I want to thank Enzo for helping out in a big way last week by organizing and chauffeuring the runners - way beyond the call of duty! What an awesome RD! And thanks to Jacquie for writing the report. Also thanks to Ean "Action" Jackson who hooked up with the group last week - the runners picked up some great sandbagging tips from the seasoned veteran.
The weather was the major story again this week. We had typical Pacific NW coast weather - 4 seasons in one day. A group of 8 runners along with Ziggy the Wonderdog got together for what will probably be our longest training run time-wise. Our Sunday runs have become so popular we even had a runner, Kathy, come all the way from Prince George to join us.
The climb up from Eagleridge Drive brought back all those memories we selectively forget from the previous years - don't believe anyone when they tell you it gets easier the more you run it. Black Mtn ain't getting any less steep! But we were rewarded with a nice view at the top - gray misty clouds all around. Splendid!
We stayed fairly close together and regrouped several times on the journey to Cleveland Dam. The lack of snow made it a lot easier to navigate the trail on Black Mtn - we didn't get lost once! (well except for one runner but I won't mention any names, he did get back on track and join us). Cruising into Cleveland Dam, Stephan caught up and joined us for the remainder of the run. He got a late start and hurried to catch up in order to catch a ride back to pick up his car - great running Stephan!
All told it took about 6-6:30 hrs. for the group to finish. Some awesome running from Pete Z near the end - he dropped the hammer and left us behind on the way down to Mtn Hwy. Must be going for a PR this year. One last sidenote - congrats to Matt Sessions on his fantastic finish at the Western States 100 miler - just over 21 hours! Look forward to hearing about it at next week's run, which is the last 3/4s. We'll meet and carpool from Panorama parking lot @ 7 a.m.
Cheers.