Foggy Early Winter Double Mt. Tammany Run

I wanted to run yesterday, but it didn't workout.  Originally, I was going to head to the Delaware Water Gap.  However, we had some freezing rain, so I couldn't chance the travel.  Then, I did drive to South Mountain after dark, to get in a night run.  However, it was super foggy at the top of the mountain.  I couldn't take a chance with a crappy headlamp too.

I had to get out to run today.  I headed out mid afternoon to run at the Delaware Water Gap.  I was looking forward to climbing here while the weather is still cooperating.  It was semi warm for this time of year.  It was quite foggy, but most of the snow had melted.  I'm quickly learning that I always need a jacket this time of year for mountain climbs.  Some spots are cold, while others are hot.  With hiking parts of the climbs, I'm always chilly at some point.

I drove over to the parking lot in New Jersey.  The plan was to double loop Mt. Tammany and add some partial climbing toward Sunfish Pond, if time permitted.  I wanted to loop in each direction.  I figured that running up the Blue Trail would be easier, so I started with that.

The first part of this was awesome.  It was a clear trail with some gradual climbing and the creek flowing below, while the mountainsides were covered with snow.  I came across a women hiking and a guy with his dog.  I yelled early, so I didn't startle the woman.  The dog was small, but seemed to be in the fighting mood.  It didn't do anything though.  Those were the only two people that I saw all run.  I had the place mostly to myself on this dreary day.

I got on to the blue trail.  I had already climbed a few hundred feet.  I ran the early part of the Blue Trail.  Somewhere around 400 feet of elevation gain, my breathing just got too labored and I began hiking.  That first climb is always so challenging, when my body isn't ready to run and I breathe heavy.

This Blue Trail was definitely a combination of running and hiking.  Some parts are fairly flat and runnable.  Others, are just too steep for me right now, or too rocky.  It seemed like it took quite awhile to get to the top.  Some of the scenery was neat.  Near the top, there was snow off to the sides of the trail and a lot of fog in the air.

I was happy that the rocks weren't bothering my feet too much.  They have recovered since the DWG Fatt Ass.  It was great to get to the top.  My back was a little sore from the climb.  I sure wearing a hydration pack didn't help much either.

It had been warm on the climb, but now it was chilly as I came to the windy side of the mountain.  I was running along the ridge and cruising along.  Then, right off to the side of the trail was a deer.  He just stared at me.  I stopped and stared back.  I couldn't quite believe how close he was and he didn't seem to care that I was getting closer.  I didn't want to scare him too much, so I kept standing and watching.  Finally, he headed up into the grass a bit and I walked past.  That was definitely my closest deer encounter to date. 

I cruised along the Blue Trail and then it ended.  I was at the top with the view of Mt. Minsi, except it was so foggy that you couldn't see anything.  That was interesting.

I was then on to the Red Dot Trail.  I missed the main part of it again, just like in the race.  I thought going downhill would be tough.  I was worried that I'd slip.  While it wasn't easy and I couldn't exactly run down at a decent clip, it wasn't quite slow either.  Getting down the rock scramble was somewhat interesting.

The great thing about running this mountain twice was that I got to know it better.  I've still only run or hiked here a handful of times.  I'm learning where I can and can't run.  That will be a big help going forward.

It was great to finally get to the bottom.  It took me just over an hour and I think I would've finished up under an hour without stopping for the deer.  That was worth it though.

I stopped at my car briefly.  I opened my bag and ate 3 pretzels.  I sure needed the nutrition.  I was sweating, so I drank some more.  I then headed back out.

This time, I would head up Mt. Tammany on the Red Dot Trail first.  This is the way that the crazy loop race in the spring goes.  I'm not ready to do that one.  I ran for quite a bit, but this is a tough one.

I was hoping to make it to the rock scramble section before having to hike.  However, that didn't happen.  One early section was fairly rocky and steep.  I pushed through for a bit before hiking.  So much of climbing is mental and I need to work on it, although of course I was breathing heavy.  It's really a matter of how long you can hold out and suffer through.

