Wild Weather

Hard to make a call on trail conditions when I'm using all my toenails trying to keep traction on the ice covered snow one day and clipping along over the soft grass the next. My people broke out those new "Kahtoola" microspikes to handle the glacier and cascading ice falls that dominated the trails on Christmas Eve and Christmas Morning. This is the first time my people could keep up with me as those Kahtoola's make walking and running in those conditions so easy. We usually only walk the flat meadows when it is icy but my kahtoola clad people hit every slope and hill in the park - laughing at the slippery slopes. Every dogs people need them - unless they are treadmill dwellers!

The weekend after Christmas, the snow and ice was pretty much gone as the temps hit the lower to mid 60's. Kind of muddy but that's McNaughton! At least the old mud pit was pretty solid with the new drainage control.

The photos show me at swollen Lick creek's first crossing and the third creek crossing at near flood stage.

That's what I'm barking about!

Yipee! Snow at McNaughton! The park received about 4 inches of snow over the weekend, showing only about 1 or 2 inches in these photos. The temps were only around 32 degrees so it wasn't bad at all. The steeper trails were a tad slick and sloppy but it was so much fun running in this winter fluff. We did see one other runner taking advantage of the mostly deserted park. It was so great, it would be a dandy time to do two loops - right Mountain Man Jerry?

Perfect Weather

Finally, cool enough weather where you can run, really run. The trails are just at the crispy state - just frozen enough to be solid yet spongy enough to have a little bounce. This first pic, I call "Fast Dog, Slow Fruit". I'm moving right along but the leaves and the fruit on the ground is stopped. That's why I'm blurry and the fruit is sharp(er). Those are called Osage Oranges or Hedge Tree fruit. Some folks call them hedge balls, others might call them hedge apples. They can even be used as insect repellent - but not squirrel repellent, the little besties like to eat them.

This second pic makes it look like we don't know where the trail is going. If you end up here, you may not know either as this is not part of the "Red Trail" or any part of the race loop. Just the mad painter painting every trail they can find with red. So, you can no longer trust following those red markings.

Remember, group run, three loops, Dec 13. See previous post for details

FAT ASS RUN

What the heck is a Fat Ass run anyway? Well, if you know what it is and somebody wants to hold one, I guess it sounds okay to me! Mike Siltman, of previous McNaughton ultras as well as many others, will be hosting one of those runs using pretty much the race loop. This run will start at 7 A.M. on Saturday, December 13 and go for three loops. Mike will mark the trail so you can have some help with direction and still run your own pace. No registration fee, no awards, no "on course" aid stations, no official tour guides. Mike does promise to have some ultra food and a bit of an aid station at the start finish. He will have a donation jar set out if you'd like to help finance the refreshments. That is a Saturday and you should plan for about any kind of weather on the planet. Mike says he will have a fire going at the start finish area. I think you will need that fire after running through the ice water in the creeks!

Contact Mike at mikesiltman@hughes.net to RSPV or to ask questions.

Tour of McNaughton Report

What a great day for a run in the park! Bright sun shinny day with mild temps made for about the best conditions you can ask for. Great company and super tour guides allowed folks to get a wonderful McNaughton experience. We had Carey, Sheila, Christy, Mike, Donna, Dan, Brian, Jason, Chris, Howard, Jeff, Bob, Ann, Jerry and Mike. Counting me and my people, that's 18 (or so I'm told). I am a herding dog so understand how difficult it was to keep track of everybody once you got all spread out over several miles and how thankful I am that I had the help of the tour guides.

While there was interest in doing a night run, everybody had other schedules to keep and leaves to rake. I, however, had to take up my post on the back deck, guarding the yard from squirrels between power naps.

McNaughton Tour

Hey all, the Tour of McNaughton is a go for this next Saturday! Let's meet at the race's start/finish area at 9 A.M. Should have a few locals to help find the way. Bring your own supplies - unless you want to drink the creek water like I do. It's a little smelly but lots of "body". After the tour/run is over, we will take tabs on the possibility of running a second loop Saturday evening. Unless you've ran McNaughton at night, well, you just haven't had enough fun! The trails are in pretty good condition even with the recent rains and should be great by Saturday. Nice cool temps and plenty of sunshine is in the forecast. See you there!

Farmdale

Dave Tapp had a great day at Farmdale for his annual trail run. Great temps, blue skies and no wind. What a super event! I'm putting in a pic here to help explain why Dave choose to alter the course for this year. Most of the old route is nothing but a mud pit but this section was mostly under water. Thanks Dave, that was a good move!

