This was my first race of the year, and wow, I couldn’t have hoped for a better day and race experience! It’s a classic race here in the Pacific Northwest, and takes place near Bellingham (about 1.5 hours north of Seattle), and mostly in Larrabee State Park. I’ve run the Chuckanut 50K twice before (2016…
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Chuckanut Training Run 2018
Read moreThis weekend was the annual Chuckanut Training Run (thanks for hosting Balanced Athlete and Aspire Adventure Running!) I’ve run the Chuckanut 50K twice now (2016 race report and 2017 race report), so I knew what to expect on the course. However, I was grateful to have this opportunity to get reacquainted with it’s challenges and charms, and have…
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Desert Runcation Part 2: PCT & the Kelso Dunes
Read moreLet the sun-seeking continue! The first part of our desert runcation was at Joshua Tree National Park (read about it here.) The second part was all about visiting areas relatively nearby in order to see new landscapes and explore new trails. The Pacific Crest Trail displayed a beautiful valley as well as stunning ridgeline views…
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Desert Runcation Part 1: Joshua Tree National Park
Read moreWe have a tradition (does two times make a tradition?) of taking a desert runcation in late winter/spring to combat the dark and rainy Seattle days. Last year we spent time in Zion National Park (part 1 and part 2.) This year we went to Southern California with the goal of exploring Joshua Tree National…
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Taking the Leap: From Half Marathons to Ultramarathons
Read moreI’ve often been asked, why (and how) did I make the leap from half marathons to ultramarathons? After I respond, the person’s follow up comment usually is, “I could never do that.” Guess what? You totally can! I’m an average runner (with occasional delusions of grandeur), so if I can do it, you can too. If…
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How I Fueled My Runs on Whole30
Read moreAfter the holidays were over (and the excuses for gorging on cookies evaporated), I felt sluggish and… ugh. I needed a nutritional reset. I wanted to jump start the year so I would be ready for all of the awesome trail running adventures I have planned in the future. So Adam and I decided to do…
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2017 in Review – 2018 in Preview
Read moreWhat. A. Year. Let’s do the numbers. <cue Marketplace with Kai Ryssdal music> 1,910 miles run (a new PR!) One 100 miler completed (Javelina Jundred race report) One 100 miler DNF’d (Mountain Lakes 100 report) One 100K completed (Sun Mountain race report) Two self-supported runs completed (UPWC 36 mile Owyhigh Lakes Loop, Image Lake to Miner’s…
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A Lovely Little Run at Deception Pass State Park
Read moreIt’s been a few weeks since my last post, and like many people, I’ve been swept up in all of the insanity extra things that the holiday season brings. More fun social events, more obligations, more excuses to eat cookies, less daylight, and the slightly dazed feeling that you’re on a sparkly, carol-blasting, cookie-driven ride…
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Reflections and What’s Next?
Read moreTypically, my blog posts have been race/trip reports with lots of pictures, and a smattering of posts are about tasting whisky. Today I’m mixing it up with a more personal narrative. It’s been just about a month (!) since my Javelina Jundred, and I’ve had some time to reflect on my experience. I wanted to…
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Javelina Jundred 100 Miler Race Report
Read moreI finished my first 100 miler!!! I can’t believe it. It feels incredibly surreal. After my disappointing DNF a month ago at Mountain Lakes 100, I decided to get right back on the horse and try again. My coach recommended the Javelina Jundred (not a snowflake in sight!), and it turned out to be the perfect…
