Over & Out

The truth is that I don’t really care much about personal best’s or podium finishes (never had one anyway) or even racing for that matter. I don’t care about my weekly mileage, tempo runs or speedwork. At least I don’t care about all of that as much as I probably should. I just want to run. I want to find myself hours away from the comforts of my home, in places that only my two legs could have brought me to. I want to find myself muddied, tired, sore, and hungry. I like to remember what it feels like to be hungry, thinking about things so simple as the next step, or the sound of my own breath. So, I run, and I when i do, whether its visible or not, I am smiling, a giddy child-like grin.

Running in Alaska has been life changing for me these past two summers. While at its core we are just running and climbing and hiking, there is something else that always surfaces. This week took patience. It took me looking after myself, despite what others may think. I fought so hard, on so many climbs to work through very low moments. Moments where I wanted to quit, lay down, & collapse on the side of the trail. Other times I’d beat myself up for not feeling better, or moving faster. As long as I kept moving, and focused on only each next step, these moments would Inevitably pass. At times these low moments would last for a hour, as I’d wrestle with my mind about why I am here. and why I do this to myself. I often thought about what Corle’ had told me about the holding of tension in my hips. That hanging onto fear, or what even what has scared us in the past can manifest itself as tension within the bodies core and hips. I think shes onto something.

However, before long, I would reach the top, and be rewarded with this rush of energy. A wonderful feeling of gratitude, and peace, that makes the hairs on my neck raise up. That moment when you want to laugh and cry at the same time. I think these extreme lows make those highs so clear and at times overwhelming.

“Sometimes I feel like I’m seeing it all at once, and it’s too much, my heart fills up like a balloon that’s about to burst… And then I remember to relax, and stop trying to hold on to it, and then it flows through me like rain and I can’t feel anything but gratitude for every single moment of my stupid little life. You have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m sure. But don’t worry… you will someday.”

One More Time

The big route today began at 10:00am at the trailhead at the foot of Blackerby Ridge. This particular ridge climbs roughly 3,000 ft, straight up. Outside of the first few hundred yards, the trail is filled with fallen trees, rocks and roots. I would accurately describe the first hour and a half as scaling more than I would hiking or running.

Our group of six reached the ridge line and ran on, and up the continuous and winding uphill ridge line. The views on this sunny day were as I’ve come to expect this week.

The climb up off the ridge to the summit of Cairn Peak was a tough one for me. It took a a toll on my legs. Lots of exposure on this ascent too. None of the climb was sketchy, but there were several spots where we were bouldering and rock climbing to the top.

Between Cairn and Observation lies Lemon Creek Glacier. Before descending we met up with Maria & Bradford. They bare neighbors, and put for a hike. The Glacier is near a half mile wide, and it’s snow field rolls up the side of Observation peak. It’s hard to describe how massive this snow field was. Several ski resorts could operate here.

We climbed up Observation Peak at a much faster pace, despite half of it being in through the high snow. While it was our second major peak, and the highest of the week, it seemed it was more easily achieved than the previous. The views here were to beat all others. I hope pictures ( to be posted soon) can do it some justice.

This would be our halfway point, and at 4 hours into the day, the bulk of the climbing up was completed. Coming off of Observation was slow going, very technical and steep. We went as slow as we needed to make sure we were all safe.

Off of Observation we ran down onto the Salmon ridge. This ridge took us to the Juneau Ridge trail.

Reaching Juneau ridge would bring a solid 600 foot climb up, our last major ascent of the day, and it was welcomed. My legs were feeling very tired.

The Juneau Ridge trail is one of my favorites, and this was the first time I’ve run it in this direction. As I slowly descended I could begin to hear Gold Creek below me.

Annie and I raced on ahead, and fed off each others desire to finish the day strong. I hung on as long as I could, and she powered up the last of the rolling inclines.

After a brutal series of switch backs to the base of the ravine, my legs were thrashed. They were happy to finally be on flat groomed trails.

The plan at this point was to the remaining two miles into down, and down to the wharf where everyone would rendezvous at Pizzeria Roma’s.

Several pizzas and beers later we left to finish the party at a local park. We all sat in a circle and talked the week behind us, and life ahead.

The night wound down with a competitive round if the ‘Funnest Game Ever’. It was now after midnight and I had to leave for the airport at 4:30am.

Totals for the day were;
16 miles
8 hours
9000 ft in elevation

Note I also made the local newspaper!!!

Juneau Empire Paper

All Good Things

The last day always comes with mixed emotions. The thoughts of being home, and seeing my family intensified, I almost can’t wait to be done here. On the other hand, I am still here, in beautiful Juneau, with a wonderful group of people that make each other laugh, relax, and feel good about the hard work they put into the mountains. Each days is more rewarding than the next, so it’s a shame to secretly wish any of it away.

Breakfast brought us a bear behind the cabin. I missed the photo opportunity, but others didn’t! A few good shots were taken by Melanie (below) It appeared to be the smaller bear we saw on the first night.

Of the two routes offered to the group, I chose to go big today.

Feeling Better!

I awoke today feeling rested. A little groggy, and a little tight in the chest. Some Kava tea, water, juice and gluten-free French toast with local spruce-tip syrup hit the spot. We started the day today, like every day, with a steep hour long (or more) climb. While today’s climb was only 3,000 feet, it was straight up, and not Scott friendly. I am still convinced that I am fighting a cold of some sort, my breath seems shallow and overly laborious on these morning climbs. I managed well, being mindful of my heart rate, and over-drinking. As we reached the top of the ridge I had already consumed my 60 oz bladder of water, but was relieved to being feeling great. The rest if my water would come from the streams ahead.

The ridge overlook was amazing, there were eagles soaring around, and mountain goats on the peak to the south. To the east was a beautiful basin filled with streams and green. As we ran down into the basin we were off any established trails. A simple group of 16 runners made their way downward, switching running partners, and conversations we enjoyed the perfect weather and surreal landscape around us.

Where the meadow ends at the forest we met up with two other runners, and began the descent down into East Glacier trail. This descent followed an old gold mining flume, and could hardly warrant being called a trail. This is my favorite; very steep, technical downhill running. Happily I was feeling great. I ran down with Geoff and Clause and Rod. We accomplished the route quickly and joked at the ridiculous conditions, and speed we met them with.

With only two miles left to the reach the van, we were on well established, ‘tourist’ trails. We raced madly down the trail. That is until Geoff had a rare competitive urge, and blew by us, like he was free falling. Just amazing to watch. I chased him as hard as I could, until I reached the visitor center.

It’s something else to come out of the back woods of Alaska, muddy, tired, racing and reach the visitor center full of visitors taking pictures of the glacier. We were so out of place it seemed a little funny. This was made more apparent as we went down to the glacier lake and all went swimming. A few heads tilted at that sight.

A park ranger approached in the water. She warned us that a black bear was coming down to the water, and advised us to leave. We did.

The bear ended up coming out if the woods right at the visitor center kiosk. I have a few pics, but not on my iPhone, I’ll have to share later.

A visit to the Alaskan Brewery for free beer was a perfect stop. A few Smoked porters were delicious!

The night ended back at the cabin with Shrimp Curry and egg rolls. Over Cheesecake we played a prize game, which I won a shirt! Bonus!!

Tomorrow will be a ambitious week-ending effort. I feel ready to make it happen, and then get myself home to my family. I miss them so much, and wish I could only share more if this experience with them.

Good day, good night.