On Trails

A first marathon high keeps going and going and....

Portland's been on my mind all week. And on my legs, too. This marathon was the goal when I started training at the beginning of the year. I'm just so thrilled at how far I've come. From squeaking out ten or so miles a week to completing an ultra and running a very successful first marathon. I proved myself wrong because I'll be honest that I didn't think I had it in me when my training first began. And I wonder how I would be doing if it wasn't for this blog. Runners are wonderful people and you all have been just as much a part of my training as my shoes have been. Hugs all around. (Check out the professional-but-non-downloadable-until-purchased photos of me at the marathon here.)

More than a few people have asked me how I would compare my ultra with my marathon. The biggest difference is that the Portland Marathon gave an awesome finisher's medal that I've been wearing to work all week. The Cle Elum 50k gave me a water bottle.

As awesome as the Portland Marathon was (and it was) I think it may be hard for me to get back on the pavement for that long of a run anytime soon as long as I have the option of hitting the trails. About the only thing that may entice me would be location (see Comrades Marathon). A big race like Portland has it's advantages: amazingly supportive spectators and very high energy. But a race like Cle Elum has trails. And more trails. I'm a trails guy.


Tomorrow is the Spokane Marathon. Since my JFK 50 training calls for a 20+ mile run this weekend I was entertaining the idea of running this race. But again, it's on pavement. And poor Sadie has been left behind on my weekend runs for three of the last four weeks. :( She become very suspicious of me. "Where have you been?" "Why don't you call" "Are those running shoes you're packing?" "Please tell me you're not cheating on me with another runner." "I licked your hand yesterday, doesn't that mean anything to you anymore?" So today Sadie and I had some bonding time on the trails.

Throw all sorts of goodies in the pack and let's go. Just you and me, Sadie. So I can prove to you what my true intentions are.

We saw a big bull moose as we were pulling into the trail head. Maybe not so big for a moose, but definitely bigger than a squirrel. Snapped a photo but it was too far away for my awesome camera phone to pick up.

I've been taking it easy this week. Putting in the miles, but going nice and easy to get all the kinks out from Portland. My legs have been pretty sore, but not so bad where I've wimped out and taken the elevator (are you proud of me Bella?).

Today's plan was to explore parts of Moscow Mt. (Idaho) that until recently I've never been in shape enough to reach in a single run. The Garmin came in handy also. I had no idea about the lengths of these new trails and off trails and crossing trails and up trails and down trails so it was nice to know how far I'd been running.

Everything is turning colors. Many of the trails I ran today were littered with yellow and red leaves. Nice to look at - but they hide the roots and rocks. Barely avoided a few big falls. Sadie was having a blast as usual and it was definitely worth skipping out on the Spokane Marathon to get some nice trail running in.

Stats: 23 miles - 4hr 33min
elevation chart to the right

My legs were tired but felt strong. (Does that make sense?) Sadie is currently asleep underneath my desk with her head on my feet. Today's run was the farthest she's ever been. Her previous PR was 20.5 miles. She's a good, good girl.

The JFK 50 is sneaking up on me and my dad. He's been scouting out the course over the last few weekends. A couple more weeks of putting in some good miles and then it will be taper time.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend. I was slow on blog checks this week but should be back to normal soon.

Keep running!

Scott