Winter Trail Running

Over the last 3 years, my triathlon season has typically come to a close in mid September as the remaining races of the season are put into the record books.  This year's season extended into November for me with my last event being my first Ironman race in Arizona. 

In years past the winters in the Pacific Northwest held special meaning for me as the rains come in off the Pacific ocean and hang around for - oh, about 6 to 8 months.  It's hard to imagine anyone finding solace in the dreary, gray, wet winters in Oregon.  Most people dread this time of the year and can't make it through the winter without several ventures out in search of the sun - be the journey near or far.  Some will have to go to the cities of Phoenix, AZ or Palm Springs, CA for a dose of sunshine.  Those not fortunate enough to travel long distances chasing the warm rays of the sun will have to settle with a trip to the local drug store to purchase a lighted sun box.  These boxes hold mythical wonders for the sun deprived winter dwellers of the Pacific Northwest.  All that is required is an electrical outlet in which to plug in your articial Sun.  Flip the switch and voila' - instant Sun for as long as you can stand the artifical rays emitting from the compact contraption.

The sun box would drive me crazy.  I wouldn't be able to contaim myself long enough to sit in one spot to reap the sunny benefits of the box.  Instead, I choose to embrace the winter and celebrate in the liquid sunshine it bestows upon our saturated state.  For me winter in Oregon means two things.  Whitewater kayaking and trail running.  The kayaking will be addressed at a later date as I phase back into paddling and provide my readers with trip reports. 

The first trail run of the season took place yesterday at Shellburg Falls in the Santiam State Forest.  This campground is a little hidden gem off the beaten path and a great location for a trail run.  This run was reported to be a 6.5 mile run with some serious climbs, bomber descents, incredible views, minor creek crossings and a mixture of dirt roads and single track trail.  The course did not disappoint.

This race would be my first organized event since Ironman and the first true test of my recovery from that journey.  I had no expectations for this race other than to have a enjoyable day out in the woods, running with 3 of my co-workers.  It was a great morning, albeit a little chilly at 27 degrees before the race started.  After picking up our race numbers we all jumped around for a few minutes to keep our body heat elevated while we listened to the race directors course descriptions and instructions.  I was very excited to be kicking of the winter trail running season with this annual race.  I had run up in this area before as it is only 9 miles from my house.  I had always thought it would be a great location for a organized run and now I was running in the inaugural race.  I was elated to be out there on the trails in the woods with fellow racers who really enjoy trail running.  It made me feel like a kid all over again!

Three, two, one, GO!  The race is started and into the woods we head.  During the first quarter mile, we come to our first creek crossing, I see two signs.  One pointing to the bridge over the creek, the second leading directly through the creek.  I opt to attempt the leap over the creek.  I quickly realize the water is slightly warmer then the ambient temperature but only because it's not fozen and it's moving.  My feet are cold from the water but it's only a slight submersion of my right foot and a toe dipping of my left.  No worries, I am wearing wool socks. I keep the pace with the dog in front of me.  Up the hill we climb.  Labored breathing quickly gives way to focused foot placement and we are soon running downhill on a bomber descent.  I feel just like a kid again running down the mountains of New Mexico.  I am flying downhill trying to keep the focus of maintaining my place on the trail without tumbling out of control into the woods. 

As with any descent in trail running, an ascent soon follows.  I can't blow myself up on the fist mile I tell myself.  "Enjoy the day, take in the scenery and slow down Quigley!" I internalize. A road quickly emerges as we divert off the single track onto a logging road.  I know the climb up to and around the waterfall is only a quarter mile away.  As my co-worker Mike catches up to me, the stairs starting the climb to the waterfall are evident on our right.  We start our climb - a climb that wouldn't end for nearly the next 4 miles.

In trail running they say to walk up the hills and run the downhills.  That's good advice provided you  can do more than crawl up the hills.  At several points during our climbing session, Mike and I just laughed in exhaustion.  We made it a point to take in the scenery and look at the vistas.  Between the sun shinning and us working hard on the hill climb, the cold temperature of the morning had dissipated.

Once we crested the climb we took in the views and briefly caught our breath.  A couple more photos and we were off into the woods again. This section of the course was singletrack and oh so much fun to run on as our heart rates settle back down.

The single track eventually gave way to another logging road and more climbing.  This stretch seemed to go on forever at a moderate incline.  But it was an illusion as we eagerly anticipated getting back on the singletrack for what would be our last bomber descent of nearly 2 miles.  The single track trail finally revealed itself and we were once again flying downhill.  Through the trees we went, around corners, jumping roots, dodging fallen limbs.  As fast as our feet would carry us, gravity beckoned our bodies to pick up the pace even more.  One one occasion I nearly ran off the course and tumbled into the ferns before catching my footing and correcting my controlled free fall.  It's amazing how much joy and youthfulness a trail in the woods can generate from those that set foot on it.

The last section of trail didn't seem to last long enough as we quickly found ourselves on the logging road again and on our way to the finish line.  Our competetive spirit kicked in for an all out sprint to the finish.  After 1:12:25 out in the woods, our glorious run came to end oh so quickly.  Although the race had ended the trail running season had just begun.  If the remaning races are anything like this, the winter trail running season is going to be a ton of fun!