Training Run/Hike - Pratt Lake - Lower Tuscohatchie Lake via the Melakwa Lake Trail

With two weeks left before the 20 mile race at Cougar Mountain, a long run was in order. I met up with my training partner, Terry, at the Pratt Lake TH at 7 am on Saturday with a goal of doing a 4-5 hour run/hike. The weather was cloudy but not too ominous. Hit the trail around 7:30am. Didn't anticipate seeing a lot of people on the trail today given the weather. There were only our 2 cars in the lot and one other. Took the first few miles easy since there was a fair amount of climbing right from the start (roughly 2200 feet in 4 miles). I had forgotten my garmin at home and Terry's was glitchy so I was basing my estimates on mileage from my previous trips here.


We had initially planned to do the out and back to Pratt Lake with an added climb up to Granite Mtn. for a total of 18. The plan changed early on as neither of us was up for the amount of climbing required and didn't necessarily need it in prep for the race. Kept on from Pratt toward Melakwa Lake, which is what I had done earlier this summer with the Seattle Mountain Running Group. Needless to say this time it was just as beautiful despite the lack of snow. The views did not disappoint, only highlighted by the changing colors of fall and the inclement weather.
Headed up the trail and got hit with our first downpour, lasting about 5-10 minutes. It wasn't cold so the rain actually felt good. My only concern was my cell phone, which had a protective cover just not necessarily waterproof. Thankfully there wasn't enough rain to do any damage. Allowed for lots of picture taking!

One of our conversations during our hike was about time. Given that I had forgotten my Garmin and had no access to the instant feedback that I was used to, it was quite an adjustment. One of my recent revelations was about prioritizing time and how not everything has to be done right now - what's urgent versus what's important. This has been a big revelation for me as I tend to be scatterbrained, starting different tasks as I think of them because I'm afraid I'll forget to do them. What makes this significant is how I'm spending my time with my son. Realizing that spending time with him is way more important, for the most part, than whatever task may be waiting. We spent most of the time hiking than running and taking longer than planned. Being ok with that is a big step for me because having done so much running on pavement, made me a slave to pace - how fast? How far? It was almost a relief not having that watch to remind me of what I didn't necessarily need to know.

We decided to turn around based on time, not knowing at that point exactly how far we'd gone. Encountered several different groups of hikers and didn't think anything of their late departures until we'd gotten back to our cars and it started pouring. I began to wonder how'd they fare since none looked prepared for rain.
As far as diet goes, I again started to feel hungry with a few miles left to go. I also came to the realization I need to incorporate more real food options as opposed to gels & blocks.

In my pack: 3 gels (1 honey stinger, 1 PowerBar Tangerine, and 1 ClifShot Mocha) and 1 PB Sandwich on white bread. I ended up eating all but the ClifShot and was feeling hungry the last 3ish miles. I had 2L of water in the bladder of my pack, with 2 tablets of Nuun. I think 3 would've been better, but it wasn't very warm so I wasn't sweating as heavily and not losing as much salt (I'm typically covered in a fine layer of salt if it's warm out).

Overall I felt pretty good. Hips ached ever so slightly but not nearly to the extent they did a month previous when I visited last. I definitely need to continue/resume the foam rolling and stretching that my chiropractor recommended. I had fallen off the bandwagon and definitely felt it.

My goal next year is to run the loop (Pratt Lake - Melakwa - Denny Creek) again, preferably without snow (likely next June/July). I would also like to get up that Granite Mtn trail since it is short and the climbing will be a nice challenge.

Race Report: Cle Elum 25k/50k - September 27, 2014

Makes sense that the first blog post is a race report. Easy way to get the ball rolling on inspiration and ideas. Actually it's more so that I have a written record of what I've learned and how I felt. The Cle Elum race is billed as a 25k, when in reality it's closer to 30k. The website even says so!

I had run a race the previous weekend, the Beat the Blerch Half Marathon. It was a flat race, but the packed dirt/gravel path gave my quads a beating. Thought it best with the race, stress, and a light cold coming on that little to no running before Cle Elum was the best plan. It ended up working to my advantage. Score! I had stayed up a little late the night before but wasn't terribly concerned. Some of my better runs had been on less than ideal sleep. That's what caffeine is for, right? After hitting the Starbucks around 7, I hit the road. First lesson learned: Don't just google map the city where your race is, use the address. Mapping "Cle Elum" versus the actual exit I needed left me about 8 miles short of time that I was already cutting close. I get to the exit I need, and start heading to the campground when GPS loses signal. I start to think I missed the turn and backtrack. Another mistake - I should've gone even further, costing me more precious time. Once I park at the start it's roughly 8:58AM and the race starts at 9. I get my bib and use the restroom while the RD is giving instructions about the course. Another crucial lesson learned: Don't miss the start for obvious reasons. I take off a minute or so after the rest of the runners and start to wonder where they are. No signs anywhere. What did she say about confidence markers...roughly every half mile? Yeah, none. Start off on the wrong direction. This can't bode well! I finally get to the trail I'm supposed to be on with a little 1 mile warmup in hand. Almost glad I had that warm up because the next 8 miles is where all of the elevation gain happens.

