm was a bit delayed in leaving the West Coast, but now, now, now it's really on the way. Or so they say. They say it's going to be the season's biggest storm. They say we'll see a couple feet of snow. They say that the jetstream is carrying a cold air mass that'll hit a warm air mass (Or is it vice versa, I'm not sure?) and together this will magically create an epic storm. Again, I'll believe it when I see it, but it's kind of exciting to think about.
Logic would tell me that I should take this break in the weather action and do my long run on the proper day, today. However, life's little details, you know, like work and grad school, got in the way. I could only fit in time for a 6 mile run today. Thus, I'm switching things around to do this week's long run tomorrow. It's all a little convuluted, and it likely means that I'll be trying to run for 13 or 14 miles in a snowstorm. But it'll be an adventure at the very least!
Today I had a great run. My hamstrings have been a little sore these last few days, I think from reaquainting myself with both Yellowstone's hills and my bike trainer. So, I decided to run on as flat and soft a surface as I can find around here. Of course, as flat as you can get starts off with a 1 mile grind uphill. Oh well. I ran out the Old Yellowstone Trail from Gardiner, and came back in on the Gardiner Railroad Bed, making a sweeping 6 mile loop. I didn't feel the elevation as much today as I have the 2 previous days. The surface was relatively ice and snow free, so I could throw caution to the wind and run fluidly. Though it was cold, the sun was shining and it made me feel so happy! I was out for 46 minutes and change.
I think I'll take the night off from the bike trainer, as I'd like to get rid of any residual hamstring soreness so the only thing I'll have to think about tomorrow during my long run is the snow. Instead, I'll spend my time stretching well and doing a core workout.
Posted by Meghan at 7:14 PM | Comments (0)
January 28, 2006
Scraggly Elk
I guess it's going on that time of year, the climactic effects of the winter season, snow, wind, and cold temperatures, have been raging wildly for about 3 months. Any plants and shrubs still peeking out of the snow drifts have either browned completely or have been chewed to nubs by the grazing ungulates. Snow inches and inches deep cover everything else alive. What I'm trying to say if that if you're a grazing animal at Yellowstone, there's not much to eat right now. And the elk especially are starting to show the signs of lack of food. They are starting to look skinny, with their bellies caving in. Their fur is looking dull and scraggly. They are lethargic and slow-moving. And, signs of them digging through inches of snow looking for food are everywhere. I pity them because it's only the end of January, and there's at least 2 more months of equitable harshness, or so the Yellowstone experts claim, before the spring thaw begins. This begs the questions as to who among them will survive, and how awful will they look by April? Time will tell, but I'm glad I'm not one of them right about now.
The National Weather Service is predicting up to 2 feet of snow to blanket Yellowstone National Park between this morning and the next 2 days. That's a ton of snow, so I will believe it when I see it. But, at my house, I have about 3 inches. And I ran up to about 800 feet higher elevation than my house this afternoon and it was going on about 5 inches there. We'll see what pans out, but I'm hoping for some great snow for skiing on my next week off of work.
Of course, this winter storm is challenging my running schedule just a bit. Now, the icy patches that were previously visible and , thus, moderately avoidable, are now covered by snow, leaving me guessing as to where and when my next tumble will happen. Knock on wood, it wasn't today. Yaktrax would be inordinately handy in this weather, but I don't dare risk the debilatating foot pain that resulted last time I wore them. It was crazy windy today, too, snow blowing everywhere. I was covered with a fine layer of frosty snow when I got back inside, and the dog had a snow beard. We were certainly a cute couple. When I'm out there running and my face is completely numb, and the snow crystals are burning my skin, and the wind cuts deeply through my 4 upper body layers, and my dog keeps giving me backwards glances wondering when the run is going to end, and passing cars look at me strangely as to why I'm out in such a storm, I have to wonder a bit myself. Last year at this time, I was in Texas, probably running in shorts and a t-shirt, and I never dreamed that I would be outside in such foul weather. Despite all of these plausible mental and physical setbacks, I had a great time. Sure, I was slower than usual prancing carefully through the snow drifts and over ice. Sure, I had to take a hot shower as soon as I came indoors to warm up. But I had a great run. I guess this is the definition of adaptation, is it not?
62 minutes, call it 7.5 miles.
I'm a bit sore today (well, just my rear end) from sitting in my bike saddle for the first time in a long time last night, but I'm going to do it again tonight. I ended up doing 45 minutes last night, and I plan to do the same tonight. Also a slough of core exercises to top things off.
