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!