Sunday, January 6, 2008

Western WA Fat Ass 50K

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We had a great day at the Western WA Fat Ass 50K fun run. Several local running celeb's showed up for a good training run. Scott Jurek, Brian Morrison, Uli Steidle were among the 100+ runners at the start. The 50K course involved running two 16 mile loops on Tiger Mountain. Many of the runners opted for the 25K run. It's hard to tell how many runners opted for the 50K until the results are posted.

Rob, Steve and I ran the course together. The day threw some rain at us early on with temps around 37 F at the start. As we climbed we ran into some snow as we climbed T1. The second lap provided some snowy running that created a winter solitude that was really enjoyable. The open summits on T1,T2, and T3 exposed us to some good wind and driving snow but the time at the summits is limited as you move down the trails that are protected by forest. The temperatures dropped on the second loop and the packed snow on the trails had glazed over with ice to make things a bit slippery as we made our way along.

Jenny commuted with us and ran the 25K loop. She had a good run but nearly froze to death waiting for us at the car as we did our second loop.

We finished in 7:23 and went to North Bend for a big pasta dinner before heading home for some rest. NOTE: I took a 20min ice bath to help my legs recover from the pounding. The water is noticeably colder in the winter than it is in the summer!

Cheers!

Trail Scat

13 comments:

Scott McMurtrey said...

is there really that much difference between the summer's 32.1 degree water and winter's 32.01? maybe that's just what it feels like to a texan.

you, rob, and steve and just as local and just as celebrated and those other nobodies you named. :)

Anonymous said...

The photobook, like the run, were fantastic. I hope 2008 turns out to be as wonderful as 2007 was. I told Lorri last night that the cold water for my bath seemed 10 degrees colder in the winter. She said, "Duh!". No sympathy for us warriors of the forest.

Unknown said...

Great run yesterday! Thanks for waiting for me as usual the second half. I feel pretty normal today, but the legs are a bit sore as I imagine they will be for another day or two. I opted out of the ice bath.

Sarah said...

There's no way I'll take an ice bath during the winter! Luv the pics. : )

Laura H said...

Nice pics! I didn't even notice the view of Lake WA! I'll have to pay attention next time. Good job on the 50K - you guys and gals are such studs! Celebs in my book for sure!

Olga said...

I think I miss this crazy FA:)

Gotta Run..... said...

YOU ARE INSANE....but I love it!! An ice bath in those temps. Now you are one hard core guy. I so want to be like you when I grow up!!!!!!

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

I can't believe you took an ice bath. I'll call my nap in the car my ice bath! Next time I'll bring a sleeping bag and a book!
Jenny

shawn said...

Nice work out there Eric. I'm sure you could have crushed me, and I almost thought about running with you but Steve-O said I shouldn't let you :)

The ice bath always sounds like a good idea while I'm running - hey, I'm already cold right? - but once I've got warm clothes on the idea seems nuts! You're nuts.

Doris said...

"50k fun run" .. there's something simply wrong with that statement ;o)

No wonder you needed a good soak in the river... just makes me shiver just looking at that picture!

Anonymous said...

Great little photo album! :)

Nice work on yet another successful 50K! There's no stopping you, huh?

seagull junker said...

eric
that was pretty neato. i enjoyed it. see you soon

Meghan said...

I hope I'm not double commenting. I don't think it worked last time.

Nice photo album, Eric! Thanks for sharing.

Also, I'm really happy to hear that your dad's surgery went well. What a major undertaking that he faired strongly. That's wonderful!