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Squaw Valley - "climb" course + over Escarpment with CA, CPC and BGD

June 26, 2015 (Morning)

Exercise Type: Run

Weather: 80s, hot, dry

Comments:
Up early - didn't sleep too great - then drove into Susanville for coffee, then a quick pit stop in Reno en route to SV. Met up with BGD around 9:30 and chatted only a few folks in the WS zoo before we took off for the run.

The main road route was closed due to helicopter activity, but the trail route was awesome! Big grantie boulders and fun intermittent flat but big grunts. Kept 'er real easy at first, then, once the first racer passed us, I told CPC, "Hey, let's try to keep up with him!".

So he and I both started to grind pretty hard. FELT GREAT. I actually kept pace with the guy, but he got out of sight, then I took a wrong turn. Got back on course and hung behind guy #2 for the remainder of the course. The climbing, "pelvis opening" stride felt strong and wound up with a good 2.5 mile/30min or so tempo! Once on top, I hung out, waiting for BGD and CA.

Man, it felt good to aggressively grind and FEEL GOOD! I often get into this "any hard running is bad for you" mindset, which simply isn't true (if done correctly). So to push hard and basically run pace with the Uphill racers was a good sign of developing fitness and an indicator that "still have it"!

Got a drink at the high camp, then we shuffle+hiked to the top of Escarpment and into the Chief! I was surprised at how TIRED I was in the Chief. BGD, especially! We went maybe a mile, really slowly, before turning back.

We decided to skirt the Chief itself on the way back, which was a mistake - took way longer and was treacherous - but eventually made it back to the high camp and took the tram down.

Good, long time-on-feet effort, but only about 8 miles.

PM: had a crappy "lunch" at the Dublin pub, skipped the meeting, then met up with Ford's crew at his rental. I basically forced a meeting, where we got some details ironed out. I met his family (parents, grandparents) and his crew: Zac Marion and this Dom guy, who I thought would a HS kid, but was maybe 30?

Once we got that squared away, CA and I showered there, then drove east across the north rim to the Reno foothills to her "Uncles" house. Good to meet them and spend more time with her family. Stayed overnight there. Super-nice.