I went up the rock scramble fairly quickly.  I put gloves on partway through, so that I wouldn't cut my hands on the jagged edges.  Even after the rockiest part, I wasn't able to run much.  It was still rocky and steep.  That was disappointing.  I did run where I could though.

My back bothered me a lot hiking up this time.  At the top, I was around 2500 feet of elevation gain, with only about 5 miles completed.  That is certainly tough.  I was happier with this summit when compared to the other direction.  I ran more of this than I anticipated.  Still, I hiked a lot.

I ran along the ridge again on the Blue Trail.  My deer friend was still there hanging out, although farther up into the woods.  I wondered if I would see him again.  I came across two more deer a short time later on the bottom side of the ridge.  They ran off a little more than the first deer.  I tiptoed over all the rocks at the top.

Descending the Blue Trail is fun.  I was able to pretty much run down the whole thing, although slowly.  It was still quite wet.  I was amazed that I had yet to fall and then it happened.  I was almost walking down a flat rock and slide and fell on my butt.  Luckily, it was just a little dirty and didn't actually hurt.

I continued to cruise down the hill.  I kept an eye on my watch, as I was hoping to complete this loop in under an hour.  I came to the bottom of the Blue Trail and made my way toward the Appalachian Trial.  The footbridges were icy, so I had to be careful.

I wanted to run back to my car, drop my pack and then run a little more.  I was at about 2500 feet of elevation gain and I wanted to run to 3000 feet of elevation gain.  I came across the woman from early and this time I caused her to jump.  She asked how far and where I'd run.  She was impressed when I told her.  I think this loop took about 56 minutes.

I headed back out after dropping my pack.  Darkness was closing in.  I was only planning on a short bit of running though.  I chatted with the woman briefly again and was then on my way.  Since I was running the more gradual section toward Sunfish Pond, I was able to run most of it.  I did hike a little.

I gradually went up and up.  I was closing in on 3000 feet.  At one point, the trail flattened for awhile.  I was just short of my goal elevation gain, but decided to turn around.  I had already gone out about a mile.

I headed back.  I could see the shadows of the mountains at one point and they just looked awesome at dusk.  I had to pay attention though, because there were plenty of rocks and I could barely see them.

I cruised down of a bit and then when I got to a fairly steep descent, I turned around and ran back up briefly.  I went until my watch was over 3000 feet.  Of course, when I did an elevation correction later, it was just shy of that.

I finished up just in time.  It was getting super dark and I didn't have my headlamp on.  It was great to be done with such a productive run.  I got a lot climbing in, so it was a great day once again.  I'm very happy with it.  I'll be back to this place over and over and over again.

Tomorrow, I'm sticking a little closer to home.  I'm hoping to run a loop at South Mountain (Lehigh).  That should be about 8 miles, with some climbing, but less than today.  It should be a little more relaxing of a day.  I'm running a 50k on Saturday, so I don't want to overdo it.  I'm hoping I'll be able to end the week with over 10,000 feet of elevation gain.  That would be outstanding.


9.57 miles - 2:31:55 (15:52 pace) 2,914 feet of elevation gain

Worlds End State Park Winter Run

I've had small nagging injuries and then I've been working like crazy lately.  I haven't run anywhere near as much as I wanted to.  I set up a night run last night, but no one showed up.  I needed a great, even EPIC run today.  The Eagles played on Thanksgiving, so my whole day was free.

I've been wanting to run at Worlds End State Park.  It is pretty far, but seemed to have some awesome climbs and great views.  I headed out there late in the morning and got started around noon.  The plan was to run for like 3-5 hours.  I was hoping that that would translate into 20 miles or so.

I parked at the main office and grabbed a map.  I had planned a route, but I wanted to make sure that it made sense.  There was a nice seven mile or so loop that I found that would have plenty of challenging climbs.

