Training Log Archive: vlin

Lake Fairfax, loop with variations

Earth Treks in Rockville

Lake Fairfax loop, with some shortcuts

Lake Fairfax loop, in the light rain and humid. Hard to see footing wearing wrong glasses at dusk.

Last minute decision to hike Harney Peak in the Black Elk Wilderness. Campground staff told us where the trailhead was so we drove over to Sylvan lake through some nice rock climbing area. At the entrance, we asked the ranger info about the hike before paying to enter Custer State Park because we had < 2.5 hours before we have to leave for the airport. It turns out to be about ~7 miles roundtrip, 1,000 ft gain to the summit with excellent views. We set a deadline to get to the summit by 10 AM and be back down by 11 AM. The views are amazing, and it was fun to explore the lookout tower. We trail run down an alternate trail to go by Cathedral Spires, but don't have time to get over to see Little Devils Tower. The downhill running sections were fast and so perfect/sweet, this was the most fun I've have trail running in a while. We have to rush to get back down and have no margin for error at the many trail intersections. We get back right at 11, with just enough time to change, pack suitcases, get gas, drive over to the airport to return car and make our flights. Also no margin for error navigating the roads back to Rapid City. Later find out that Harney Peak is South Dakota state high point and highest point east of the Rockies. Glad we went here, as this this was best part of the whole trip, better than Mt Rushmore, the 24-hr Rogaine, and camping out in a tipi.

Legs were not sore at all, feet were in great shape. I should be ready for Wasatch in a few weeks.

C • recovery 1

C • Catheral of Spires 1

We easy hike the entire night loop into morning. The second hill brings on another bout of puking from the extra effort. I try to recover from dehydration with occasional sips of water, no calories. I take in no calories for 9 hours. I spend all my effort just following and moving forward, so I can't help on nav. We seem lose a lot of time searching in the wrong places, but eventually find those controls. Because I had little energy, we need to stop for 15-20 minutes every hour to rest and sleep. We drop down to less than 1 control per hour, and they are not even too far apart. After daybreak, we hit a water stop, but I don't refill any of the 8 oz water I drank the entire night. We are both feeling exhausted and plan a fairly direct route back to the finish. We lay out in the sun after our 2nd to last control for our last relaxing break/nap, knowing we have all morning to get 1 more control and get back.. We finish early by 2 hr 20 min, have an easy time getting to showers, try to nap and watch all the other racers run in to the finish. Unfortunately, we get only 8 controls on this loop. Feet are also starting to get damaged from the damp morning conditions so we are glad to finish early.

Event: 12th World Rogaining Championships
 

South Dakota Rogaine, daytime loop. Didn't lose too much time on the few controls that we didn't spike. Got 2 controls in the dark, with much discussion of how to attack. Returned to hash house after 10.5 hours, with about 20 controls, though in the dense/easier area of the map. Very happy on how things were going so far. Felt a bit low on calories and decided to take advantage of the hot food. Drank half a coke and some potato soup. Nothing else seemed appetizing. Normally this seemed like a safe choice for my stomach, but not his time. As we start to leave, I have to make a stop at the trash bin to puke up all the liquids I just consumed. Knowing my race was now completely changed, we get on the road soon after and start planning some very conservative loops to finish the race out.

Higher intensity run on W&OD gravel, felt good. Wandered into woods to test off-trail stability on some deer trails. Seemed to work fine. Will use in South Dakota.

Trails at Lake Fairfax in light rain. Nice cushion and fit. Will use in South Dakota.

VHTRC training run on Appalachian trail near Linden and Sky Meadows with a fast group

Trails at Lake Fairfax. Much better cushion and foot protection, though looser fit.

Loop at Lake Fairfax. A few powerhikes and shortcuts to test shoes off trail. Still don't think there is enough cushion for longer runs.

Team run at Lake Accotink, easier pace and terrain

Loop at Lake Fairfax

W and OD from Herndon

Trails at Lake Fairfax. 2nd run of the day after rain storms did not show.

Some loops at Lake Fairfax

Various trails at Lake Fairfax