Let’s do this .. Blackfoot 50K

My last hoorah before Blackfoot involved another hike up Prairie and getting (somewhat) lost in the West Bragg trail systems. I really know how to spend a long weekend.

I read Deena Kastor’s Let Your Mind Run. I couldn’t put the book down. I don’t know much about Deena (other than she was a successful American marathoner) so it was all new to me. Surprisingly it was well-written. I’ve read some running memoirs or books that have made me cringe. 

I’ve been reading mucho books lately. I always feel inspired and relaxed when I read (something other than a reporter’s copy). Thankfully we have a great library system in Red Deer, which boasts a wonderful selection. Nothing beats reading outside under a tree on a nice summer day. 

Mostly I have been drawn to the self-help and memoirs of inspiring people. Sometimes you just need a little pick me up. 

Little wind on the mountain.
Prairie offered no surprises on Saturday. 

This was my third jaunt up Prairie this year. I think I need a time out. But the good news is – it gets easier every time. I was happy to take Laura up for her first bit of hiking/trail running! I think she had a good time. The next day, she ran a 10K race so she was not destroyed. 

There weren’t too many people on the mountain, which was a nice break. Sometimes it’s just crazy busy. We went the long way down. I talked to a runner at the bottom who explained there was another way down from the mountain, which added about 4K. I think I will try this next time. 

Exploring West Bragg trails.
Exploring West Bragg trails.

I met Joanna at the West Bragg parking lot on Sunday morning. I managed a little warm up before we met at 11 a.m. The day before Joanna and her Slave Lake crew climbed three mountains – Ha Ling, EERO and Lady Mac. I would have loved to joined them but I already had plans. The last time (and only time) I was on Lady Mac, the wind nearly blew me off. I still shudder at the memory. 

Blue skies and what's left of a tree stand.
Blue skies and what’s left of a tree stand.

We had a great day exploring the trails. I really love these trails. There’s so much choice. Thankfully Joanna didn’t mind that my directions got us a little off track. I call them bonus miles! She’s training for Sin 7 solo so any extra time on feet is awesome.

This weekend it all begins – the first 50K in my race calendar. I’m not too bothered or worried about it since it is the first race of the year, and I am using it as a long, training run. I have nothing to prove except to myself. Five years ago, I ran a 6:40ish race so it would be great if I shaved off a few minutes. 

I am taking it easy this week. I had a massage yesterday and I visited my chiro this morning. I am starting to get some aches and pains in my right leg/hip. I am ignoring it – maybe it’s just phantom pain since my big run is only a couple of days away. I’m excited! 

Hope you’re enjoying this lovely weather. Thanks for stopping in. 

Peace. 

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