Way Too Cool Training Run

The plan for today's adventure in Cool was 23 miles of the actual Way Too Cool course. I heard there was going to be well over 100+ ultra trail runners out on the trails today. Wow!!! That is a lot of runners and I will say that it appeared to be that many runners out there. The morning started with me meeting up with Miss P. and then car pooling over to pick up Lily who was ready because I told her 6 when we actually weren't going to be there until 6:15. Hehehe!!!!!

 Off to Cool we go!

This run I was wearing my new Salomon hydration pack for the very first time. The Fleet Feet Ultra group was interested in my new pack along with other trail runners on the course. It was a great conversation starter, and my favorite feature today was the whistle, which I blew crossing hyway 49 both times, and I even gave Miss P. a little song for all too hear when we were nearing the end!

Before all of us runners took off James B. who had organized this run gave us all a pre-run briefing but I was so cold that I huddled together with Wonder Woman, Miss P., GPS Michelle and Power Girl. It was probably in the 40's at the start. We started running because we were cold and the best part was we had a nice open dirt road, no congestion as we were the first runners out of the gate.

Yes, we did get passed but I am Ok with that. Wonder Woman made a joke that I was the Kitchen sink because of all the pockets I had in my pack and what I was carrying which I didn't eat it all. I had sharkies, gu in my new flask and Honey Stinger Waffles. This pack is awesome and everything was easy to access and it fit nice and snug.

The first few miles flew by and it was also a nice descent to hyway 49 crossing (where I blew my whistle, the non official crossing guard) and quarry road. Once on Quarry road Wonder Woman took off and I never saw her again. I enjoyed running with Miss P. who kept encouraging me along the way and every now and then Hawaii Mark would make an appearance! Quarry road is very runnable, it has a rolling terrain and a few steep climbs but overall it is very runnable.

The steep climbs I used as an opportunity to fuel, only I had forgotten to put some water in my flask so sucking the Gu out was a workout in its self, so I opted to eat a Honey Stinger Waffle that Miss P. offered and a salt tab. We were about an hour in the run and where making some good time.

Miss P. in the distance!

After quarry road we hit some nice single track and Miss P. was gone, but not to far ahead. I could see her neon arms. She also stopped for a photo opportunity of this gorgeous water fall. Thanks Miss P.

Pretty

The single track was great. I found a great rhythm and actually had a pretty great pace going in this very runnable section with a few small hills. I had such a good pace going that no one wanted to pass me. I offered, but they all said no, pace is just fine. Pretty soon though the tough climbing was going to happen. Up dead truck I went. I did see the truck over the side, but I am sorry I didn't get a picture. When I saw it I actually couldn't believe it.

Up dead truck I go, and it was a major climb. It just kept going, but I kept moving forward. I kept moving knowing it had to end, but it didn't it took forever to get up. My legs were feeling this climb, and I knew I needed to get some more fuel in me. The climb finally ended and the sweet single track was back with a nice gradual descent. Down, down, down, I go. and then up, up, up I go. I fueled some on this section, I took in some more Gu and inhaled a Honey Waffle Stinger. By fueling that helped my legs feel better and I knew I could make it to the second aid station now with no problems.

At the second aid station Miss P. and Power Girl were there. At this point, I took off my arm warmers and put my gloves and arm warmers away and Miss P. was kind enough to get some water in my flask so that my Gu would come out easier. I ate 2 paydays and off we went.

Thank You!!! Power Girl in the red shorts!

The second half Miss P. let me lead and set the pace. It was great running with her. We talked when we felt like it, walked when I needed too and really just enjoyed being out on the trails. I knew that Goat hill would be coming so I was really focused on trying to get the fuel in my body as I thought my fueling was off just a bit.