Dressing was a real challenge.  There was snow on the ground, but it was pretty warm.  I needed to make sure my ankles were covered from the snow.  At first, I was going to wear tights.  Then, I saw compression socks in my bag.  That was perfect as I wore them with shorts.  I had a light long sleeve top and jacket over it.  I didn't want the jacket, but I figured I might need it at times with the slow go of this run/hike.

I headed on to the Link Trail.  The Loyalsock Trail seemed like the much steeper option, so I figured that the more gradual option was better for the start.  I could get my breathing under control too.

So much for easy.  It was a rock scramble next to a stream.  It was a slow go and I had to make sure not to slip into the water.  I survived.  There was more snow than I expected.  Luckily, it was soft, slushy snow. 

After working my way along the creek, it was time to cross the road and climb.  I ran for a bit, but even this way was steep.  I had to hike.  At least it wasn't too bad.  I didn't slide backwards or anything.  That had been a real concern with the crappy traction of my trail shoes.

This climb actually wasn't as long as I thought it would be.  It sure was steep, but hiking most of it meant that I was to the top fairly quickly.  I ran by some cool rocks along a ridge.  Luckily, I looked at map earlier, or I might've missed going the correct direction.

After some of the rocks, I came down to the Loyalsock Canyon Vista.  This a spectacular view of several mountains in a row.  I stayed there for a bit and ate part of a sandwich.  I then went to see this cool Rock Garden, with giant boulders. 

I saw a couple mountain bikers and they were impressed that I was wearing shorts.  I told them I was sort of running.  I checked a map again and began running downhill.  This was my biggest concern.  I was able to run for awhile, but then I was along a ridge and it was too risky to run.  I walked down carefully.

It took awhile to get back down.  I decided to change up my route.  I'd headed back to the car and then climb back up the Loyalsock Trail.  This first climb had been about 1,000 feet, in only about 2 miles.

I had trouble on the Link Trail again.  I ran through it faster and with more confidence this time.  However, I missed the trail markings.  I should've paid more attention.  Eventually, I headed in the right way and was back at the car.

I then found the Worlds End Trail.  This was the steep climb that I was going to avoid.  However, I decided to run it.  I ran for a bit, but then it got too steep.  It was almost hard to hike up.  I kept climbing at an intersection.  That came up quickly, so it threw me off.  I should've turned there.

Instead, I was climbing more and more.  It was super steep and very short.  At one point, I was going up a sketchy ridge.  I saw deer prints and was wondering how smoothly it made its way up the trail.  That, I would've loved to see.  After a bit, the trail was slightly overgrown and there was a sign for the trail.  I realized that maybe I was supposed to turn earlier.

I now had to make my way back down.  This would be interesting I knew.  It sure was and I had to be super careful to not fall off the side of the mountain.  I grabbed some small trees, but I made it down.  It was great to be back at the car once more.

I ate more of my sandwich and some chips.  I had climbed a bit, but was still only around mile 5.  It was crazy.  It was such a slow go too.  Next, I went up the other mountains across the park.  The plan was to take the High Rock Trail.

The High Rock Trail was supposed to go to some waterfalls.  I missed them I guess, but I did cross over the water.  Then, I saw why it was called High Rock Trail.  There was a crazy rock scramble that was hard to even find the way.  It was snowy and I had to be careful.  I was very slow.

This went through a cool pine forest section.  Then, it came out to a view.  I wanted more running, so I headed back down.  The downhill rock scramble took forever, but again I made it without falling.

I decided that I would run up the Butternut Trail now.  That was another climb.  I wasn't sure how tough it would be.  As I went from the High Rock Trail to the Butternut Trail, I slipped and fell around the turn.  It was an easy turn, but muddy.  That was my only fall.  I banged my knee and that really stung, but I continued on.

I was able to run a lot of this in the beginning.  It was a wide woods road.  My feet got wet in some sloppy conditions a few times, but luckily I kept my feet pretty dry for most of the run.  This climb was still a run and hike combination.

