A Day in the Mountains

Corle’ and I spoke a lot about my hip injury, and the lingering (not painful) tension I seem to hold in my hips. It was a great conversation, and I walked away feeling like I had a bit of a strategy to move forward with. There is definitely a connection to what is going on in your life, how you feel, how you eat, stress, and how well your body moves. There is something I am holding onto, that keeps that tension. The key now is to find that thing and be prepared to release it. I have a recurring vision of me standing on the side of a creek, bent down, holding ‘something carefully in my two hands, and gently dipping my hands onto the water. I then open my hands and watch this ‘thing’ quietly float away. In this vision, I seem to be okay with it’s departure.

But, this is running camp after all, and today we ran and hiked. Today was a 16 mile, 7,500 ft elevation gain, 7 hour effort. It was way more than I thought I’d be capable of. With the heat I easily drank 200 + oz of water. That doesn’t count other drinks in the morning or evening. I live drinking the water from the top of the mountain pools and streams! This route today was led by local runner and chef, Dan. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, Maresha (spelling?) and Rachel. From the camp Annie, Liam, Rod, and I rounded out the group.

What made this route so spectacular was the enormous expansive views constantly surrounding us and the ridiculous climbing and descending. It’s no wonder why I come away from this camp with confidence. It is so hard to communicate in words exactly where I was today, and the route we took. I will try to illustrate thus at some point with a picture, but even then I am not sure it will do t proper justice.

At the 4 hour mark, with time running out and one more monstrous climb up Olds Peak ahead we agreed to split up the group. The effort to keep climbing and be back in the car was beyond the ability if some, myself included. And so, we did. Liam and Maresha and I dropped down from the side if Olds and into Granite Basin. It wasn’t long after that we reached the base of a long snow field where we were able to make out the other group who had taken a similar but slightly shorter route. We decided to wait and watch the drop into the basin.

Geoff of course flew down with grace and little effort. Then Melanie, and Damien, Jen, Paul, Randy, Alesha, Mary and 74 year old Glen.

Liam and I had a great run out to the car where he helped push the pace, allowing us to finish feeling completely whipped.

We shared stories at the base. So many happy people. Exhausted, hot sun burned, sore, injured, bleeding, most took a dip in Gold Creek. It was then time to go home and continue the sharing. What a great group of people. All positive people. Smart and caring. The atmosphere and conversation over fish tacos was a heartfelt one amongst new friends.

Tomorrow we run again, this time I hope we stay low, find something runnable.

An off day

So I barely slept last night. I can’t quite figure it out why for sure, but I don’t think I got much more than a few hours. Hard to believe sleep didn’t come easy based on the days effort. I have to chalk it up to being sunburned, the heat, and still trying to dig out of being a little dehydrated from traveling and the first day.

Damien also hung back today. I had a good time hanging with him at eagle beach while we waited for the others to come after their run. We had a little cook out and picnic on the beach for lunch.

After lunch we split up again. Some went to town, others kayaked, went put for a run, or rested. I rested.

By dinner I had a splitting headache. I could barely sit at the table. Everyone here was so nice though. Corle’ and Geoff gave me their room for the night, and slept in the tent outside.

While the others played a game, I went to bed. My sleep was better. Burns better. I have a tight chest this morning, but feeling much much better.

Looking forward to the run this morning.

Whatever…. and some Apple Pie!

Grant me speed, and grace and grit,
As I pass through these mountains
Let my feet fall and rise again with joy. As it was in my dreams, the way through is here, as it unfolds before me.

Yesterday, as we ascended Mt. Juneau, I struggled. I was sweating profusely, and bring up the rear if the group. As I reached the top I had already finished my water bottle, and was in a horrible mental funk. My legs would simply not let me climb up. They felt heavy, and each rise in the trail brought on more negative thoughts. Was I really a runner? Why do I do this? Do I belong here?
Amazing, sometimes, how low my lows can be during a tough stretch of trail. The only way out us up, and my focus was on each step.

A little miss communication earlier in the day sent the group of 16 runners in opposite directions on the Ridge trail loop. At just about the halfway mark we met up with the others and sat down on the hillside to tell our stories. Clearly, most were having the run if their life, grins were enormous, and despite my mood, a little infectious. At this point all I really wanted was to descend the snow field and get some water.

The decent was some much fun. More than half was completed pseudo-sledding style. One third of the way down a creek from the snow melt appeared. I raced over to it. I didn’t realize how thirsty I was. I drank at least two water bottles full (40 oz) here, and top off a third before continuing the climb down. It was another 1/4 mile before I had I finished my third bottle and found another stream. This continued until I had easily drank 6 water bottles and was topping off another. The water was restorative, and freezing cold. I immediately felt better all over. My legs started to move quickly again, and I began to feel more myself. All those doubts and fears on the initial climb, how much of that was to do with my travel and lack of sleep and drink? If I had to guess, nearly all of it! Lesson- drink more water during travel.

Today we are headed out to do the route across from Juneau Ridge. Apparently this route is yesterday’s trails’ “big brother”. There will be more elevation as we pass over five peaks on this ridge line pass. The sun is out and it’s sure to be hot again.

Last nights dinner of grilled chicken, beans, veggie burgers, and gluten free apple pie was great! Better still was listening to everyone’s stories, and the traditional telling of our sharing highs and lows.