Then, I plan to watch the snow fall, from my cozy indoor venue.
Posted by Meghan at 6:28 PM | Comments (1)
January 27, 2006
Returning to Normalcy
I'm glad to my life is slowing back to its usual somewhat harried pace, rather than the crazy fast pace as of late. I've also returned to the infamous night shift at work, which is always interesting and challenging to adapt to. Luckily I only do it for a week at a time!
So, running. I did my first run this afternoon back up here at elevation, and I felt every foot of it! Plus, my lungs were a bit shocked at the sub-freezing air. I've developed a bit of the cold weather runner's hack this evening. I ran 72 minutes, which I'm going to call 8.5 miles. I knew I was taking it pretty easy while readjusting to the altitude and dodging ice patches. This evening I'll make my return to the indoor bike trainer, after a 3 week hiatus. I plan to spin just 30 to 40 minutes easy, to let my rear end gently adapt again to the seat.
I've been running about 40 miles/week for the last 6 weeks (including one rest week), and I'm ready to slowly slide up to 50 miles/week.
Posted by Meghan at 6:47 PM | Comments (0)
Tan, Fat, and Happy
Well, I am tan. I'm definitely not fat, but it's possible that I've consumed my weight in Hawaiian tropical fruits (specifically papaya, passion fruit, and guava, which happened to be in season) in recent weeks. And, I'm indescribably happy. In blogging about this 3-week vacation, I think I'll stick to describing the highlights, as I may otherwise create a novel that no one would read. However, I fear that my list of highlights may be quite long as well. My apologies in advance!
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley- We spent one day hopping around from winery to winery in northern Napa Valley, mostly along the less traveled Silverado Trail. We visited wineries with the stipulation that it had to be a small, relatively unknown winery (as opposed to the big, touristy wineries that also dot the region). The weather was fantastic, the hills of Napa Valley outstanding, and the wine wonderful. After our day, we had collected at least 10 bottles of wine! I can't wait to start drinking them and re-living our wine tasting adventures.
Running in Napa Valley- At this point, the name of the town in which I ran escapes me, but this run was otherwise memorable. I found a woman under a bush! It's not as horrible as it sounds. I was running along a grassy path with no other foot traffic when I noticed an elderly woman under a bush. She had crawled under there because her dog's leash was tangled in the brush and she couldn't get back out. I helped her out (It wasn't easy, she was really stuck!). Amazing... Apart from this, I recall this particular run being quite speedy, as it was my first run at lower elevation after coming down to nearly sea level from the Rocky Mountains.
Long Run in San Francisco- This may not sound like fun to some people, but I had a great time! We were staying in a hotel on Nob Hill, which is one of the taller areas of the city. I got up at the crack of dawn so I could do this run before the city was in the full throttle of a normal day. I ran from Nob Hill down to the water, then along the piers, through the Presidio, along the Promenade, and up to the Golden Gate Bridge, and back to the hotel. In all, I think I ran about 12 or 13 miles, and it was an awesome run. I was amazed by how quiet it was along the bay, but how insanely noisy it was on the Golden Gate Bridge!
Being San Francisco tourists- We visited Alcatraz Island, the Presidio area, Telegraph Hill, the North Beach neighborhood, Nob Hill, Union Square, and much more than I can recall at the moment. We ate phenomenal Italian food in the North Beach area, some of the best Italian food I've ever had! We stayed in a super cute hotel called the Nob Hill Hotel (If you want to stay somewhere that's inexpensive, a little funky, and close to everything, this is a great place.). We even rode the infamous street cars!
Haleakala National Park- This is a remarkable national park established to protect one of Hawaii's gigantic volcanoes, Haleakala. It's summit is over 10,000 feet tall. I was impressed by the wind at the summit. It was blowing constantly at a speed in which you had to lean into the wind so as to not be blown away. Incredible! We camped at a less windy location at about 6800 feet elevation, the Hosmer Grove Campground, and it was a great campsite. We did a 12 mile hike weaving through the volcano's crater, which must be akin to walking on the moon. The rock formations are bizarre, and there's virtually no plant life growing. But this is what made it so exciting! We also visited, hiked, and camped in the Seven Sacred Pools area, where Haleakala the volcano meets the ocean. We saw beautiful waterfalls, including one over 400 feet tall, pristine pools of water, insane waves and surf hitting sea cliffs, and a most memorable full-moon rise. I will never forget my night camping there at Kipahulu Campground, under the glow of a full moon, listening to surf crashing, in perfect weather.