The second half before goat hill has a nice gradual descent with a few climbs. It seemed that I was expecting Goal hill far before it actually showed up. I was a little directionally challenged and I also tripped over a HUGE BOULDER little rock that almost tripped me up. Hmmm, maybe I need some Gu. Yeah definitely need a Gu. Soon enough Miss P. and I crossed the little bridge and turned left and the fire road that would take us to Goat hill. I used this fire road to take in some more Gu, a s-cap and some Tylenol. My legs were feeling a little achy and I thought the Tylenol would help loosen them up.

Miss P. and I tackled goat hill. It is a very steep climb but a short climb at that with a little 20ft section that is runnable and then more climbing. Here is where GPS Michelle  now known as Stealth came from out of nowhere and was right on our heels. Once we were on top we took a moment to unload our legs, I stretched took in some more Gu and talked with Stealth before she continued on her way. Miss P. and I headed down, I new from this point it was maybe a little shy over 5 miles to the finish.

The miles today seemed to tick by so quickly. I mean 10 miles came and went and then we were at 14 and next thing I knew we had 5 miles to go. We had a few small descents followed by some more climbs. Here I thought it was all down, but nope we had at least 3 more mild but steep climbs to go. I saw that grandpa tree was up ahead and told Miss P. we had a little over 4 miles from this point.

The landmark I was talking about

Which is good information to have come race day. The tricky part is there is one major climb before the finish. We kept going down ever so tenderly as the terrain was pretty steep and tricky I didn't want to lose my feet and I knew my quads at this point could only take so much more. My toes were hurting the most followed by my blister. But nothing I could do about it besides keep going.

Soon enough I could hear the cars and knew we were just shy of 2 miles to the finish. As we crossed hyway 49 I became the unofficial crossing guard and blew my whistle. I found it fun and uplifting! Once we crossed safely we had the last major hill to climb. This climb was really technical with a ton of rocks, erosion, and mud. Be careful here as I almost lost my shoe in the shoe sucking mud! We hiked as quickly as we could and then the most beautiful sight in the world today, the meadow. We were so close we could taste it.

We were so close in fact I blew Miss P. a little song on my whistle and I hummed the main chorus to Rocky!!! The whistle blowing and humming were so encouraging that as I rounded the corner to the main stretch of the finish I took off. My legs had a new life and I ran the last portion just as I started with strong legs. What a fantastic run. Thank you Miss P. for running with me I enjoyed the company out on the trails and I enjoyed the laughter as well.

I learned a few lessons on this run. First, I probably should have started my food intake a little earlier. I think I became caught up in everything, but once I realized what I did, I focused on my fueling and that helped during the second half. I also should have put some water in my flask. This way the Gu would come out easier and I wouldn't need that straw (which I didn't have). I believe my salt intake was spot on. I didn't seem to be puffy at the end, but I think I needed to drink more water at the beginning. All things considered I now have a stronger idea of what I can expect on race day and some things to be working on in the mean time.

A special thank you to James for putting the Way too Cool Training Run together, thank you to the volunteers at the 2 aid stations and a huge thank you to Anthony AKA Coach Nikon for taking the time and marking the entire course! It was fun had by the entire Fleet Feet Ultra group and 100+ other trail runners. A day where the sunshine shone down on us and smiles where had by all.

New Salomon Hydration Pack!!!!

A few days ago, Tuesday to be exact it was Christmas in January at the Pigeon household. My package arrived and I couldn't wait to open it. My new hydration pack had arrived.

It is the the Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 S-Lab Set Pack!!! I originally tried it on over at Coach Nikons as he had ordered it last week. After wearing it I fell in love with the fit. It is nice and snug with a ton of pockets and it is very comfortable.