It went to a loop and I took the upper road.  It was a woods road for a bit, but then turned into a ridge singeltrack.  That was fun, but I had to be careful again.

This area was beautiful.  It went around the mountain to a high mountain creek.  Then, I crossed the small creek and the trail followed on the other side.  This is some of my favorite type of trail.  It then went around the mountain on the other side.

Eventually, I came to another vista.  This one was just okay.  I followed the loop trail back.  I thought it would be quite runnable, like the other part of the loop.  I was sure wrong.  It was super rocky and tricky.  I had to go very slow over these boulders.  I laughed when I got to mile 9 and it was over 3 hours into the run.  That's super slow. 

I had to be careful along the ridge.  Then, it opened up a bit at times.  I could run downhill some more.  When I got back to the end of the loop, I went uphill for another 100+ feet.  I wanted to make sure to get over 3,000 feet of elevation gain.  I did just that.

I headed back down the woods road.  I then was back into the park area.  I had to run on the road briefly.  I got back to my car to finish up.

This was an outstanding winter run.  It was all I had thought it would be and more.  The snow cover made it both more challenging and more spectacular.  Without it, it wouldn't have mattered.  This is an excellent park.  It had so many different types of terrain and so much challenging climbing.  I'll be back there for sure.

I wish I could've got more miles in, but I was thrilled with all of the elevation gain.  My back was pretty sore by the end and I had pushed my legs a bit.  I don't need to overdo it, since I have a 50k on Saturday.  Perhaps most important, I was happy to not get hurt.  In hindsight, this was quite the dangerous place to run alone in these conditions.

I plan on challenging myself in winter runs/hikes like this.  In winter, I've usually run on roads.  I'm done with that now.  I'm running or getting climbs in any way possible, no matter how much snow we have.  There's a great video of Anton Krupicka running in the snow and I used that as inspiration today.  I was signing the songs from it often.

I'm not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow.  I'm hoping to have time now and get back into the swing of running regularly again.  I'd like to run tomorrow, but it is the first day of hunting season, so I need to be careful.  We shall see what happens.

10.37 miles - 3:25:04 (19:46 pace)

Pre Thanksgiving Snowfall

I had a brief period of time for my run today, in between work sessions.  It was the first snow of the year and we got at least 5 inches.  I couldn't resist and I headed to Jacobsburg.

The snow was heavier earlier, but it was still falling.  I had on all my winter gear.  I was the only one in the parking lot.  I did see a guy walking his dog in the beginning.  There were some footprints and bike tracks throughout.

The scenery was beautiful.  I did the usual 6 mile loop.  The beginning amongst the tall trees was amazing.  I stopped over and over again to take photos on this run.

Some of the uphills were interesting.  The snow was very runnable, which is something I had been worried about.  That said, it did still slow me down.  I survived though. 

The singletrack portions of the run were a mess.  The snow was melting and it was slushy.  Luckily, I didn't get hit by any of the snow that was falling from the trees.

Even with frequently stops, I still ran the entire run under a 10 minute pace.  The powerline climb was quite the struggle.  I battled and battled up that.  I had to dodge a few fallen tree branches.

It was an eventful run, but definitely worth it.  There's nothing quite like running in the snow.  I'm hoping to do much, much more of it over the winter.  This sure was quite the early snowfall.  I will take my snowshoes out at some point too.

Tomorrow, is the craziest day of the year at work.  After that, I can hopefully relax a little on Friday.  I need to make sure to sign up for a 50k on Friday.  It sells out fast.

6 miles - 55:44 (9:17 pace)

First Run at Warren Highlands Trail (Marble Hill)

I've been so busy at work.  Every day, I take my trail shoes and gear with me to work, hoping that I can find some time to run.  That finally happened today, as I had a 3 PM order and then an 8:45 PM order.

The order was in Phillipsburg, so I decided to run a nearby trail, The Warren Highlands Trail.  It's a new one that I explored by hiking a few months back, but haven't run yet.  I discovered it by accident while doing a road run over there.