Still planning on a tour at McNaughton for Nov 1. I have at least three folks planning to take advantage of the tour and several local runners volunteering to help out. The more the merrier! We start at 9 a.m. Be sure to bring your own supplies. We will take a tally of those folks that might want to run another loop that evening. That would be fun as well.

Fall Color

The leaves are beginning to turn in Central Illinois as shown by this picture - but what do I know, I'm color blind! The weather has been really warm for October and my new winter coat is waaaay to hot to be fooling around in 80 degree temps. Luck for me, we tend to get an early start on our park patrol.

I've also visited Farmdale this past weekend and that park is primed and ready for all you trail runners for this Saturday. Dave Tapp and his crew are ready to host a great run out there and my people tell me it won't be so barked hot!

Race Director, Andy Weinberg

For those who have not heard, race director Andy Weinberg has moved to Vermont. The McNaughton Ultra Trail Run is still Andy's event. He will still direct the 2009 race and will be here for that weekend, managing the race as usual. Sure, there will be a lot more involvement for his group of helpers but Andy is still in charge.

For the 2010 race, well, we're not totally sure. One thing to keep in mind, this is, in fact, Andy's race. It does not belong to the Pekin Park District or the local running club or the high school. It is not even managed as a partnership. It is Andy's race. Andy dreamed up this even, set the course, managed it from the beginning, dealt with all the issues, obtained all the permits and permissions, recruited helpers, even financed the whole thing. You don't think his "thank you" to his wife isn't sincer at the start of each race? Try spending that much family budget on your hobby and see what your spouse says! So, just to make sure you understand, this is Andy's race.

Now, for 2010. Andy needs to see how things go this year before he can decide what to do for next year. There are many options. Which one Andy chooses will depend greatly on how different things go this year. Please be patience. Many people are involved and it will take some time to determine a direction. Most everyone believes there will be a 2010 race. So, now you have an update on Andy. His e-mail address is andy@peak.com. I'm sure he would be happy to hear from you, especially if you have any concerns for the future of the race.

September 27, 2008

The bridge is finished and folks are already using it! Those eagle scouts and their advisers really got this bridge done fast. It even has side rails, what ever those are used for! Come on across, girl, it's plenty safe now!

This other pic is of some running dudes that were cruising around the route. Jack, BJ, or was the JB, and Shawn? I really don't remember names but they were making the Hudson's field loop in this photo. Two of them are planning to run the Farmdale race in October and one is heading for the Chicago Marathon. Awesome!

One negative thing I need to bring up on trail conditions - the red markings are no longer dependable. Some loose cannon, self proclaimed trail maintainer has added red paint to just about every trail out there. Those markings are very well done and look like the rest of the red markers. Red was once reserved for a 7.5 mile trail that was put in many years ago by the scouts. They called it the Potawatomie Trail. Now, you just about have to know the race loop to get it right. We've lost that long time reliance on that great old trail. Stupid people annoy me. Guess you need to come take the guided tour on November 1 with us - at least three folks have indicated they will run with the locals that day.

September 21, 2008

Just hanging around with my girl waiting for the bridge to be finished in this first picture. Those guy really have made great progress.

The pic with all the tall weeds is Power Line meadow. The horses just haven't been able to keep up with the well watered pasture this year. I'm glad there is a path around this stuff, I can't see over it!!

Finally, Butterfield Lake is often a dry lake bed but recent rain has filled it to the top of the dam.

Believe it or not, the trails are in fine shape - with the exception of a few more limbs and trees that have fallen.

Guided Tour of McNaughton Invitiation

You are invited! I am hosting a guided tour of the McNaughton race loop. Are you a puppy and want to see what you should be training for during the winter? Have you never run McNaughton before and want to get in a ten mile jog? Are you a big dog McNaughton runner that would like to join us for a group run? This is your chance!

I have barked a request to a group of local trail runners asking them to help as tour guides. Enough of them said they would that I am offering the invitation. Saturday, November 1 is the date, 9 A.M. is the time. The race start/finish line is the location. There is no fee, no clock, no awards, just a fun run on a great route. My tour guides have various speed qualities but still no real commitment from the greyhound group, yet. Please RSVP so my people will know what to expect.