Details from Running Warehouse:

• 2 chest pockets (one is zippered and removable)
• 2 front chest pouches, just the right size for bottles or other items
• 2 zipped belt pockets
• 1 main zippered compartment on back
• Exclusive Salomon bladder by Source is included (1.5L)
• Taste-Free™ System
• Bacteria-Free™ System
• Crush & Leak Proof Durabag® Technology
• High Flow Z-Valve™
• Dirt-Shield™ Cover
• Easy Fill, Clean and Drain Widepack™ Closure
• 5mm closed cell PE insulation keeps water cool
• Cool tube Cover
• Sensifit construction reduces abrasion and gives a precise and secure fit
• Ultra breathable stretch material to comfortably and securely hold bladder and essential items
• Adjustable load lifter distributes the load in the pack
• The twin link system secures anywhere on the system for a personalized fit
• 4ºD pole holder is instinctive to use. Quick and easy access to your hiking poles while running
• Safety whistle attached
• Comes with safety blanket
• Weight: 640g (1lb 6oz)
• Pack Volume: 5L
• Dimensions: 37 x 20 x 6 cm

The little flask I bought which Lil Man thought was for him because it is his size. If it goes missing I know who will have it.

I can't wait to wear it out on the trails, I mean wearing it around the house right now is causing the family to laugh at me especially when I am still in my P.J's!!!! There is enough storage space for everything that I will need on the trails for those extra long runs.

Traildog is ready to hit the trail too!

Spoiled on the Trails with Sunshine

Yesterday's I was spoiled out on the trails. A beautiful morning with plenty of sunshine and great trail running friends. What more could a Trail Pigeon ask for??? Well, how about 18 give or take a few miles of sweet tacky single track and one Dam Road.

Coach Nikon working it before we start!

The day before Coach Nikon and I went out and marked the trail for the group, but on our way down the Dam hill I noticed a few pink ribbons were missing. Ohh great, I hope this is all that are missing. But once down and at the start of the single track one more was missing. This is not good. As I continued on the single track though the remaining pink ribbons were up. That was a huge sigh of relief. Yeah!!!!

Today unlike Saturday my legs were feeling really good. They were not tight and I was able to find my rhythm on the trails. I was enjoying hearing the roar of the river as it was pretty quiet out on the trails today. GPS Michelle was right behind me and we talked a little bit, but not too much as we both were enjoying being on the trail. There were a few small stream jumping that today I cleared with no problem unlike Saturday I could barely get over them. I kept my feet dry. Yeah Me!!!

Soon enough we were at Avery's Pond, and yes, I did chuckle to myself. I knew we were very close to the turn around and we were getting near the newer part of trail. Once I reached the newer trail I hiked the little hill and took in my first Gu of the day. It was also getting pretty warm out there. After taking in some fuel both GPS Michelle and I started running again as this part is very runnable with a few rolling hills and a nice wide trail.

We hit the turn around and fueled once again. This time I enjoyed the Honey Stinger Waffle followed by another Gu and a salt tab.

X marks the spot

This time I didn't stay at the turn around that long. Just long enough for the legs to recover but not too long where the legs would load up. Once leaving it was great seeing my fellow trail runners saying Hi, and offering fist bumps along the way. Everyone looked really good as they neared the turn around.

The new and improved Vanna White Pose

On the return GPS Michelle was off, I couldn't keep up. I managed to stay with her for a bit, but then my legs started feeling a little funny and I had to slow it down so my legs could recover. Once my legs recovered I managed a very comfortable pace enjoying the river and sun. Miss P. showed up. She was looking strong and she even gave me a JCP pose at the top of a small hill. Go Miss P!!!!

We ended up running the remaining portion of the run together. We even enjoyed seeing a huge group of boy scouts who were out and about enjoying a nature walk. They were alert and attentive and as soon as they saw us they yelled up/down trail "walkers, walkers." Umm actually we are trail runners and this is major hill so we are hiking. Yes, I thought that in my head. After hearing walkers though that sparked another gear or maybe it was the little rest as the boy scout troop past, what ever it was it seemed that we made it back to the dam hill in no time.

Thinking pose

At the base of the DAM hill both Miss P. and I took in some needed fuel for the three mile climb out. We power hiked the steep gravel part and then ran. Miss P. powered up the Dam hill like it was nothing. I kept her in my sights.

This is Fun!!!!

