Thursday, June 26, 2008

Finding our way

Last year after moving into our new house in Ketchum a friend told me,

"You know, from your house you could probably run out your back yeard and all the way to Galena Lodge and barely touch pavement."

I thought, hmmmm....

Galena Lodge is a glorious place about 25 road miles north of Ketchum, ID that is world famous for it's Nordic Ski Trails and extraordinary food. In addition, the Lodge itself is about as homey as a place gets and just thinking about it makes me feel all warm inside.

So, when I learned last night of the Western States cancellation, I thought this would be the perfect time to try this run. I was tapered, not planning to go to work, and the weather report was perfect. A quick look at the map and I had a 60 mile out-and back leaving from my backyard, climbing about 3000 ft (with ups and downs along the way) to Galena Lodge, all on a delightful Rocky Mountain day.

Well, I had a blast and now I am, just like that, ready to begin my taper for Vermont.

I ran the 30 miles up to the lodge in 4:40 and did the return trip in 4:20. I ate a huge basket of salty, seasoned fries at the lodge and washed them down with three ice cold Pepsis. I saw exactly zero people on the trail and enjoyed every minute of the 9 hours on the trail.

Did it replace the joy and the mystique of Western States? No way! But, today's run did remind me that there are many reasons for spending hours on the trails running through the mountains and sometimes joy comes when you least expect it.

Now, I'm off on a fishing weekend with my kids!

AJW

9 comments:

kate said...

GREAT attitude! That is what trail running is all about :)

Have a lovely weekend with your boys!

Roger said...

I thought the rest of us might have a chance at Vermont if you ran REALLY hard at WS. Maybe those tired legs would get you. I guess that won't happen! The field gets a full strength AJW at Vermont.

See ya there...

Lori B said...

You are a gentleman of the sport. I have spent many hours at Galena waiting for the start of the BMT and can attest to the homey feel and great food they have. Good to hear that it's a great run up there as well. Best of luck at Vermont!

Joe Kulak said...

My pick is you and Todd Walker.

Local Mind Media said...

I'm with astute Joe on the VT pick: You, then Todd. Both of you are incredible runners and seemingly equally nice guys.
Solid 60 miler!

Anonymous said...

Andy, how did the "what until you see the white of their eyes" taper worked for you? I know you pushed it hard late into the June then tapered...???? What your thoughts on how you felt this weekend?
-Cougarbait

BenB said...

Beautiful country, isn't it? Idaho is a well-kept secret. I did the Sawtooth Relay, and it was my 1st time up to Stanley, even though I've lived in Boise most my life. Those white clouds are stunning!

WynnMan said...

sometimes if not always, the best runs are the one's that have no purpose at all. Head to the wind and carefree.

WynnMan said...

Hey Andy, yeah head on down to the OR show as we will have a big set-up there and you'll be able to see the 2009 lin, they look sweet! Mark will be there along with Lisa. I believe Mark is doing the incline challenge. I will not be able to make it out, as it is getting close to Superior Sawtooth 100.