I was hoping to find the upper lot, but I had no luck, so I parked on the lot on River Road.  It was great weather.  I was able to wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt.  When can you do that in late November?  Of course it won't last with snow coming tomorrow.  I also put on my orange vest, since it said you could hunt there.

When I started out over the summer or early fall, the grassy first section was quite overgrown, so I drove up the road to the lot.  Today, the grass was dead and this section was a breeze.  Before long, I was on to the singletrack.

This part was fairly rocky and my foot bothered me slightly.  It got better as the run went on though.  There was quite a bit of early climbing.  What made it cool was that it was a singletrack along the ridge.  You had a seasonal view of the Delaware River on the other side, as you climbed.

It seemed like I went up and up and up.  The climb was gradual and not too challenging (other than it was early in the run).  My breathing was only slightly labored.  I stopped for a few photos, but mostly I ran on.  I thought I gained a lot more elevation on this climb than I actually did.  It was still quality though.

The singletrack does weave in and out after climbing.  The leaves are now on the ground and following the trail started getting tricky.  The problem is that it isn't used too often, so you really have to focus on the blazes.

I ended up missing the blue blazes when the trail split with the yellow trail.  That meant some fairly steep downhill running.  This part is used even less and even more difficult to follow.  It was still fun though.

Eventually, I somehow made it to the road.  I ran on the road a bit, until the parking lot that I knew.  Then, I quickly checked a map and headed back out on the yellow trail.

I was trying to find the link back up with the blue trail.  Again, I wasn't paying much attention.  I ended up passing a hunter in camouflage with a bow and arrow.  That was weird because I think he was in a section that doesn't allow hunting.

The trail seemed to get worse and worse.  Shortly after passing the hunter, I didn't see yellow blazes any more.  That was frustrating, but I continued on.  Eventually, I came to a bunch of disgarded tires.  I ran on some more and lost the trail.  I went back to the tires because I knew the other trail must lead to the road.

It did and I began running on the road.  I was hoping to find the blue trail some how.  I thought it went by the fairgrounds, so I wanted to go there.  I was on the road for quite some time.

I don't like running on roads, but this was a nice one.  It was lightly traveled with rolling hills through farmland.  I could see the Delaware Water Gap and Wind Gap from high above.  I ran by a bunch of cows and sheep. 

Going up one climb, I was surprised by a bicyclist passing me.  He was encouraging me as I was breathing heavy.  I kept going and going, but this road never ended and I never found the trail.  Finally, I turned around at mile 4.

It was nice knowing that I could go mostly downhill on the way back.  A dog at a house barked at me.  I had been more worried about the cows, because their fence looked weak.  They did nothing though.  I saw a horse along the road as well.  I enjoyed running into the setting sun.  It was getting chilly.

I wanted to try something different.  Therefore, I decided to run up this powerline near the parking lot.  It looked super steep and like crazy fun.  It was grass covered, but relatively clear.  I figured I'd give it a try.

That was a mistake.  I ended up running for a bit.  Then, it simply got too steep and muddy.  I had to hike.  I was hoping to make it to the flat part.  I ran a little more, but mostly I just hiked all the way up.  I think it was about 300 feet of elevation gain in about two tenths of a mile.  That's just insane.  It seemed like a perfect place to practice both running and hiking for Hyner.  I may come back to do repeats there.

This got me a lot of elevation gain and I was now over 1,000 feet.  At the top, I encountered the blue trail.  I ran on it, but it was tricky to follow.  It was overgrown in this area in the summer and there were still branches here and there.  A giant tree was even blocking the path.  I had to watch closely for the blazes.  Eventually, I found them.

As I got farther along, the trail was more worn down.  It really opened up and became fun.  That was especially true as I went downhill.  Before I knew it, I was running along the ridge and then I was at the bottom of the ridge.

