RUN HAPPY

Today felt like the first day of school all over again for me. Pigeon and I had planned a run together and at the last minute we decided to join a group that she has run off and on with out at ADO (Auburn Damn Overlook). I had a feeling that I would know a few people, but the majority of everyone I met for the first time.

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Everyone was very nice and made me feel welcome, as trail runners typically do. It was just sort of funny being the “new kid” on the block. As I have mentioned before, when running with Pigeon or TiggerT, I feel like I am in the presence of a celebrity as everyone they pass says hello to them by name.

As we started off down the trail, it was definitely a bit chilly out. My lucky arm warmers were still in the wash from last weekend’s run so I went with a long sleeve shirt. That was new for me. I also did a complete over haul of my pre run fueling. As I have documented for some time, the fueling for my runs has been hit or miss. What used to work in the past was not sitting well for longer runs. With my 20 mile run in Cool coming up next weekend, I needed to get this squared away. I am saving the specifics for a later post as I want to experiment a bit more but I will say, what I did this morning, for today’s run was awesome. I felt great the whole way and I also felt as if I had enough energy to carry me most of the miles without needing to fuel.

I also used a new hydration pack today for the first time. Again, I want to run in it a few more times before I share what I think but so far so good today despite my initial doubts.

Fueling break
Fueling break

We ran from ADO to No Hands Bridge (above photo) and then we ran over to the Cool Fire Station. We did not go up K2 this time (thankfully).

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When we got to the fire station you would have thought that a party was happening! There were so many cars! Hikers, runners and mountain bikers were all out enjoying the amazing weather and temperatures we’ve been having lately.

Lots of cars!
Lots of cars!

Once everyone had a chance to use the porta potty and refuel we were on our way. The whole group was running 20 miles but Pigeon and I had decided early on that we were in line for about 16 today and would eventually have to stop running with the group and then turn and run on our own back to ADO.

I have to say it was really great running with a group today. There were bunches of mini conversations happening all around me and we even passed the Fleet Feet Training Group led by Coach Nikon. It felt like old times seeing Coach Nikon while also having the chance to run with Miss P!!

Miss P returns!
Miss P returns!

Pigeon and I really enjoy running together but we both agreed that sometimes it is nice to break up the routine a bit. When it was time to say goodbye to the group we ran back the way we came down the trail before turning left.

The run back was quieter. Well, it was quiet until a man and his dog came out of no where right behind me causing me to scream (like a total girl) and flap my hands (like a moron) while Pigeon apologized for my reaction and simultaneously trying to control her own laughter.
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What can I say? It is always an adventure when you run with me. Shortly after the dog incident, we saw two otters/beavers (no idea what they were really) in the river swimming! They were huge and when I grabbed my camera to take their photo, they dove under the water and never resurfaced!?

The run back was beautiful. The views of the (dried) up river were pretty spectacular. We stopped a few times to take some photos.

So pretty!
So pretty!

When we made it back to ADO the mileage came to 16.5. Although my legs were feeling tired, they still had some spunk in them as I managed to run up a few of the hills leading to the parking lot. I like to test them near the ends of our runs, just to see what I really have left in the tank.

Overall, I am very happy with today’s run and I know Pigeon was too. We both felt that we fueled well and that our legs felt strong. It is kind of neat to see some of our hard work during the week pay off. I managed some tempo and speed work this week and even a few hill repeats on Thursday evening (which I think was why my legs felt so tired so early on). Our fitness levels are definitely increasing and that made our mind-set very peaceful too.

We ran just like my new visor (yes, another new item) said to today ….

Run Happy
Run Happy

In other Trailmomma news, I wanted to share with you a review that I was asked to do for one of my all time favorite podcast’s website: Ultrarunnerpodcast.com  Ultrarunnerpodcast.com is a podcast that I listen to on iTunes and it is hosted by Eric Schranz and Scotty Sandow. These two guys are local Sacramento guys who love trail running, drinking beer and interviewing all the top trail and road runners on the scene. Their podcasts are well done and highly entertaining. One day, podcaster Eric Schranz had posed the question on Facebook if  there was anyone who wears zero drop shoes and wanted to review Altra’s shoe the Lone Peak 1.5. When I reached out to him I was just beginning to run in the Altra Superiors. Eric gave me a pair of the Lone Peaks to wear, run and review. You can read my review over on their website at www.ultrarunnerpodcast.com   and if you can, listen to their podcasts on iTunes (especially if you are local, like beer and like to follow all the top runners).

This has been a pretty awesome start to what will be a three day weekend in the Trailmomma house. The week started off a bit rough with a sick Squeaker who spent two days home from daycare with a fever and bad cough. I didn’t mind the quality time and I know Vans didn’t either. The girls love being home with him because he will take them to the duck park … they know that wouldn’t happen on my watch.

Way too close in my opinion!
Way too close in my opinion!
This is more my style.
This is more my style.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! I may have a special post coming out Monday evening as well so be on the look out!

Happy Trails & Run Happy!

~Trailmomma

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