Seattle to Portland 2012

I finished my fifth Seattle to Portland Bicycle ride this past Saturday. It took me about 13 hours 45 minutes to travel the 210 miles in one day.

My day started at 3:30am, when my alarm went off. I slowly got out of bed, made some eggs, gathered my gear and was on my bike by 4am. I rode to the start line at the Husky's Stadium, where I had to drop off my bag. The start of the ride is officially at 4:45am and it was nice witnessing the countdown for the first time. The energy and excitement as the time draws near is hard to explain, but if you've ever run a marathon or have participated in some other extreme event, then you may understand the feeling. It is a combination of fear and nervousness, since you can't really know how your body will perform until you go.

This year I was again riding solo, with the other Librarian's doing the ride in two days. In a way this is easier to do because you set your own pace all day long and you don't have to worry about where your other riders are. Due to the sheer amount of other riders, it is easy to loose your friends in the masses.

The air was humid and even though it was still dark out, I took off my arm warmers and just wore the jacket figuring I would still be comfortable. The temperature was about 62 degrees and cloudy, staying that way well into midday.

For several hours I rode without much stopping, spending many of it in various pace lines. A great way to conserve energy, people in a pace line can save up to roughly thirty percent of their energy, with the leader of the pace line taking the main hit of wind. Fortunately for us one day riders, the wind was a tailwind, helping push us along even faster. I spent almost the entire ride in my lowest gear, something I've haven't done before. With rest stops about every 20 miles or so, I ended up going to about every other stop, where I was able to refill my bottles, eat some food, stretch and use the amenities.   

Seattle Rock 'n' Roll Marathon #3

I finished my 3^rd Seattle Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon on Saturday. I wrote about my first marathon in this blog two years ago, but I didn’t write about my second one. I should have in retrospect, because my memories of that run were fabulous. I remember feeling strong, confident, and I had a blast. I finished that run and I could have kept running. Anyway, that was last year and now on to last Saturday. (official times of race from the Competitor website: 2011-3:52 and 2012-3:53).

  

The run starts at 7am and the route had changed, for the better, from previous years. It really felt like a Seattle marathon because almost the entire race was in and around Seattle, whereas previous years you started further south, in Tukwila, and then you make your way north.

After getting a few hours of sleep, I woke early (5:15am) to have some eggs and juice smoothies. I took a warm shower, grabbed my stuff and headed for the bus stop. With a small Starbucks coffee in hand, I waited with other runners at the bus stop for the bus that wouldn’t arrive. The route was closed for the morning due to road closures. Though I had checked the Metro website the night before and one other runner said she even called Metro Transit and spoke with someone confirming the buses arrival, we were caught off guard as the time ticked away and no bus showed. Taxi cab to our rescue.

I arrived at the Seattle Center, the start line, at around 6:45am, only 15 minutes before the gun goes off. With over 25,000 runners and about the same amount with volunteers and spectators, the Seattle Center was a mad house. It is pretty exciting knowing you are about to embark on an epic journey. You can see the fear and excitement in other people’s faces all around you.

My coral number was 8 this year which was nice being near the beginning. With wave starts and 500-1,000 people roughly per coral (not sure of exact number), it can be a long time before you actually start running. As 7am drew near, I took off my Goodwill purchased sweatpants and tossed them into the donations pile. The past several days had been very wet and hazy, with this morning being no exception. The air was cool and for the time being there was no rain, making it perfect running weather.

The gun went off and my 3^rd marathon was underway. I ran through downtown as early morning tourists and spectators cheered me along. The miles simply dropped by the wayside as I made my way across Seattle. Much of the new route was already familiar to me but one nice addition was the loop around Seward Park. As the sun would peak out at various times, it would reflect along the water of Lake Washington.

Miles 15-20 take you out of Seattle and onto I-90. This was the toughest part of the run because it is a long stretch laid out directly ahead of you, giving you the appearance of a never ending road on a massive floating bridge. Once you get to Mercer Island and make you way around a barrier, you then head back across to do it all again. As I was nearing the end of this stretch, at mile 19, I took a dive, tripping on a large bolt attached to some sort of metal sheet or grate. The jolt was so unexpected that I didn’t have time to really brace myself as I took a Superman-like fall. I landed on my right shoulder, jamming it and also tweaking my neck. A lot of runners that witnessed this fall all shuddered and expressed their concerns. The guy behind me kindly extended out his hand and helped me up while asking if I was ok. I assessed the damage and besides the tweaked neck and sore shoulder, I didn’t notice any real damage, surprisingly enough. A rush of adrenaline was released into my body and so I took off running again. The only way to really know if I was hurt was to start running again, for only time would tell.

I finished the run and it was a wonderful feeling as I made my way across the finish line. I was happy to have completed another marathon, but I was also very happy to be done at that particular moment. I grabbed some snacks (banana, fruit smoothie, and a bagel) and took some photos.

 I am already thinking about my next marathon.

La Conner Day Trip

Casey and I took a little day trip to the quaint town of La Conner, Washington. We woke early and drove north taking the scenic route, past family farms and beautiful bluffs. We spent the morning enjoying a delicious breakfast and then took a slow walk through the town, taking in the scenery and local shops. I can see the appeal of living there, but city life is still the life I enjoy most. Looking forward to our next trip.

Wanderings

Wow. It has been several months since my last posting. I know a lot of people say it but time really does fly sometimes. It seems somewhat silly to write about all the months past in detail so instead I will just make a list.
-Trip to Spokane to see Casey's family.
-Trip to LA. Extended due to the snow in Seattle.
-Saw West Side Story at the Paramount.
-Saw Bon Iver at the Paramount.