As I climbed up, up, up I just kept on moving forward. I knew I was near the finish and the sooner I got there the sooner I would be able to jump in the canal for my ice bath. I knew I would be needing on today for sure. Hike, run, hike, run and soon enough it was just running and bam I was back and in the canal. The canal was cold which was great. The cool water felt really good on my aching legs. The immediate ice bath would help with swelling and the achenes. I submerged my quads from the intense down hill over the past two days.

Not so fun, but felt great

It was a strong run for me. The weather at the end was around 64 degrees which is unheard of in January. I mean we needed sunscreen out there today plus a lot of water to stay hydrated. I ended up drinking all my water in my pack during those 18 miles. Once at Captain Kirks truck I drank 3 more bottles before leaving. It always amazes me how great water can taste.

That afternoon my dad came into town and I quickly showered ate some lunch and headed over with Traildog to enjoy the afternoon. I think Traildog had a great time as he was totally exhausted by the time we got home and passed out on the floor. He didn't even make it to his bed. It was a great Saturday that started with a great group of trail runners and ended with family time. Here is too the most amazing trails and family!

JC Penny Adventure

This morning I headed up to the overlook to help Coach Nikon mark the trail for the Fleet Feet groups long run. We decided to meet at Starbucks and then do the car pool shuffle so that we weren't running 18 miles today and 18 miles tomorrow. After our croissants we drove up to Rattlesnake and dropped off my car and then drove up to the Overlook and started our great JC Penny adventure. Ahhh the memories, the laughter, the friendships who enjoyed the poses....Good Times......

We headed down the dam hill and marked pausing at the intersections one of us up and one down to make sure it was marked well. In between  markings we laughed and joked around with each other a lot today. Like how short my legs are, my tiny little fingers....Stuff that only Coach Nikon could get away with.

We hit the single track and immediately noticed it was tacky and was going to be really fast for Saturday's run. Today it took a bit for my legs to find a rhythm on the trail but today was more about really enjoying the sunshine with a good friend.

We did enjoy a few JC Penny photo shoots, introducing the Vanna White Pose.....Model Coach Nikon and Pigeon.....

It is tradition to do some sort of Pose out on the trail. It keeps things fun and the memories are awesome. We even came up with a new name for Trailmomma.....How we miss running with her....Remember the time when a certain someone asked "How will I know when I reach Avery's Pond?"

Such great memories.....and looking forward to more memories to come.....

Mormon bridge

Water was Low

After Avery's Pond it is a short distance to the turn around. Trail marking today was a lot of fun. It was great to only have to do it point to point. Once we hit the 9 miles it was only another mile to my car. After the great trail run we headed to The Habit for some lunch. By the time we were done running my stomach was growling and that hamburger tasted so good.......

I am working on re hydrating myself so that my body will be ready for tomorrows run. It has been a bit warmer then usual and I know for a fact I haven't been drinking enough water this week. So my goal today is to rehydrate and to eat well. Here is to a great sunny trail run today with a great friend filled with laughter, to new names for a certain few and most of all memories.....Enjoy this weather as I know I am!!!!

New Friends

It has been a crazy week for me, which is why this post about Sunday's 12 miler is slow to be written. Sunday ended up being a very challenging run. My legs were a bit tired and I am just glad that I didn't do 20 like originally planned. Glad I was able to be flexible with my training and not worry too much about it, but in turn just enjoyed the day with some great ultra runners.

It is always great to meet new runners. Today there I ran with Stan and Jay and the awesome Michaela. She is a very strong runner. She tackled goat hill like it was nothing while I was huffing and puffing just trying to get up.

We met at Cool and after a brief check in the mileage was dropped. Captain Kirk wasn't feeling very well and Wonder Woman was still feeling Saturday's run. Those two are work horses. They have then mental and physicals abilities I could only dream of. But maybe on day....hmmm one day.....