I was closing in on 8 miles as I got through the grassy part.  There is another powerline, perhaps the same one, near there.  I ran up this for less than a tenth of a mile.  This was a more gradual climb.  It was fun.  It would be good for more runnable repeats.  I then finished up with 8 miles and walked back down to my car.

This is an excellent place to run.  It has some fun and somewhat challenging singletrack.  I can get some crazy powerline climbs in if I chose too.  I like having a trail like this so close.  I do wish it was used more often.  Maybe when the whole Highlands Trail is finished, it will be awesome.

I have no idea when I'm going to run again.  I'd love to get out in the snow for an hour or so tomorrow.  That depends on how the day goes.  I want to play in the snow.  If I can't run then, I probably won't make it out there until Black Friday.

8 miles - 1:25:44 (10:43 pace)

Short Trexler Night Run

I was going to run all afternoon at Trexler (in between orders).  However, the winter clothes that I had with me would've been too warm.  Therefore, I headed home for the afternoon.

I was determined though.  My night order was very late at night, so I decided on a night run at Trexler.  It was just before 7 PM when I got there.

Once the sun set, it was near freezing again.  The temperature was 34 degrees.  I had on tights, a ColdGear top, fleece vest, gloves and a headband.  It was super windy and freezing at the start, but comfortable at other times.

There was a dog barking when I parked.  That was annoying.  I also had to go to the bathroom, but it is a far walk there, so I elected not to go before starting.  That was a huge mistake.

I borrowed my dad's headlamp, rather than use my own.  I'm not sure how good his batteries were, but his light wasn't great.  It was adequate, but a little hard to see.  At least the trail is relatively smooth.  My eyes were watering, so that didn't help my vision either.

I ran down the early hills and started up the first steep hill.  I was breathing a little heavy and it was kind of tough.  I knew I could run up it, but decided not to push it.  I hiked the final third of it.  There was loud music coming from my left.  It could've been an event at the zoo.  I have no idea what else it could've been.

I continued on, but wasn't feeling great.  I felt the bathroom urges come on during the uphills.  They would be gone on the downhills though.  As I neared the zoo extra, I saw two pair of glowing green eyes.  They were about the height of deer.

I continued through the rocky section and on to the road crossing.  I then headed up the long gradual hill.  My bathroom urges got worse and worse.  I didn't even make it to the first flat part of the hill.  I had to stop and walk. 

That ended my run.  I decided to turn around and just hike all the way back.  That was kind of nice, but a little chilly.

This was disappointing, but at least I got some miles in.  I might have to come back there before my night run there next weekend.  I can test it out. 

I'll be so busy with work over the next week.  I have no idea when I'll be able to run.  I'll run whenever I can. 

1.54 miles - 15:48 (10:18 pace)

Near Midnight and Sub Freezing J-burg Run

It's been a crazy busy week in work.  I haven't run since the weekend.  Today, I worked from about 11 in the morning until 11 at night.  Even though I was exhausted, I was determined to run.

I decided to head to Jacobsburg for a night trail run.  It was 11:33 PM when I started.  The plan was to run the Sober's Run loop.  Most of it would be easy, but I was hoping to run some of the technical singletrack.  I was even planning to do a short loop and cross the creek too, right before finishing up.

This plan was crazy enough, but the weather made it even more nuts.  It has barely been above freezing during the day, the last two days.  It was 27 degrees when I started the run.  I had on tights, a ColdGear top, gloves, a headband and even a fleece vest.

I parked in the small lot, started my watch and was going.  My headlamp wasn't too bright, but I figured it would be okay on this non technical course.  It is a flat start and then shortly after that, I climbed the powerline.  That wasn't bad and my breathing seemed good.  Even though the temperature was cold, I was actually kind of warm with all of my gear.

The powerline was good at first, then my major problem began.  The headlamp began to flicker and shut off.  I was able to turn it back on a few times.  That was good because there are boards on this uphill.  I could've tripped on them.

