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May 24, 2007
Snow!
It just won't end; the snow keeps coming. After 2 days/nights of foul weather, inlcuding snow, I didn't hold out high hopes for good trail conditions in the Bridger Mountains today. My predictions were correct; the trails were quite snowy.
You might recall me writing about runs with my friend S., who worked here last summer. About a month ago, she called me with the good news that she would be working at Yellowstone again this summer. I was elated to learn that my running buddy was returning to town. Today was our first run together since she returned.
We attempted the 10 mile, 4300 foot elevation gain trip to Mt. Baldy and back, the same run I did in the Bridger Mountains last week. We didn't make it to the top. About a half mile and 700 vertical feet above the trailhead, we hit snow. About 3300 vertical feet and 3.5 miles above the trailhead, while already running through about 5 inches of untouched snow, we were slaughtered by a storm that rolled in out of nowhere. At this point, wind, sleet balls, snow, and bitter cold forced us off the mountain. Once we were at a lower elevation and back into the weather safe zone, we ran around on some random trails to pick up extra mileage (but little extra elevation) before returning to the trailhead. We were out for about 2:30.
S. was content to call it a day, but I wasn't yet satiated. I wanted to get more elevation in to make up for not making it to the top of Baldy. I drove about 15 minutes to another trailhead in the Bridger Mountains, and headed out again. I ran 3.5 miles and about 1800 feet elevation gain from the trailhead to the first trail junction, and then blasted back downhill again. These 3.5 miles took about 50 minutes to climb, and a bit less than 30 minutes to descend, for a total of about 1:20. The trail was crap, as it was first wet mud, then muddy snow, then just plain snow. I stomped and splashed through it all, and collected about half of the Bridger Mountains' mud on my legs during the run. The weather held out on this run, just barely. I made it to the car as a rainstorm began. What timing!
While I could leave the snow, I'll take today's running. At the moment, I'm not feeling much of the 5000+ feet elevation gain underfoot, and that makes me happy.
Posted by Meghan at May 24, 2007 7:26 PM
Comments
I want elevation gain under my feeeeeeeeeeeeet, dang sea level crap is boring--lol....
I don't want the snow though!!! Congrats on some good miles!!
I bought the Equinox 33 daypack today (nice lightweight pak) Going to go for at least 35 miles on Saturday, nothing crazy as in time I just want to MOVE for that long, pack some extra clothes & a towel and go for a swim in the ocean...& then come back home.
There is a nice park beach that's about 17miles away...so that will be a good round trip adventure...
EYES are better today then yesterday so maybe my whining helped--haha Thanks for the good eye vibes:-)
Be safe out there!!
Posted by: Bob G at May 24, 2007 9:38 PM
Snow again?! I'm glad you got in safely from the storm - that could have been scary.
Posted by: backofpack at May 24, 2007 10:05 PM
Maybe that will be the last one? Summer is here.
Sounds like fun, in spite of the conditions. Must've been very beautiful!
Posted by: JeffO at May 25, 2007 9:40 AM
Snow in May - wow.
The post regarding your dog's behaviour was interesting. Their instincts never cease to amaze me. Thank goodness your dog was with you.
Posted by: D at May 25, 2007 9:52 AM
Meghan,
I will try your tennis ball trick. But I think I'm going to have to change step 1 to: find a dog-slobber-free tennis ball!
Posted by: backofpack at May 25, 2007 12:52 PM
I had to go buy a clean ball - but it was so worth it! It already feels better. I used to do this a long time ago and had forgotten all about it. I have a white foam roller that I use, but it didn't hit the exact spot like the ball did. Thanks!
Posted by: backofpack at May 25, 2007 5:53 PM
Snow?! Dang Meghan!! That is super crazy! Great job for still getting in your miles and climbing though. Hope you have a great weekend and thaw out! ;)
Posted by: Beth at May 26, 2007 4:01 AM
Wow, snow??!! And Baldy again?:) Glad you have a good training partner! Awesome doing there, Meghan!
Posted by: olga at May 27, 2007 7:18 PM