We crossed over hyway 49 and headed up the trail. I was in the lead and was a running a very conservative pace. My legs were feeling every little climb. During this run though there were some amazing views that just took my breath away. I guess Sunday was about being back in nature and really seeing nature and taking it all in.

We had a interesting sections were there was a little down hill  creek and since I didn't want to get my feet soaked called for a little bit of creativity on how to get through it. It made for a interesting day.

Now how would you not get your feet wet?

We flew down goat hill, but before we arrived at goat we saw this......

and heard at least 4 shots. Yup there was someone just above the ridge line firing a shot gun, or some kind of fire arm. This is a state park so it was a really nerve racking hearing the fire. We arrived at goat hill and the best part of the day was flying down it. It is very steep with some sharp switch backs. We then ran about 1.5 miles until our 6 mile turn around.

base of Goat Hill

Once we turned around we were now running the Way Too Cool course in the proper direction. Which means just before I hit goat hill there is a sweet gentle down hill. This means I can make up a little time, but I have too keep Goat hill in the front of my brain. I hiked most of goat hill, I ran a tiny little section where it leveled out and once on top it was mostly down hill from there until the last little climb back to Cool.

Stan is running Western States this year, Jay was our tour guide and Michaela was the speed demon!

It was a very challenging run, a fun run, but for me probably a really good mental training run. I had to keep those positive thoughts flowing through my head. Once I found those thoughts I really started to enjoy the run no matter how long it took me to run it. All in all a great sunny day on the Way too Cool course with some new ultra friends.

What a run!!!

The first and probably last loop run

Today was a an absolute gorgeous day. It started off for me pretty early, I was up around 3 a.m. but managed to fall back asleep until 5 a.m. I had everything ready this morning so all I had to do was eat something, drink my coffee a must for me, and change. I was out the door with plenty of time to spare just how I like it. I am pretty particular about that. I car pooled in with Lily just like last weekend and we arrived at the overlook with 20 minutes until 8a.m. This gave us both plenty of time to finalize our things, use the bathroom and get our shoes or for some sit in the car and stay warm.

Lily

Getting ready for pre-run briefing

Captain Kirk briefed the large group about what route we were going to take as it was  going to be a bit different then what we have run in the past. We did have extra ultra mentors on the trail today which turned out to be needed. This time around we going to do a loop instead of an out and back. Coach Nikon had left early to mark the course and we were to follow the pink ribbons.

Now I have to say that Coach Nikon has a really tough job. He is the lead runner for the group and he marks the route we are going to take. This task can become very hard as he is making sure there are confidence ribbons up and that each intersection is marked. For all of that I would like to say Thank You for heading out early and marking the route for the group.

Today's run was going to be about 16 miles. It was going to be a very tough run with a lot of climbing and crazy bone jarring descents miles long. Sounds like fun right? Let me tell you it was a blast. Running an ultra during training is not always about mileage but about time on our feet, as in some runs can be more challenging and thus take longer to run which means fewer miles. On the other hand there are other runs that are super fast and more miles are tacked on. Today's run was challenging and for most was well over 3 hours. I spent 3 hours and 15 minutes out there.

Back to the run, I hooked up with Miss P. today, her legs were feeling a bit heavy after Wednesday's hill repeats and her cross training on Thursday. We flew down the first 2 miles. It is a nice muddy slippery single track followed by some fire road. Once we hit the fire road Hollywood went flying by and we never saw him again. I also had a bit of anxiety on this road because it was the exact same way the Sierra Nevada Double was run. I believe when I took the hard left I said "No, not this way." I said it out loud too. Ohh well, what was I going to do but keep on going. I mean I was in great company with Miss. P.

We were only 2 miles in and both Miss P. and I decided to hike up this massive hill. No good in blowing up the legs this early in the run. We played hop scotch with two other runners and once we crested and hit the descent Miss P. and I were off. We arrived at No Hands in one piece and made the left which would take us to the highway 49 crossing, but first we had to run on the fire road until the crossing. the crossing was pretty easy, and we then proceeded to run parallel with the highway. We had to climb this huge hill that both Miss P. and I hiked/run. Again it was till pretty early in the run.

