Tuesday, April 29, 2008

fastpack PCT - Cabazon to Big Bear Lake 65 mi

This would be my first real run since the unknown ?k (50K). Just prior to that race I had hyperextended my knee in deep snow and it seemed to take forever for it to heal. No one seemed to want to join me on this sweet 65-miler so I started out alone from Cottonwood Rd in Cabazon just before it got dark. It was very warm and the climb warmed me up even more. The 37 lb in my pack along with the 7 lb in my fanny pack added to the workout so I never had more than a short sleeve on the entire run. I just love running in the dark and was having no problems with my knee, so I was a happy camper. I didn't have an ipod with me, but Sue's caution echoed in my head at times, "take it slow". Other than the pine cone that wiped me out shortly after midnight, it was a fabulous run. I got out about 28 miles by 2:30 and got sleepy so I decided to call it a night; this was a training run after all. I was up and running by 6:45 a.m. the next morning. I discovered that I had lost my spare batteries during my encounter with that pine cone. I had them in an easy to get at place in case I needed to replace my light batteries. I've never fallen so hadn't given it much thought. Note to self, secure your batteries better. I had decided to go sans hiker's tent and take more water instead, so preparation for sleep required me to simply roll out my bag on the side of the trail and crash out. I had started out with 230 oz. and it turned out to be a good call. By the time I reached Onyx I was completely out from the long climb in the heat and had to take advantage of a nearby cache provided by some local trail angels. I was a bit pressed for time now, as well. I didn't know how much battery life I had left in my light and my Garmins were completely dead at this point, so I pushed a little once I summited Onyx. I crossed the highway somewhere in the middle of the afternoon and knew that I would make it before nightfall. As I approached Holcomb Valley I kept looking for Greg's mystery picture location. I think I saw it about a dozen times. On my way down Cougar Crest trail I ran into EKP's talking trees. Can't even run alone without thinking of my fellow SoCal Trail Headz. :)