I didn’t explain in the first post, this training run covers the final 70 miles of the Western States Endurance Run. The first 30 miles is usually still covered in snow, and is part of the Squaw Valley ski mountain so its still open to skiers in early May if the late snow pack is still good.
Memorial Day training weekend breaks up the 70 miles into roughly 30, 20, 20 on each day.
The second day we met back at Foresthill once again and would run from there to the river, where we will cross on race day. This section leaves the road and turns onto some technical single track that eventually gives way to some beautiful, fast, non technical downhill. It eventually flattened out and became sandy as it followed along the river.
The run began downhill with some technical sections and a few small creek crossings. Because I had started at a leisurely pace we were stuck behind several long trains of casual runners. This didn’t feel great on my stiff from yesterday’s effort quads, but once I maneuvered around and could run my own pace everything felt better. Passing through the aid station I could see that ahead was some beautifully runnable downhill and I let out a cry of glee and I ran down. (Note to beast coast runners, while there is still plenty of technical running, the trails are straight and fast feeling.)
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At the river we were shown where the crossing on race day would be and were encouraged to cool off in the river. From that spot we climbed 2 miles up (not on the actual race course)to where the buses would take us back to our cars. Also where a fun bbq and massages were. I realized it was already day two: time was flying by- so I opted to hike the section and take in the expansive views of the river. Once up top I grabbed a burger, but decided one more mile repeat up the hill would be a good idea. Afterwards Jackie and I got home and after a shower we both immediately put on our Lily Trotters compressions socks to recover for the next day!
Trail Wisp(erings) 