Highway 49, go Miss P.

Once we saw the pink ribbon on the left we were on Quarry road. This road would take us to the single track, but first we had to run on this road for what felt like miles. At portions it was flat, then there would be a small climb then it was flat, but soon enough we were at this big hill. I took this big hill as an opportunity to take in some fuel.

Time to fuel

Always amazes me what is out in the middle of nowhere.

Then it was time to run. Miss P. and I continued following the road until this really sharp right turn which we both almost ran past, but for some reason I looked right and saw the ribbons and told Miss P. "up, up." It seems that we were not the only runners who almost missed the sharp right turn but there was one runner who did miss it completely. This runner ended up running 20 miles today. Good thing we had extra mentors out on the trail keeping their eyes open. Great job Trish and Michelle, way to bring the lost runner in.

Little water fall crossing

I think JC Penny Catalog pose needs to come back! Next time

After the sharp right turn we climbed for ever. This climb never ended, it just kept going and going. We were almost near the second highway 49 crossing when Terry appeared and he ran with us for a bit. We crossed and I knew we were near the open meadow of Cool, but first I had to climb again. I ended up taking in a salt tab here because my legs were feeling a bit weired. The salt helped because once Miss P. and reached the meadow my legs were feeling much better.

Look the meadow!!!!

I knew we had about a 3 mile as Captain Kirk put it bone jarring descent ahead. I took some time and fueled again this time with 2 Gu's. I hit the descent and really enjoyed the fast single track that would take us back to No Hands bridge. We ran into Captain Kirk and Coach Nikon who were heading back out on the loop to check on the group.

Captain Kirk and Terry

Coach Nikon shared his Waffle with us! Thank You

Once I hit No hands I was super excited, only 4 miles to go. By now it was getting pretty warm out, the sun had been shinning now for a few hours. The fire road leading back to the overlook at this point was a welcome from the massive descent. But the climbing out was a challenge. I didn't let the climbs get to me today. I knew it would be over. In fact I was able to run more of the climbs this time around then I did last Sunday.

Back at no hands

It was great run for me today. My legs felt really strong I would like to think I hydrated and fueled properly and the smartest thing I took all day was the salt. Tomorrow is another adventure in Cool, probably not 20 miles like originally thought but more close to 14. You know what I am ok with that.

Thank you to Trish and Michelle for finding the lost runner today. What a day!!!!!

More girl power adventure to come tomorrow!!!!

Me and the water fall

R/R

Last week I posted about some suspicious activity across the street. I have more details after my brother in law talked to the neighbors. Yes, my gut was in fact correct about the car and it's occupants. After some research the car was spotted about an hour before I made my way outside with traildog for our run that day.

The car was cruising up and down the block stopping at my neighbors house took a look then stopped right behind my car and looked at our house, then they left and about 15 minutes later came back and were looking at the house across the street and that is when I came outside.

They were definitely up to something and that something was no good. After informing the neighbors everyone has been keeping their eyes open. So far I haven't seen the car return or the occupants of that car. Good news I guess, I am hoping that I scared them off last week.

In other news I am still have a lot of trouble sleeping. It seems I sleep for a few hours then I am up, but the one difference is when I wake up I have been heading out the door and going for a run. Have to get the miles in somehow and if I can't sleep why not run. After my run I eat a snack and take a shower then head back to bed and sleep for a few more hours before having to get up and get ready for work. A vicious cycle and very frustrating only getting little segments of sleep. What I would give for a solid day of sleep like a normal person.

Yesterday's run was just about getting out the door and doing a little recovery run. No tempo, just a nice and relaxing run to wake the legs up. My legs felt a bit heavy but after a few miles they lightened up a bit. I was feeling really lethargic before the run but after it I had a ton of energy. But that energy didn't last long my eyes were getting heavy and I was getting short tempered so I knew it was time to get some more sleep before a hectic night at work.

