May 22 Training Run Report – She Said

Despite having a mix up with our meeting place, we still managed to organize the posse of about 40 runners and take off into the trails by 7:45 am. Not bad, considering nearly some of our group was parked at the dam at 7:30 and needed to high tail it over to Lynn Canyon parking lot.

The route was to go from Lynn Canyon parking over the suspension bridge and follow the BP to Deep Cove and back. After explaining our run, bathroom and water stops, and if needed, mouth watering donuts and coffee at Honey’s in the Cove, I asked fellow runners if anyone ran the race when the route was on the opposite side of Lynn Canyon and running up the stairs to the check point aid-station near the suspension bridge. No hands. Nothing. I guess I am dating myself.

I was asked later while running, if there was a “lottery” back then. No. And we had a wonderful banquet/awards night at a church in Edgemont Village…

One nice thing about an out and back route is that you get to see everybody, say hi and a possible word of encouragement. Some were in groups, having great conversations and some runners were on their own. I found it to be quite humid at first, and of course, muddy.  BUT the rain held….

I had a number of “firsts” with this run:

1.  While having a very good chat with Glenn, I slipped in the mud and fell. I got up, brushed the mud of Glen and myself, and feeling no pain, started running again. Within seconds, I fell down again. My mind  and body were not coordinating today. Glenn said this was a two-beer deal, but I made up a new trail running rule  – if you fall again within 10 seconds of each other, it still counts as one beer. I am not sure if he is buying this or not;

2. We share the trails with many things now. We also need to be aware of our shaggy friends that love the trails as much as we do. Usually, when a dog chooses his or her “line” that is the exactly the same as mine, I move quickly out of the way.  No such luck this time. Going up a steep pitch of stairs on the last section of the BP into the Cove, I tripped on the step (not a good day); hands went down, and head went up, only to come face to face with a wagging tail pit-bull. No dodging this time, the dog took charge, and gave me the biggest lick from chin to forehead and then carried on his way. All right then.

At the turn around point, some runners went right into the park, while others turned around at the bottom of the steps. You appreciate the elevation change on the way back. Coming out of the Cove, you face a continual hill, (with a few dips, of course); all the way to the Seymour Grind section. It was good to get back into Lynn Canyon. By then, there were many hikers and sightseers.

I was met with some curious stares while crossing the suspension bridge. Perhaps the muddy legs and shoes was what they were to expect once on the other side.

Next week, we will be meeting at Cleveland Dam for an 8:00am start. Be aware that NSA Iron and Tender Knee Trail Race will be starting at the park just up the road on Nancy Greene Way. Parking may be an issue. If necessary, park on the side streets.

Details of the route will be explained that morning.

Have a great week.

Patricia Jensen, Trail Run Leader