I've run most of my training by myself and I'm ok with it. It's a good time to focus and regroup mentally while running my own pace. I decided early on that I would not push hard early - walk/powerhike the hills when needed, keep the pace on flats and downhills controlled. One thing I am thankful for is bringing my phone with me for music as well as picture taking. I'm not going to win and the cutoff time is more than generous so I'm going to enjoy myself. Something I've come to realize in racing - having fun helps you relax and ultimately helps you race BETTER! It wasn't until about mile 5 or 6 that I finally catch up to someone. On a steep stretch of uphill I encounter a woman who doesn't appear to have any water or other source of nutrition. My first thought was that she wasn't in the event and just out for a hike. I was wrong. She was preparing for a big race in December and was coming off of injury, perhaps a little too soon. We chatted for a bit and she mentions that she will be dropping at the first aid station, mile 7.5. I wish her well and keep on. Looking forward to getting to that aid station for some food. All I had in my pack was 1 bag of Honey Stinger chews, having left the (Honey Stinger) bar in the car. Another lesson learned: Pack all of your food in your pack the night before. Being rushed in the morning led me to leave it behind, only to find it after the race - where it had fallen under the seat. The volunteers at the first aid station were amazing. A few runners had stuck around so we chatted a bit. One gentleman was dropping and another was taking an extended break due to some hip soreness.

I was feeling good, my hips were a little tight, but no major issues. I munch on a piece of PB sandwich, banana,a handful of chips, and a cup of sports drink. One of the volunteers, Susan or Suzanne, was kind enough to top off my pack with water. I had added a few tabs of nuun that morning so I was concerned about electrolytes. Took some salt tablets with me just to be safe along with another section of PB sandwich for the road. I am a very salty sweater and have had issues with cramping in the past.

The guy with the hip soreness was ready to take off at the same time I am so we bid farewell. We introduce ourselves -  his name is also named Jamie - !! - how awesome was that? He is from Portland, his family is waiting at the finish and this is his longest trail race ever! (Side note: How do I always find the trail race virgins?) We end up running for only a mile or 2 when he drops back, assuming he's not feeling too good. The rest of the race was downhill and this section was fairly steady, fire road (rocky, dirty) and an amazing view.

I hit the next aid station around mile 10. A smaller station, only 2 guys, but super friendly nonetheless. Grab another banana or PB sandwich and a small cup of coke. The caffeine really helped. This section of trail was beautiful and flat. The only downside were the dirtbikes. Having to jump to the side of the trail and let them pass, along with the gasoline smell they left behind, was not pleasant. I later learned that some of the guys on the bikes were patrolling the course so I felt a little sheepish at my hasty judgement. Glad to know they were lookin out. This also had to be some of the most scenic trail I've ever run on. I've quickly affirmed that I'm going to run this race next year, dare I say, maybe the 50k? We shall see.

  

On the home stretch, ie the last 3-4 miles, I encounter only 1 other person. I've been better than ok with the solitude which I really wasn't expecting. The only thing I would've done differently is had a little more food (that bar I have in the car would've been A-MAZ-ING right now!). I didn't feel bad but I did feel a little hungry and my blood sugar was getting low - I could tell because the negative talk would've been louder if not for the music.

The lady in the beanie told her husband to pour mine first. So grateful!

When I finally see cars parked on the side of the road near the trail I knew the finish line was close. I don't think I've ever been so happy to be finished! The finish line was well stocked and I enjoyed chatting with some fellow runners. Despite being hungry during the run, I really don't have an appetite once I finish. I eat the better part of a hamburger and a small cup of coke. As I approached the beer tent, a lady told her husband to pour my cup first since I had just finished running. Bless you, whomever you are! That was the best beer I've ever tasted.


I make my way to the restroom and then started to head to my car when I see Jamie coming in for his finish. I cheer him on and chat with him while he waits for his family to walk over and meet him. The volunteer, Susan/Suzanne, from the first aid station, is also here. We both thank her profusely and she offers to get Jamie his well deserved beer. I bid him farewell and get some info so I can track him down on Facebook and head to my car.

Arriving back at my car, a change of shirt and a quick rinse is definitely needed. Dried sweat and dirt will not do for an hour plus drive home. I make my way back to I-90 with the music cranked up, feeling an odd sense of euphoria given how far I just ran, akin to a buzz from a good glass of wine, but better! Physically I feel better after this race than I did after the half last weekend. I suppose that means I'm meant to race trails and not roads? I'll take that. I'm definitely running this race next year. 

Later that evening, I'm sharing my experience with a friend over the phone. At some point he said "I'm proud of you!" I was surprised at how good it was to hear that. I didn't need it but it felt wonderful! Those words truly meant a lot, so to that I say "Thank you." Sunday afternoon I finally get the details from my garmin. Including the extra mileage at the beginning with my missed turn, I ran just shy of 20 miles in roughly 5 hours (official times not available). I'm pretty impressed with myself, I must say.