Today I went for a run again because I wasn't sleeping, but this time I increased my effort/intensity on any hills I came across. It was a bit of a struggle today mentally, I think the fatigue is taking it's toll on me. The good news is I took tonight off, mainly because I am maxed out on vacation time. I plan on hopefully getting some rest tonight and it will be good for me to get off my ankle.

I had rolled it on Sunday's run with 5 miles still to go. When it happened I heard the pop and felt it, it slowed me down a little bit but it wasn't too bad. It has been tender walking on it at work. Running hasn't bothered it just as long as I don't have to many sharp turns or uneven ground. Here is to rest and recovery and some much needed sleep.

Girl Power to Cool

Yesterday morning I ventured out again to the overlook with some of the Fleet Feet ultra team members. This time we were heading to cool and back and just like Saturday morning it was cold and foggy. I think it was colder Sunday then Saturday.

Burr! Captain Kirk

The road to cool is a great trail with a few water falls this time of year and plenty of down hill followed by climbs. Wonder Woman took the lead for the girls and before too long we could no longer see the boys they were flying, but so were we. Wonder Woman set a quick pace, probably because we were so cold and needed to warm up. We blasted downhill, the terrain was muddy and slippery but a fast descent. I had forgotten how far down it went. It was about a 3 mile climb down on single track followed by a mile on a fire road with a slight downward slant. It wasn't very noticeable on the way out but on the way back in I felt those small hills.

Had to stop for this photo

We hit no hands bridge in no time at all. Then the real fun begins, the climb to Cool. From no hands bridge it is 3.3. miles but 2.5 of those miles is a climb with multiple switch backs and another water fall. We decided not to climb K2 but to go around. I have been up K2 and it is brutal. The climb just kept going, and going and going and going and then just when I thought I was there it kept going.

still climbing

trying to cross the stream the rock I stepped on moved and my entire foot landed in the freezing cold water. So much for keeping my feet dry

Wonder Woman powered up this section. I don't know how she did it but she pretty much ran it all, only pauses to make sure that I was still in pursuit. I decided I would be the sweeper caboose today. I trailed on this climb, but I just put my head down and kept going. Once I reached the top I had a mini celebration with long distance high fives all around for all. I had the biggest smile on my face because I knew it was a short run less then a mile to the cool fire station. It was definitely cooler up in cool. The temperature had dropped significantly.

Welcome to Cool!

Girl Power

Once we reached the turn around we enjoyed a ultra feast of Gu and Honey Stinger Waffles. Thank you Wonder Woman for the taste, I am going to have to buy some for sure. They are fantastic!!!! We didn't stay long as we were getting very cold and just as we started back the boys came. They put in a couple extra miles. We all headed back. The single track was fantastic, it was a very fast descent back to no hands bridge.

Look how fast this trail is

Once at no hands it was time to tackle the fire road and the climb out. From here there isn't anymore descents just climbing out. Wonder Woman powered on, my legs at this point were a bit sluggish but I just kept on moving. This climb back in September was what I call the death march. Just have to keep moving. I lost sight of the girls but I sort of knew my way back. I was near the end and I had to keep stepping off the trail to let the horses pass. There were 9 horses out on the trail today.

With only a quarter of a mile left I heard this huge rumble in the bushes and the boom boom of hooves hitting the ground. I froze so fast at this sound but in the same second I was quickly reaching for my camera. I didn't want to miss a photo opportunity, and just as I pulled my camera out there it was a deer. We locked eyes and within a spilt second it came within 5 feet in front of me on the trail. It crossed the trail and took off up the hill. My heart was racing, but I got the picture. Thank goodness it wasn't a bear.

Sorry not the best photo but the deer is right behind the moss covered tree.

It was a great 15 mile run with fast descents and tough climbs. The company was awesome and I look forward to doing this run again, possible next Saturday.