If there is enough interest, we might run a second loop on Saturday night. If you want to know what McNaughton looks like at night, again, this is your chance. I can tell you, it is dark! You will understand why so many racers love to have pacers when they run their night loops.

Stay up on my posts for any updates or changes and RSVP me soon!

Sept 13, 2008

It was a wet go in McNaughton this weekend. The camera stayed dry so we had to use some pics from last week. One is of me waiting for a cookie while the sun is streaking through the trees in the Hooter Hill area. The other one is a ground dwelling spider that builds these webs in the grass. At least these spiders don't put webs across your snout!

August 24, 2008

Big big weekend at McNaughton Park. I went around helping my girl take pictures and pick up golf balls on Saturday while my boy and Mountain Man Jerry slugged out a couple of hours on the race loop. On Sunday, we carried a chain saw to clear more trail as many places were getting blocked with downed limbs and trees.

As the pic shows, somebody obviously tried to see just how strong the broken bridge really is and caused it to tip a little more as well as got some more of the connecting planks to pop out. So, we worked a little harder at getting the path cleared for you folks to run down to the bottom and back up the other side. Be careful! I landed on my chin trying to cross those slick logs at the bottom - before my people cleared them, of course.

At another location - near the golf course - we started to clear a small log that was on the trail. Found a hornets nest. My girl got stung a couple of times, screamed and shrieked to "run for your lives" as we bolted out of there. Now, I'm no golfer but I'm guessing those guys on the course, after hearing such a panicked scream, looked up just in time to see a girl and a collie sprinting through the woods being chased by a guy with a chain saw, would have a bit of a concentration problem for the rest of the day.

August 17, 2008

One of the reasons we don't have the race in the summer! Spiders. These little critters can rebuild a web in the time that it takes Mountain Man Jerry to complete one loop! If you are fortunate enough to miss the spider with your face, they usually bail off of you by scurrying down the back of your legs - or so says my human photographer. I don't understand all the fuss - I just charge right through. My people sure make an ugly sound when they encounter a face full of web.

Otherwise, the park is alive with flowers and the other pic shows a tall flowering plant in the area between Picnic Hill and 3rd creek crossing.

With little or no rain in the past few weeks, the creeks are low and the trail is dry - something most racers have never experienced. Early morning runs sure gets your feet and underbelly wet but that is more refreshing than anything.

We're baack!

Sorry about being gone for a spell - seems we had some restrictions that took some time to get approved. There have been lots of action at McNaughton since my last post so let's get started!

We had some high wind on Fathers Day weekend. Plenty of trees down everywhere. Here are a couple of photos of the damage. This bridge is around mile 1.3 (or so), between the power line meadow and the totem pole aid station. My people did a pretty good job of clearing a way down the creek and back up the other side. With both main support beams busted, trying to cross this bridge is not a good idea. The park people say this is a project for a local eagle scout and we hope to have it ready before the race. If not, hey, it's a wilderness run. Deal with it!

June 7/8 2008

We got to trek the entire race loop today with Rex - a race volunteer. Nice of the weather gods to provide a downpour at the start so we could stay cool as the temps were slated to hit the high 80's. The past week has seen lots of high wind as well as rain so there were many places that required some dodging of downed trees and limbs.
This first photo is of a fawn. So do you think it was found in some far off meadow, well away from traffic? No, Bambi was just a few paw prints from the finish line - right in the path of the disk golf course. They are so cute at this stage but given some time, I will be called upon by my people to protect them from this wild animal!
The other photo is another pretty picture of a despicable item - the dreaded multi-flora rose. This plant is responsible for more blood letting on the trail than all other causes combined.
Sunday, we made a less hurried trek around a couple of loops to clear the trail of some of those downed limbs. It might be a while, as slow as my people are, before the whole trail is totally clear from start to finish.

Parameters

Running McNaughton in the summer is a blast but without Andy’s race markings, some dogs could get lost. I rely on my keen sense of smell while others have to have “parameters”. Here is what my people call McNaughton parameters: Both north and south are easy – two lane paved roads border the park with the Totempole shelter being the far north race point and Hair Pin turn being the southern. On the northwest are private residences while most of the west side is the Lick Creek Golf Course. The north east portion has the paved entry road to the park as well as the horse barn. It’s the middle and south portions of the east side that could result in getting really lost as there are some hunting reserves in that area. Don’t go east of the 4 radio towers lined up in a north south line.

