Week 2- Tour de Western

March 31st, 2009 Posted in Story, Training

So the weather broke really fast - we went from snow squalls and 1.5 feet at 5,000′ elevation to summer-like temps in the high 60s and 70s two days later - ah, Northern Cali - we love it!  Notice the difference a week makes in the pictures below.  On the left is the Michigan Bluff monument from a week ago Sunday covered in a foot of snow.  On the right is the same monument this past Sunday - 7 days later!

I’m up to ~225 miles for TdW (Tour de Western) and continue to gather valuable time on the Western and neighboring canyon trails.  LOTS of hill training.  This past week I was running Volcano Canyon and came upon a homeless man, living in his truck up in wilderness between Michigan Bluff and Foresthill.  As I ran by his truck he woke up (he was asleep in the front seat) and yelled out, “You know where you’re going?”  I responded, “Yep, going to Michigan Bluff, up the hill there.”  I walked back to his truck as he seemed like he was lonely and Tony and I had a nice half hour chat talking about the mountains, mining for gold and jade, his life (recently kicked out of his home - couldn’t make the mortgage), living in the wilderness, the Forest Service clearing of underbrush to help prevent forest fires and the economy.  Although Tony didn’t look the part - living in the wilderness for 6 months had weather his face, long beard, long scraggly hair and filthy - he was a sharp fellow who seemed more lonely than discouraged and despite his circumstances, possessed a positive attitude and love for his country.  I’ll be back this week with a grocery gift card -he seemed to be survivnig on beans, peas and Propel added to his water.  Meeting Tony on Sunday helped the rest of the run go by quickly and reminded me how lucky we are.

I snapped a few photos along the Volcano Canyon trail.  It’s the third canyon we cross in Western - the first being out of Last Chance down to Swinging Bridge and back up to Devil’s Thumb; the second down through Deadwood to El Dorado Creek and up the Michigan Bluff; the third is Volcano Canyon down to Volcano Creek and the foot of Bath Road and then up to Foresthill; then there is the Cal Loop down to Rucky Chuck river crossing and up to Green Gate; then its bring it on home through Auburn Lakes Trail, Brown’s Bar and then up the second to last steep climb on the Quarry Trail to Highway 49 Crossing; then down to No Hands Bridge and up the final climb to Robie Point and the finish 1.5 miles away.

It’s been a bit of a catharsis for me being back on the Western Trails after a 13 year hiatus.  I must admit, no other place gives me the feeling of truly being home like these trails.  As difficult as the terrain is, I find it more relaxing and less effort to invest 4,5 or 8 hours on these paths than any other place I’ve run.  There is definitely a spiritual connection for me - a feeling of coming home.

So I’ve had the chance to run from Devil’s Thumb at mile 47 to the finish at least once - some places two or three times.  I’m feeling more reacquainted with the trails, the nuances and the terrain - just what I was hoping for.  I very much look forward to returning in June and completing the journey I started in 1994 - to complete the Western States Endurance Run.  I’m more confident than ever, that I can achieve my goal.  Whatever I’ve lost in foot speed and strength I’ve gained in wisdom, enlightenment and a peaceful calm.  I’m not worried about finishing.  I’m not agitated about preparing.  I’m just looking forward to the day and being surrounded by my family and close friends and sharing this exceptional experience with them.  What more could a person ask for?

Well, with a week to go and AR50 on Saturday, it’s back to the trails!