Today I start the day with some massage therapy from Corle’. According to her, Roman Gladiators always had their massage first thing in the morning. I hope I have a better day today. I hope I turned that corner, and can put yesterday’s climbing behind me.

Day número UNO

What a difference a little sun makes. The clouds and rain were so constant last year I realize now how many of the higher peaks were never visible. Today looks to be a promising day and we are headed out to Juneau Ridge trail.

Before I get too far ahead of myself, I should probably catch up on last night. Once we arrived at the cabin and ditched our bags in our rooms, we all sat down together for dinner, beef stew with homage bread. Dessert was an amazing gingerbread cake with lemon sauce.

During introductions a bear came right up into the front porch of the cabin. He was gone before a picture could be taken. I have a feeling we will see this bear again.

After dinner and introductions I retired upstairs to make my bed, and mid go to sleep. It was 2:15am local time.

We set out this morning for the Juneau ridge trail. We ran 13 miles, over 5,000 in elevation gain/loss. While we did thus trail last year it was a real treat to run it in the sun!

I struggled early climbing 3000 feet in the first 2 miles, but I got stronger as the day went on. Ended the day with a swim and a soak in the creek. Brrrrrrr!

Here!

I arrived in Juneau safe and sound and on time. Roughly 12 hours of travel, and it’s only 2pm here. As I waited for my borrowed luggage to come around, I realized I hadn’t given much thought to what it actually looked like. There were easily 4 others that were nearly identical. I had to resort to checking in pockets to be sure it was my bag.

Since my ride to the cabin wasn’t going to come until 6:30pm (10:30pm est), I decided to take a taxi over to the Mendenhall glacier. The glacier is beautiful and is a popular stop for cruise ships and bus tours. The two mile out and back trail to Nugget Falls is hard packed gravel and easy going but well worth the time spent. On the way back I took another side trail behind the visitor center called East Glacier Trail, and I was rewarded with a porcupine, and rabbit sighting.

After hiking a few miles at the glacier and I was back at the airport with my friend Damien. we shared stories over an IPA until we saw Geoff pull up. I’m hungry!

Only One Orbit

It takes our planet 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 46 seconds to make its elliptical revolution around the sun. As I near that mark in time we call a year, I am utterly amazed at what has transpired in my life since I last visited the cloudy wet mountains, and rain forests of Juneau, Alaska. When I last departed my wheels were spinning. My mind was numbed, as I sat hunched like an ogre in a windowless office battling a fight I would never win.  My job was working me too hard, and my right hip constantly ached,  Somehow I had the idea, and the opportunity to go to Alaska to run.  It would be the catalyst for much change in my life.

Apparently it only takes a week of absolutely no internet, voicemail, email, bosses and employees to firmly get your attention that something is wrong in your life. Sprinkle in a little physical exhaustion (ok, a lot) to that mix, and you have a solid dose of the perfect medicine.  I was treated to a pace of life that I had long forgotten about.  Our hosts, Geoff and Corle’ (now a married couple) were great friends, and treated each other, and all with such thought-fullness, and kindness throughout the week. As I closed my blog from last summer, I was indeed good tired, and while I needed rest, Alaska awoke in me the sleepy spirit that the florescent cubicle lights had long lulled to stillness.

I came home excited, full of energy. I set out to run another 50 Mile, Bristol Hill Branch trail run (solo/supported). I completed it successfully, in less time than my previous attempt and with far less training and preparation. Yet, my hip still ached and while I spoke of finding new work, I wasn’t having any success. Patty would quickly point out the frequent slipping of my mood at home .

Soon, I decided to start listening. I took nearly 4 full months off of running. I focused on acupuncture, and massage therapy. I learned quickly that I had a lot to learn about the way I move. How past experiences can affect my motion, pose, and form, both while in motion, and at my desk. I began to feel the ache more distinctly, and began the realization that in all my successes and confidence in running, I had become weakened, compromised, and was using my body in odd ways to compensate. Sitting in a chair for hours on end wasn’t helping.

6 months since I had returned from Alaska when I resigned from my position. I left without another job securely in place. I was leaving 14 years of employment behind. It was about this time that I had written to Geoff that I would be unable to come to Alaska this year. I was out of work, and had been sidelined with a bum leg for months.  Investing in a return to Alaska wasn’t in the cards.

It wasn’t more than 15 days after I resigned that my hip stopped aching. It wasn’t 100%, but I knew deep down it was time to start running again and with a renewed focus, and form, I was instantly feeling success again.  I knew that when the camp started in early August that I would be sorely missing out on something I wanted to be part of.   I wrote to Geoff that I would like to come back again, luckily there was a spot left for me.

Which brings me to today, sitting at the airport, waiting to board a plane,  Juneau bound for the second time. I find myself stronger & healthier than I was a year ago. I feel good about me again. And I am also ready to run again.  I am not sure I am in the same ‘shape’ I was in last year, but there’s no reason to worry about that now.

Whatever this trip will bring, I begin with a firm feeling of peace about myself. i feel flexible. I feel lucky. I am ever grateful to my wonderful wife, and two beautiful daughters for sparing me these next 7 days. If there’s one thing that is for certain, this will be my last trip here without them,

…on to Detroit, Seattle, and Juneau, any which way, I feel lucky.