Rain and the Road to Hana- Driving the "Road to Hana" feels like you're filming a car commercial. It's a beautiful setting, you're driving in an out of curves in a sleek rental car, you feel as if you're a professional driver. It also requires your full attention! Now, add a continuous torrential downpour to this situation, and things get even more interesting! It was awesome, though, because all the waterfalls next to the road were flowing. We saw less of the sights on the "Road to Hana" that we wanted to see because of the all-afternoon storm, but we had our own unique experience!
Running the Maui Surf and Sand Half Marathon- It was concidentally being run while we were there, so I decided to run it. I didn't race it, as I'm in poor shape right now. Instead, I ran it for fun and to make sure I did a long run while I was in Hawaii. I succeeded in both respects. The race ran along the west coast of Maui, so the scenery was outstanding. On one side was ocean and the other side tall mountains. The race started in the dark and in a steady rain. Though it was in the 60s, I was pretty cold at the start and I wondered at first how much I was going to enjoy the race. Once we started running, I was immediately warm, and the rain quit about 30 minutes into the race. The sun came out and it was steamy, but it made everything shiny and beautiful. It felt almost luxurious to be running a race in such paradise with absolutley no racing pressure, I loved it. For the record, I ran a 1:42 and change.
Snorkeling at Molokini Island - Coral reefs and tropical fish, what more can you ask for? We did a great half-day snorkeling trip to this tiny island off Maui's coast. My favorite sea creatures were the Morey Eel and the Unicornfish. We also snorkeled near the Maui coastline where there are many Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles, and that was an outstanding experience. The grace with which these enormous creatures swim through the water impressed me, as did their curiosity regarding our presence. It's moderately possible that I made eye contact with one particularly inquisitive sea turtle!
Seeing Humpback Whales breech- I learned that Humpback whales spend summer in Alaska and winter in Hawaii (What a perfect life!). They were in Hawaii in hordes, they were everywhere offshore. We had the lucky experience of seeing a female whale teaching her baby to breech out of the water. As a result, we saw up close views of them both jumping out of the water over and over again. Normally, whales only breech once or twice at a time, and people only see it happen once in a while. In this case, we saw each of them breech a few dozen times. It was a momumental moment that I won't forget.
Laying on the beach - Yeah, I have to admit that I enjoy laying on beaches. I love the warm feeling of the sun. I love people watching. I love reading. I love watching the ocean. I love walking along the beach looking for funny things that wash up. I love it all. We did a moderate amount of beach-going, especially on the west and south coasts of Maui. The beaches at Wailea and Ka'anapali were my favorites.
Camping on beaches- Okay, let me make an exclusionary statement: I really enjoyed camping on some of the beaches. Maui's designated campsites are a little hit and miss. In general, the 2 campsites run by the National Park Service at Haleakala National Park are outstanding. The one state park campsite that we visited was also okay. The county campsites were hit and miss, one of these I really enjoyed, but several I didn't like very much, as they were somewhat unkempt. It is moderately difficult to camp on Maui, and relatively few people do it. But that's why I liked it though, since we had some beautiful beaches mostly to ourselves!
So, those are the main highlights of the trip. We spent our entire 2 weeks on Maui, and never went to Molokai. We decided we wanted to get to know Maui very well, rather than rushing through 2 different islands too quickly. My running went well. I kept it up to (almost) the level that I wanted to while I was gone. I missed only one run that I had intended to do due to being hungover (Yeah, I admittedly got a little hungover one morning after a little too much wine the night prior.). I shortened several runs in order to fit them in before and after activities, and lost a few miles here and there. In general, I'm happy with how I ran while I was on vacation. One thing I was really bad about while on vacation was drinking water. I got a little too dehydrated a couple of times from the sun and humidity that I could feel it while running. All in all, I had an awesome vacation and I ran the amount that I had hoped to while there. I'm exhausted, though, after going non-stop for 3 weeks. I'm glad to be home in my own house, in my own bed, with my dog. I think I need a vacation from my vacation!
Posted by Meghan at 12:37 AM | Comments (3)
January 4, 2006
When Smart People Do Stupid Things, Or Why I Need to Go to Hawaii
Well, I guess it's arguable as to whether I may be categorized as a smart person. Maybe I should take the "smart" out of the above title. :) Anyhow, digressions aside, I way underbudgeted how long it would take to pack for vacation today, and didn't go out running until it was pitch black nighttime outside. Admittedly, I've run in the dark at Yellowstone before. That may not seem like the smartest move, but I do stay in the neighborhood. In fact, there's a 1/2 mile measured loop in my neighborhood that makes for perfect nighttime running.