Of course, I have been running but not as frequent because it has been a little too cold for comfort. When I visited LA and had all that sun, I ran almost every day, sometimes alone and sometimes with Mike Weistein. He showed me Elysian Park which is near his home. Another time I ran with Sylvie along the beaches of Santa Barbara. Most of the time, however, I ran near my home, a network of trails for runners, hikers, and horses (Open Space Preservation).

With the new year I am planning out my running and biking events. I am already signed up for my 5th Seattle to Portland ride, my 3rd Seattle Rock "n" Roll Marathon, and 3rd Flying Wheels Summer Century. I know I will be doing much more, but these are my favorites.
Ok time to go.

Camping Weekend

The weekend finally arrived where we went camping. It is rather surprising that this is my first camping trip of the year, and will likely to be my last for winter is approaching fast. Typically, I camp several times a year up and around the Mt Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest.

Angela found Money Creek Campground, just off of highway 2. The sites sit along the side of the rapid Skykomish River making for a pleasant white noise background as you lay inside your tent late at night.

The four of us arrived Friday evening, set up camp and almost instantly felt relax and excited about the next days ahead of us. While sitting in front of the fire under a canopy of old growth trees, we talked about many things, including what hike we should do on Saturday. Did we want to see an old fire lookout, a waterfall, or a serene lake. After the votes were cast, serenity won out and Barclay Lake was where we were heading.

Saturday came quickly and after a great, hearty breakfast of pancakes with walnuts and bananas cooked inside, we packed lunches and made our way to the trail head. Just off of highway 2, and about 5 miles from our campsite, you reach the tiny town of Baring and also the turnoff. You then begin a 4 mile uphill climb in your car, which cuts into the side of Baring Mountain. The trail is short and sweet, taking you through an enchanted-like forest which my guidebook accurately describes as gnome-like. Around every corner, it felt like you should see fairies and gnomes, and maybe even a troll or two.

You eventually see the lake, which is located directly under Baring Mountain, an imposing peak reminding me of Half-Dome in Yosemite. The peak is over 6,000 ft high and sitting at the base of it makes you feel miniscule. Sadly, the lake itself is muddy and not ideal for swimming, though still stunning. You can sit peacefully on the sandy shores of the lake and look at the grandeur of the peak that looms over you.

After our hike we then found a peaceful spot along the Skykomish River to play along, where we were skipping and stacking rocks. A salmon fisherman and his son were also sharing this part of the river with us and watching the two of them was very picturesque.

The rest of the trip was just as relaxing and wonderful. We made great food and we had great company. It is trips like these that makes me love living in the Pacific Northwest, where nature is so close to home and yet a world away.

Here are some photos of the hike up to Barclay Lake and Baring Mountain.

Granite Mountain Lookout

Well, another day off so another adventure. I feel like I must say that often. This morning when I awoke, I knew I wanted to go somewhere but I just wasn't sure where. After packing up my gear, getting some food and filling my car with gas, I headed East on I-90. Depending on the weather would determine my route, either Mt. Si or Pratt Lake or maybe a climb up Granite Mountain.

As I approached North Bend, I saw that it was going to be a clear and gorgeous sunny day, so heading up to the top of a mountain and having lunch at an old fire lookout sounded wonderful. Granite Mountain Lookout, I was on my way.

You find the Granite Mountain trail by first starting at the Pratt Lake trail head. About 1 mile in, you hit a fork on the trail, a point of divergence for if you go straight you hit a chain of lakes at the base of the mountains (Talapus, Ollallie, Pratt Lakes et. cetera), but if you turn up, a great ascent is ahead of you. When you start climbing you start climbing rapidly, about a 4,000 foot climb in around 3 miles. I'll admit it...it even kicked my ass.

After you make your way through the old growth and ferns, you break over the ridge into a large glen of wild blueberries that were absolutely delicious. As far as the eye could see were blueberry bushes. I spent the greater part of the trail run grabbing handfuls of berries and shoving them in my mouth.

As you make your way past the glen you walk along the ridge for a bit, jumping along big boulders, where remnant of snow linger in the shade. It was strange to still see snow in the end of September, but that is just proof of how bad our winter was this year.

Once you crest and can't possibly go any higher, you can see the old fire lookout in the distance. If you turn around, a spectacular view of Mt. Rainier can be seen. If you look straight ahead, a spectacular view of Mt. Baker is off in the distance. You are simply surrounded by beautiful mountains. Looking down over the north side of the trail , you can see lakes at the base of Granite Mountain, lakes that I believe you can access from the Pratt Lake trail.

Once I made my way up to the lookout, I sat down and had my lunch. The wind was cool but felt good against my sweaty back. It was great taking in all the scenery and it is amazing just how much beauty is so close to home.

Pratt Lake and then some

Another day off and so another trail run in the Mt. Baker/Snoqualmie National Forest. This time I had Casey choose a run for me out of my 50 Trail Runs in Washington book and this is what she found...run #20 Pratt Lake, a 12 mile out and back. You can add mileage by dipping down to see some of the other lakes in the region, the Alpine Lakes Region, such as Talapus Lake and Olallie Lake. By adding those two, the mileage is upped to about 16.

The run started out wet and rainy, but I liked the cool air. Once I started making my way into the Pratt Lake basin, the sun came out as I made my way across the large scree areas. The screes were some of the most beautiful ones I have seen as of late, with lots of moss and foliage growing in, on, and around a lot of the rock.
Well enjoy the photos...