Since I couldn't see, the climb wasn't as daunting as usual.  In fact, it seemed super easy and was over in no time.  The headlamp went on and off a few times, before the regular lamp part was gone for good.

Now, all I had was a faint red color.  Still, that was better than nothing.  I had to really focus, but at least I could see.  I ran along.  The run seemed to be going by quickly.  I was starting the long descent.

Luckily, this trail is quite wide.  It was also fairly bright, even though the moon isn't at its strongest phase right now.  At least I could make out where the trail was, even though I couldn't see.

On the way down, even my red light went out.  It went back to a very faint normal light.  It wasn't enough light to see.  I just had to run on feel and knowledge of the course.  I always felt like I've run Jacobsburg so many times that I could run it in the dark.  Now, I was putting that to the test.  For the most part, I was successful.

I had to be careful on the downhill because there were some more boards.  I could just see them.  I did nearly stumble a few times, as there were a few uphill bumps.  I bashed my foot on a few rocks, but luckily this section was great.  There weren't many of those.  With all the rest I've had lately and putting some inserts into my shoes, my left foot is doing much, much better.  I'm still going to take care of it though and be careful.

I almost missed one turn, but other than that, things were easy.  Since I had no light, I couldn't head to the singletrack section.  That was disappointing.  I went back on the main trail.  This part is like a smooth rail trail and in fact, across the road is a rail trail.

I couldn't see too well in this section.  It can get muddy at times and I was slightly worried about potential ice.  I had not issues though.  I cruised along and finished up.  My water bottle was beginning to freeze. 
 
I wasn't able to get as much running done as I wanted, but it was still a productive night.  The trail run was much needed after a long day at work.  I may have to get here more often at night.  I have a new friend and she trail runs at night all the time.  I thought about that and it was a big inspiration to get me out there after work.  I also thought that it would be a good test to run at night when I'm tired.  That's good practice for future ultras.

I'm busy again at work tomorrow.  I might have some free time in the afternoon though.  I'm hoping to run at Trexler again.  I want to do the 10 mile loop.  I'd even love to do it twice.  This might be my only chance in the next two week to run for several hours.  Work will be super busy.

2.49 miles - 21:46 (8:45 pace)

First Long Trexler Loop

With my banged up foot, I took Saturday off.  I nearly took Sunday off too.  It is hard to get out there when you aren't 100%.  Rest would be better anyway.  However, I couldn't sit around all day.

I went to the drugstore and got an insert for my shoe.  I figured maybe it would help my foot.  It was awkward at first, but seemed to do a pretty good job on this run.  I headed to Trexler to run.  I've never run the longer loop and wanted to try that.  It adds quite a bit more elevation in 1.5 additional miles.

The weather was tricky.  It was quite cold, around 40 degrees, even in the afternoon.  Since I wasn't going hard, I decided on tights and a light weight long sleeve shirt.  I also had on a hat and gloves.  It was a bit much, but still manageable.  At least I wisely elected to go without the fleece vest.  Clothing decisions are always tough because it is much colder and windier at the start.

I began taking it easy.  Going up the steep early hill was quite tough.  My breathing in the cold air was labored.  I didn't stop running though.  I ran that first mile at just under 9 minutes.  It was a solid start.

This was a good course for my foot.  It isn't too rocky and most of the rocks are small and loose.  I managed to handle it pretty well.  A few times I did hit a rock funny and it hurt a bit.  I survived though and am getting better day by day.

This whole beginning was rather uneventful.  It is kind of funny because most people like Trexler when it is full of color.  It was dead and gloomy today and that is perfect for me.  That means cool weather.  My breathing wasn't bad, but it was slightly labored for longer than I expected. 

My right leg was sore early, but that went away.  I thought maybe it was from running differently with my messed up foot, but I'm not actually sure.  The only other issue was a good amount of mud.  That made it slippery.  My shoes aren't good on rocks or slippery conditions.

I continued to cruise along.  I ran straight through until the big hill.  It was early and I was taking a new route, so I hiked quite a bit of that hill.  I ran the next hill after that, but was quite beat so I walked the flat part at the top.

