Family fun times

On Independence Day we decided to participate as a family in our running club's annual 4th of July 5k and 10k. Marc ran the 10k and the little guy ran the 5k. My main modes of exercise lately have been water aerobics and yoga. However I did a lot of walking on our recent trip to Florida and have been on a few successful short hikes in the gorge. So I decided to walk the 5k. My goal was to keep it at the level of a stroll, which meant I was shooting for an hour finish. I ended up coming in at 54 minutes, Marc finished his 10k in 48:30 and the little guy paced himself to a 27 minute finish. You better believe I'm signing him up for the cross country team this fall! All in all it was a fun way to spend a holiday morning. I was grateful to be out participating in a race again. But walking really isn't my thing.

Yesterday we went on a 7 mile hike in the Opal Creek Wilderness. This area is famous for it's ancient forest and clear blue green pools along Opal Creek.

Marc swimming in the cool, clear water

Single track through some big trees

Goofing around...there's an old mining town here

Opal pool

I did the hike (and last week's 5k) in my Vibram Fivefingers. I've jumped onto the almost-barefoot and/or minimalist shoe bandwagon. Right now I can't imagine trail running (except on really soft rock-free trails) in the VFF's. But I hear that Vibram is coming out with a new model with more of a treaded sole. Nevertheless, there are many minimalist trail shoes to try out.

I have trail running on the brain because last week I started a couch to 5k running program. I'm allowing myself to dream about running again. And hopefully it's not just a dream. I still have some aches and pains. But those aches and pains feel more like my body re-adjusting itself. I'm excited and optimistic, yet taking it slow. I've never started at such a basic level and I will probably repeat some of the weeks a few times. So I truly am going back to the beginning. I've been hesitant to mention it here, so cross your fingers that I haven't just jinxed myself.

Don't try this at home

I guess there's something to be said for fresh legs...or maybe it's positive thinking...or maybe no thinking...or maybe just dumb luck. Whatever his secret, I want to bottle it up and sell it. Yesterday, Marc completed the Forest Park 50k in 6:32:45. Not bad considering that his last long run was the Haulin' Aspen Marathon last August. He also raced the Portland Marathon 5 miler last October, but I really can't remember him running much since then. And I can't get over this detail...his time at the Forest Park 50k last year (when he was training) was 2 minutes slower.

It was a beautiful day for a race. Hard to believe but I haven't been over to Forest Park since last's years race, when it was grey and rainy. This year...blue sky and dry trails.

After we saw the runners off, the little guy and I headed up to 53rd avenue. We decided to hike down the Birch trail and greet the runners where Birch and Wildwood intersect, about 3-4 miles into the race.

Marc, as usual, went out fast. Later he commented that he figured he'd die at some point, whether he went out fast or slow. So he might as well go out fast. We waited until we saw Bret come by and then headed out to take care of some other business of the day.

We arrived back at the start/finish around the 6 hour mark. I really had no idea how Marc would do...but thought the best case scenario would be about 7 hours and the worst case would be an 8 to 9 hour death march. A few minutes later Bret rolled in looking hot and tired but finishing in a very respectable 6:02.

The little guy wanted to explore the trail so we headed up the direction Marc would be coming down. It's about .84 mile up Balch Creek to the Stone House and the junction with Wildwood. We cheered other runners as they came past and the little guy played by the stream.

I wondered whether we should keep going on once we came to the junction, but fortunately I didn't have to decide.

About 1/2 mile up the trail, here came Marc!...looking like he'd make the finish in about 6:30. The little guy took off to run him in.

I started to power hike back, but then decided, what the heck, let's run! I caught up with them near the clearing and was able to sprint past on the grass just in time to capture a finish shot.

Back home, after a cold shower and nap, he was out playing frisbee and riding bikes with the little guy. Not bad for an old guy! Next up for him: Some gorge training runs (yes, I think he will do some actual training) and the PCT 50 miler in July. Next up for me: Continuing with my water aerobics, yoga and strength training. But just maybe I'll add a few easy jogs around the block here and there.

Good thing I renewed his maniac membership

Honestly, I didn't think I'd be involved in many ultras this year. There are a few events I've enjoyed volunteering for. But...I'm still conflicted about not being able to run. Volunteering at Pac Rim One Day was tons of fun. But I was a little depressed for a few weeks after. I'm over that, but wasn't really thinking about attending any more races this year. For now, it's easier to stay away and focus on other things. Last spring and summer, Marc ran all "my" races for me and then some of his own too. But he's a "been there, done that" kind of guy. So I thought that summer would be about doing other things and going other places.

I guess I thought wrong.

I recently got the email call for volunteers for PCT 50 in July. When I mentioned it to Marc, his response: "I better bring along my running gear this time." If you've followed along, you know that he's been talked into, conned, dared, wheedled, coaxed, cajoled and/or convinced to run it on the fly the last two years. I had a novel idea....maybe he could actually register for it this year. And of course, he'd need a training race or two. So.... short story, he's registered for the Mt. Hood PCT 50 miler on July 25th (news flash....its a new course) and the Forest Park 50k this Sunday. Never mind that his last long run was the Haulin' Aspen marathon last August. Seems like par for the course around here.

Stay tuned....

P.S. Thanks for all the encouraging comments and emails in response to my last post. It means a lot to me to still feel like part of the gang.