Well, you know that it's bad when you are packing up for another adventure before writing about the previous one! So I'm getting in just under the wire, as we leave in the morning for the Valentines Day Adirondaks Snowcamping Weekend (I swear, II didn't know what he was getting into when he agreed to get married).
Last Saturday I ran the PCTR Woodside 35k. We had rain the two previous days in the Bay Area, and so I was delighted to wake up to clear skies. My "brother" Ryan came down with me, and I was psyched to show him the trail running/ ultramarathon scene, as he is a anti-corporate, anti-competition, nature-for-its-own-sake kinda guy (I will always be proud that I introduced him to Ed Abbey!). I didn't know much about Woodside- it seems like a wealthy South Bay community tucked between some beautiful parks.
PCTR puts on a great race, and this one didn't disappoint. The run was mostly single-track and through the redwood trees, which were all misty and damp from the previous few days. The course was textured (read hilly) but consistent- no huge uphills or downhills. That's starting to be my favorite kind of trail running- consistent gentile inclines and declines that make you feel like you're flying. The aid stations were awesomely stocked (I discovered the joy of the salty potato) except no pop tarts! The Angel Island race spoiled me.
Anyhow, I ran super easy since i am increasing my mileage faster than I probably should right now. I walked all the uphills and kept a nice easy pace and it was so enjoyable! I really felt that there was nothing else I would rather do on a Saturday morning than run through the redwood forest, quiet and damp, at my own pace.
