Mud Makes a Great Accessory

"The whole world is, to me, very much "alive" - all the little growing things, even the rocks. I can't look at a swell bit of grass and earth, for instance, without feeling the essential life - the things going on - within them. The same goes for a mountain, or a bit of the ocean, or a magnificent piece of old wood."  Ansel Adams, artist-activist, Sierra Club leader

Training is going terrific lately! After logging 249 miles in June, Karl and I kicked off July with a 100 km weekend including over 12,300' ascent. We discovered new terrain on a 20 miler at Portola Valley and revisited favorites on an 18 miler in Redwood Park and 24 miler in Tilden on July 4th. I'd also run 12 milers on the 2 days prior, so after 3 long runs, 3 barbecues, and a dinner and theatre outing, I was one tired girl and skipped the fireworks in favor of grilling at home. Goat and pork kebabs hit the spot!

The following week I had the pleasure of spending every one of my 81 miles on trails. One highlight was the Transports run at Briones Reservoir. The winding singletrack of Bear Creek trail is serene and a joy to the senses. Such a privilege to run trails like this on weeknights with friends!

Bear Creek Trail, Briones Reservoir

Ever have one of those days where you've just got to squeeze in a run before a party? That's how I learned that mud makes a great accessory! Keeps the mosquitoes away too! Karl and I joined Marcy and friends in Tahoe for a weekend filled with scrumptious food, trail adventures, and swimming in the lake. Weekend running tally- Fri night 5 miler at Jenkinson Lake, Saturday 13.3 miler at Sugar Point Pine State Park, Sat night 5 miler at Fallen Leaf Lake, and Sunday 12.6 miler on the Rubicon Trail at Bliss State Park. Weekend eating tally- two of the best brunches ever, grilling fun, watermelon, cherries and pie oh my!

 Covering new territory in Sugar Point Pine State Park

Karl negotiates snow in the Desolation Wilderness

 

Rubicon Trail in Bliss State Park (Photo by trail runner extraordinaire Gretchen Brugman)

Lake Tahoe makes everything better. Time to go find new mud!

Racing for a Reason

 Thanks for stopping by! I run because I love it and so I can enjoy all of life's deliciousness. This year I'm also running to support something I'm really passionate about. From September 3-10th, I will run across the Alps in an arduous mountain stage race to raise funds for the Sierra Club. I will be joined by my friend Karl on Team Oski. Go Bears! I am supported by the Strawberry Canyon Track Club and GU.

I hope you'll join me to explore, enjoy, and protect the planet. The Sierra Club is our nation's oldest, largest, and most influential environmental organization. I'm proud to play a small role as a local group chair. Spend time getting to know the SF Bay Chapter, and you might find yourself planting trees in a neighborhood near you, on a backpacking trip or urban hike, or debating and formulating policy with enviro geeks late into the night. As a volunteer leader, I've seen firsthand how we lack financial resources to mobilize quickly on local environmental issues. Join me in making a difference! You can donate securely with PayPal, which accepts credit cards if you do not have a PayPal account.

Here is the challenge that awaits Team Oski, by the numbers:

Stage 1: Oberstdorf/Germany – Kleinwalsertal/Austria

Horizontal distance:  16.9 miles; Vertical distance:  5925 feet ascent

Stage 2: Kleinwalsertal/Austria – Schruns/Austria Longest Day!
Horizontal distance:  33 miles; Vertical distance:  8140 feet ascent

Stage 3: Schruns/Austria – Galtür/Austria Steepest Day!
Horizontal distance:  26.8 miles; Vertical distance: 8766 feet ascent

Stage 4: Galtür/A in Paznauntal – Scuol/Switzerland in Unterengadin
Horizontal distance: 24.8 miles; Vertical distance: 7674 feet ascent

Stage 5: Scuol/Switzerland in Unterengadin "Bergsprint" Rest Day of Sorts
Horizontal distance:  3.8 miles; Vertical distance:  3071 feet ascent

Stage 6: Scuol/Switzerland in Unterengadin – Mals/Italy in Vinschgau
Horizontal distance:  23 miles; Vertical distance:  4370 feet ascent

Stage 7: Mals/Italy in Vinschgau – Schlanders/Italy in Vinschgau

Horizontal distance:  22.9 miles; Vertical distance:  6768 feet ascent

Stage 8: Schlanders/Italy in Vinschgau – Latsch/Italy in Vinschgau
Horizontal distance:  18.8 miles; Vertical distance: 5928 feet ascent

If Karl and I achieve our goal and finish the race, we'll have run over 6 marathons in just 8 days, for a total of 170 miles and 50,643 feet ascent. Check back soon for updates on our training!