I didn't eat lunch before the run.  I was concerned about not having many calories.  Luckily, I was taking it easy.  I turned on to the green trail, for the new route.  It climbed right away.  I wasn't quite prepared for that.  It was a mix of running and hiking for me.

This climb was a good workout.  After the green trail, I took the orange trail.  This whole area was a mix of running and hiking.  I was being conservative.

Luckily for me, there was a kiosk at the top.  I stopped and took out a map and made sure I went the correct way.  I did so.  I saw a pheasant run across the trail.  I had see a runner earlier, but other than that I was on my own.

I almost didn't see the turn for the white trail.  I noticed it at the last minute.  It was a steep descent.  I bet it is an awesome climb in the other direction.  At the bottom, I crossed a small feeder creek.  I didn't even have to get my feet wet.

I crossed the road and was on to the blue trail.  I knew part of this loop.  Turning right went along the creek and was the easier route to the zoo area.  However, I took the route to the left.  That was a climb up to the top of the ridge.

Again, this was a mix of running and hiking.  It wasn't as tough of a climb as I expected, but it sure wasn't easy either.  It had switchbacks and some opportunities to recover on brief flat parts.  It was nice to get to the top of the ridge.  There were some pretty views of the zoo and area down below.

I ran along the ridge.  Then, the hill began to descend.  I was startled by a white creature along the trail, in the woods.  I then realized it had a collar and was just a dog.  Its owner came up the trail later.  I thought this part was remote, but it wasn't.  I was close to the bottom.

I had to use the bathroom at the bottom of the trail.  That cost me some time.  I was in no hurry.  I crossed the creek over the bridge. 

Next, it was on to the route that starts the Quadzilla race.  That's smooth and flat and then I turned back on to trail.  That had a short climb that wasn't too tough.  I think I took a slight shortcut on to the border trail.

I still had quite a few miles to go and was exhausted.  At least I knew the route now.  That was a big help as I battled along.  On flat or downhill sections, I had no breathing issues.  I struggled a little on the one gradual hill.  I was able to keep running though.

I knew that the long uphill after the road would be tricky.  In that area, they were building a canopy.  I guess they are going to use it with a bench.  That looks pretty cool.

This long hill was tough, but I went slow and battled up it.  I just focused on each step.  I knew I could run up and recover after that.  That is exactly what I did.  There was a lot of junk from KidsPeace across the trail.  That was disappointing.

I enjoyed the rolling hills after the dirt road segment.  I was thrilled to get to mile 9 and know that I was nearly done.  I knew there would be one tough climb left.  I crossed the road and that part began.

Again, this climb was tough, but all mental.  Climbing is largely mental.  Your breathing gets labored and your legs burn, but you have to ignore it and keep running.  Of course, knowing the route and successfully making the climb before is a big help.  I was able to do it again today.  I struggled to get up this steep part, but I did it.

I came up to two kids before the last short uphill.  I ran by them and their father.  He said something to me and I met him in the parking lot a short bit later.  I told him the route I took.

I went up that last short hill.  Then, I ran out to the gate in the parking lot.  I headed back toward the trail.  I wanted to get to mile 10.  I had only been to 9.9 miles when I arrived at the top.  My watch actually stopped at 9.99 miles.

This was a great new route.  I will take it often.  I'm even eager to take it twice next time.  That would be an impressive 20 miles and around 4,000 feet of elevation gain.  Most importantly, a lot of it is runnable.

I'm glad my foot feels good too.  I think it is supposed to rain tomorrow.  If so, I'm not sure that I'll run.  Maybe an easy one at Jacobsburg, if I do.  I have a morning and night order on Tuesday.  I may try to run again in between.  Perhaps I'll go to Trexler and run this route again.  It's the best option for elevation gain, without too many rocks.

9.99 miles - 1:41:59 (10:12 pace) and 1,913 ft of elevation gain