The power lines are also good to help you know where you are – if you ever look up. The triple line runs east west and is between the start finish and Totempole. The single line runs north south and can be seen (easier in winter) at several places along the run – it’s just west of the start finish and you can see it from at least 6 race locations – but you have to look for it!

The creeks are the best locators. Lick Creek runs from west to east while Indian Creek runs south to north, intersecting about in the center of the park. That explains why you have three creek crossings in each loop. The first creek crossing is Lick Creek after the two merge, the second crossing uses the bridge to cross Indian Creek and the third crossing is Lick Creek before the merge.

You are always invited to run McNaughton and half the fun is finding new trails, getting lost and finding your way back to the food bowl.

May 17, 2008

Now that this dog can blog, I will be showing you what McNaughton looks like during the summer. It might make you wish Andy would change the date of the race so you can see some of this beautiful park or make you glad it's in the early spring! Keeping the trail even somewhat clear for anybody taller than me is a chore as the plants really love the open sunny areas that the trail creates. Fast growing limbs quickly take over the trail as seen here. Besides the extra growth, there are also lots of flowers blooming. Here is a May Apple. These are all over the place but this one is in a large pack of plants just below the old butt slide hill in the Heaven's Gate loop.

It has begun - training for 2009

Here is my good buddy, WebMaster Mountain Man Jerry. Today was his first official training for his attempt to finish 50 miles at next years race. Jerry has walked 50 miles before but on a track for Relay for Life. His is about the toughest, strongest walker I know. He has a great chance of making - after all, like me, he has hair growing on the bottom of his feet!
The other photo is some tree (big deal) that everybody seems to think is special. They call it a red bud. How it got that name, I have no idea. They're all over the place.

April 26, 2008

My people took me to another local park this weekend, Farmdale. This is a really cool place with all kinds of deer and squirrels that need re-arranged. Just like McNaughton, it has grass, trees, hills, water and plenty of room to run. They even have a trail race here in October. http://www.farmdaletrailrun.com/index.php - check it out.

As you can see, there is some flat running here along the pines. Most of the really steep hills didn't seem to have trails on them and wouldn't you know, my people didn't stay on the trails much this time out. It's a good break from McNaughton but expect me back there soon - it takes too long to get to Farmdale!

April 20, 2008

Well, there's your problem! While the trail conditions were not much fun on race weekend, at least this tree waited until this week to fall. As you can see, it fell right on the trail. Ask Gary Bird if it is possible to have a tree fall on you during a race (note the trail markings at Gary Bird gulch). My people made quick work of this minor hurdle but sure made a lot of noise in the process.

The trail and park are turning green fast now. I hear some of you are already signed up for next year. I'm looking forward to it already!

Race Weekend, 2008

My people and I got out early on Friday to clear the trail from the recent high wind and rain. Good thing as the trail was totally blocked in some areas. We also put up those yellow plates to help my running buddies know where the heck they are. Then, I finally got to meet a nice group of ultra trail runners. You are all awesome! Dog, I am one pooped pup after just one time around. After you guys started on your adventure, I went home to a soft warm bed. Then, the next day, my people brought me back out to see a larger group of awesome runners - I felt I was in the presence of greatness - trail running wise. I loved meeting you, great to have the ears scratched and I even got to get in a few pictures with some of my friends. Wish I could have run with you for an hour or two but Daddy says you guys ran all day and all night. That's weird, did you finally catch anything?
Finally, we got to walk the trail again on Monday, stopping at every yellow marker and hauling out that quarter of a mile of ribbon. The weather was great!
The main photo this week is the muddy cat walk - typical of cats, I think. Cats are okay but I'd rather run with the big dogs. The other photo is of 150 mile winner, David. My good buddy Mountain Man Jerry took this pic so I just had to include it in my blog.

April 5, 2008 - the week before

What a beautiful weekend at McNaughton! Friday, Saturday, and Sunday were all full sunshine days with pleasant breezes. The trail was tacky fast with very little mud and the creeks were running about average. Just a perfect weekend for the race. Uh, I guess the race is next weekend.
My people and I spent most of the weekend in the park as did several other workers, helping to shore up bridges, divert water and general cleanup. It got pretty warm and I was sure looking for a zipper on this fur coat - I gotta get busy shedding!
The photos this week show us working on clearing the damming at one of the mud problems from last year. Wimpy hikers tend to lay limbs across these ditches which causes them to dam up, widening the water and spreading mucky silt, which just adds to the problem they were trying to solve. Wish they would just buy some water proof booties. The other photo is the high point in the Foundation loop. Guess you could say "it's all down hill from here"? Not.
Hope to see all my running friends and make a lot more friends at the race next week. It's going to be great!