I set out for 5 miles this evening. About 1/4 mile into my run, I nearly ran into a bison. As in, there I was bobbing along in the bright din of my headlamp thinking cheerful thoughts about tiki drinks on Hawaiian beaches when next thing I know I'm about 5 feet from a bison, headed straight for it, and still moving. My ultra-observant dog didn't notice the beast until after me, thanks June! Instantly, I went into backpedaling motion trying to put some distance between me and the gigantic creature with a short temper. There was some huffing and puffing from the bison, but it just stood still. I think perhaps the LED headlamp blinded it and it didn't know what to do. Me, I knew exactly what to do, get the hell out of there, but I was sliding all over the place. Finally, I got traction on my feet, turned around, and ran like hell. The whole thing was about 2.5 seconds long, but it was enough to shoot my adrenaline through the roof for the rest of my 40 minute run. And really, it wasn't that scary after-the-fact. Then again, I'm not ever going to intentionally approach a bison.
As I previously mentioned, ordinary 5 mile runs can sure turn interesting at Yellowstone.
But on to more pleasant topics, like vacation. I think I have absolutely no chance of running into a bison for the next 3 weeks of running, which is a good thing. After I get off work this morning, I'll sleep for a while, do a 7 mile run, and then drive to Salt Lake City. There, I'll meet up with S., and then we're headed to San Francisco. We're spending 4 days in the San Francisco and Napa Valley areas, seeing the sights, tasting wine, and soaking in hot springs. Then, next Tuesday we leave for Hawaii, specifically Maui and Molokai. I think we're spening the first week in Maui, then we're headed to Molokai. We'll be camping and hiking our way around the islands, trying for the most part to stay away from the tourist traps. I envision lush rainforests, waterfalls, and deserted beaches all to ourselves. I'm sure we're going to do a fare amount of eating and drinking, too, with all the fresh fruit and seafood (for S., not me) abound.
I plan to keep up my running as best as possible. My goal is to stay at or above 40 miles/week for the month of January. I won't beat myself up if something like a backpacking trip or a long hike breaks into that routine, but I'm not going to take time off from running like on my last vacation to southern Utah. I'm really motivated to do some awesome trail running, especially in Molokai.
"See" you in 3 weeks!
Posted by Meghan at 10:59 PM | Comments (5)
January 3, 2006
Snowstorm!
It was rather exciting to peek out the window from work at various points overnight, watching the snow pile up outside. I thought it was supposed to snow hard 2 days ago, but that petered out, at least my elevation. Last night's remarkable 10 INCHES of snow was a last-minute surprise. I won't complain, though. Aside from having to clean the snow off my car in the dark and cold at 6 am so I could go home from work, I couldn't be happier about this storm!
So happy that I had a hard time falling asleep when I got home. So excited that I woke up several times throughout the morning. So anxious that I got out of bed at least an hour early. I couldn't stop myself, the clouds had temporarily cleared, the sun was out, everything was covered in snow, and the world was shiny and glittery. As I sat at the kitchen table sipping coffee and munching on toast, I conjured an afternoon plan. I couldn't wait to get out there!
First was first, I had to shovel the sidewalk and driveway. This was a rather neighborly endeavor as there were several other people out shoveling. We all smiled and waved and commented on the weather. Unlike people who have shoveled snow winter after winter, this shoveling business is all still new and exciting to me. Plus it was a great arm and back workout.
Next, I was off to cross country ski. I went to the Upper Terraces area outside of Mammoth and did 3 loops there. When I first started skiing, each 1.5 mile look toop 30 minutes. Though I'm still a novice by any account, I've dropped the time to 25 minutes per loop. It was hard work today because of all the new, fresh, deep snow! Though the parking lot had a few cars in it, and though there were other fresh tracks out there besides mine, I never saw a single person while I was skiing. The loop laces in and out of hot springs (way too hot and too illegal to contemplate soaking in, but beautiful to look at, nevertheless). Also, pine trees around me were sagging under the weight of the snow and the mountains were shrouded in misty clouds. And all was silent, so slient. I loved it.
When I came back from skiing, next on the agenda was running. I set out for a 6 mile run around the neighborhood. All the roads were plowed by this point in the day, so it made for easier running. However, it was also late afternoon, the shadows were drawing long, and anything that was wet was re-freezing. It was yet another day of alternating between an appropriate pace and tiptoeing carefully among the slippery stuff. But I proudly announce that I didn't fall! I could feel a bit of fatigue as I was running, from the skiing, I guess. But it was a good feeling.
