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!