McNaughton Virtual Tour

Ollie, perennial walker and ultrarunner at the McNaughton Park Trail Runs, has a great virtual tour he recently posted at his "blueollie" blog. He has loads of pictures and descriptions of the trail. He might be colorblind (yellow vs. green marking tape) but he knows his way around the park! Thanks, Ollie.

McNaughton Virtual Tour

A couple of charts ...

A couple of charts submitted by loyal McNaughton runners/fans for your enjoyment. We need an official disclaimer here about GPS watches not being perfect, but that sounds kind of too official for our purposes here. I'm sure it's a nice watch ... just not perfect in the loopy conditions of the trail!




150 mile pace chart in excel format

April Fools Day - no fooling!

The path well worn or the path less traveled? Guess you know which one to choose! Follow the yellow ribbons here as this takes the runner around one of the best segments of the route - the Heaven's Gate loop. Andy and others have been busy adding those markers to assure the runners of the correct path. It is THE best marked wilderness course. The other photo is me racing around just before the third creek crossing. I love running here!
The trail is in great shape with just a little mud here and there. The creeks are running just a touch above normal, so plan on getting a cool refreshing break at those crossings. The guys have done a lot of trail work this year so the race should be fun.
The section through the Butterfield lake trib has been elevated and paved to avoid those nasty creek crossings in the mud. Ha Ha - April Fools!

Easter Weekend, March 21, 2008

Wow, what a flurry of activity at the park this weekend! I met at least 9 runners including Kirk, Jason, Eric and friends, plus a new sniff that calls himself Cougar Bait. Ha! I'm telling you, don't worry about any cougars here, I've got you covered.
Larry and crew did some awesome work diverting water on HairPin hill, Rick and Mike cut up a pile of firewood for the totem pole aid station and Eric helped "speed" up the new route on Sheridan Hill.
I, and my people, were helped out a bunch by Rex. Rex is a cool guy that loves the park and the outdoors. Together, we dug a ditch to drain the mud pit, putting all the dug dirt on the low lying area on the trail. See photos - except that's Kirk in the photo, not Rex. Then, in a McNaughton hour, we filled in a trail washout on the west side. Rex came back for more to help cut firewood for the Heavens Gate aid station crew the next day. Finally, we got to get in a long hike, the whole trail, to flip off those little branch pieces that can twist an ankle or tangle your feet, trim the face slappers, besides pulling out the dams that widen the muck up those tiny creek crossings. Hey, the route is ready to run! Are you?

We will have camping for the race on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Please refer to the map for parking and camping locations.

March 16, 2008

Sure sign of Spring, race director Andy in McNaughton with yellow ribbon as he begins marking the race loop. Here, Andy is chatting with us girls as we inspect the work done on the bridge by Larry and Mike. This bridge was starting to erode into the ravine but those two guys have it shored up now. It really looks great! Larry is the chef for the race and Mike is signed up to run around the loop several times - too many for even a big dog like me to count!
The other picture is of a mighty oak from an angle most of you don't see - from the bottom of Picnic Hill, looking back up.

March 9, 2008

Today is my birthday! Happy Birthday to me! I got to run in the park twice this weekend - three times if you count Friday. What a great weekend. I got a new play toy to rip apart and lots of great tasting new snacks. I know a girl isn't supposed to tell her age but I'm 28 - in your years.

Spring is in the air and it looks like McNaughton is warming up a bit. It better or all my trail running friends will be wearing parkas to get around the course - just a month away. That's right, just 4 more weekends before the big race - better get those last long runs in soon!

Here are a couple of pics of what I call "One Dog Gaps". The trees are close enough here to rub off some close competitors or to get that gabby human out of your ear. One is in Heaven's Gate and the one with all the red marking is in the Butterfield lake trib section.

March 2, 2008

We made it back from the land of Toto a day early so my people brought me back to McNaughton to check on things. It was a beautiful day with warm temps and the snow you see in the photo is melting fast. Most of the ground was soft and wet - I love the way it squooses up between my toes! I sure hear a lot of grumbling about how cold it might get but I don't worry about that - I'll handle the weather as it comes.

Also, there were a lot of honkers flying around as in the other picture. They sure were flying low as there are many ponds nearby.