I don't think I'll spin on the bike trainer tonight because I think I've had enough exercise for today. However, that easy, nearly mindless spinning is great for my mind and body. It's almost soothing mentally, giving me temporary focus of a light kind. And, it seems to be a great lactic acid and other toxin clearing exercise. So, perhaps I'll spin, perhaps I won't.
Posted by Meghan at 6:52 PM | Comments (0)
January 2, 2006
Dam*ed if you do...
...Dam#ed of you don't! If I wear my Yaktrax, I have excellent traction, but (I think) it makes my foot hurt. If I don't wear Yaktrax, my foot doesn't hurt, but I have to tread carefully on the slippery stuff and run slower in the process. And I'm more likely to bite it. I bit it big today! You may (or may not) recall the very public spill I took several weeks ago wherein I removed a chunk of skin from my knee while being observed by a gaggle of tourists. Well, the new skin has just barely grown back on that knee, just in time for me to fall on the other knee! Again I removed an equally robust chunk of flesh. I was all alone (with just my dog as a witness) on a dirt road this time, so at least my pride wasn't too wounded. Last time I refered to my injury as "cute," this time I'm merely annoyed at myself.
Earlier in my run, I ran along some newly snow-covered pavement, and was surpised to find frozen ice underneath the snow. I did an arm-wagging slide, but successfully stayed upright. After that, I tiptoed along carefully for a bit. Soon I went on a dirt road, on what felt like excellent traction. So I lengthened my stride and picked up my pace again. I was flat on my arse just a few minutes later. I sat there for a minute, feeling somewhat stunned, reflexively looking around (the wilderness that I was among by myself) to see if anyone saw me, and fighting off the dog empathy that I was receiving in the forms of panting, licking, and whining. When I gathered my wits about me and stood up, I looked at my watch to try to figure out how much time I'd wasted on the ground. I realized that my watch was stopped! In fine Scott fashion, I obviously had my priorities straight and clicked my watch off during the fall. This made me laugh, a lot. I was soon on my way again, tiptoeing along until I was on visibly bare pavement.
Oh well, so long as I (knock on wood) don't break anything in these falls, mangled flesh and shrunken pride are mostly inconsequential.
Aside from this, I also had an interesting experience getting home from my run. There were bison all over the neighborhood, and the roads were blocked by them in all directions. I ended up having to take a wide off-trail adventure hike back to my house, the only safe way back.
It's amazing how interesting a 5 mile run can become at Yellowstone National Park.
Posted by Meghan at 7:06 PM | Comments (2)
January 1, 2006
Granny Legs
I feel like an old lady this evening. It's sort of sad when 12 miles makes you feel kinda creaky. I'm not proud, but I am honest. I did my long run (Not in quotes this time because I finally made it over 1:30 for running time!) on the Old Yellowstone Trail. The Old Yellowstone Trail used to be the dirt road upon which all travelers to Yellowstone National Park arrived. That is, until they built the fancy 2-lane highway on the other side of the river. The trail is still a well-traveled dirt road that parallels the Yellowstone River (and is adjacent to the "Gardiner railroad bed" that I have done long runs on in the past). I ran on the dirt road this time just ti mix it up a little. This summer I grew to have moderately painful thoughts about this dirt road, doing long runs on it in 95+ degree weather and under scorching sun (I can only dream what that felt like now, in the middle of winter!). However, I think those are memories of the past because I had a good time out there today.
The Old Yellowstone Trail extends 7.5 miles from Gardiner north to Corwin Springs. I parked my car 1.5 miles in, ran north to the bridge over the Yellowstone River at Corwin Springs, and then returned back to my car. I knew when I started that the way back was going to be difficult. There was a stiff, cold wind at my back, pushing me along. I resigned to ignore it the best I could! I ran perfect splits, 10 seconds shy of 48 minutes on the way out and 10 seconds shy of 48 minutes on the way back, for a grand total of 1:35:40. I was proud of my even splits, the way back has more uphill and I was running into that nasty wind.
There were gobs of deer in the valley today, I guess since it's snowing up in the higher country they've come down for some reprieve. I get a kick out of scaring deer, it's very easy to do. They get all frightened just because I'm running by, and they spring into that hilarious hopping action. Sorry deer, but you provide me with ample entertainment!
I think my legs will like spinning easy on the bike trainer tonight, so I think I'll do that and some core exercises. Then I'll call it a day!
Posted by Meghan at 6:20 PM | Comments (0)