Fall Trail Season

After a bit of a whirlwind summer, life on the coast has finally calmed down. Marathon recovery is nearly complete and I am looking forward to a fall of racing and trail adventures. Matt and I like to alternate trail and road seasons to keep our minds and legs free of injury and overuse.

Summer is typically our trail season, fall a road one. This year, we've decided to reverse it to take advantage of some trail races we usually miss.  It feels a little odd to not have a big road goal to finish off the year.  That said, road races still make up the majority of my fall race calendar. That's what's most available locally. The only differences are that I won't have a specific goal time for most of them and my weekly long runs will be trail.

Last weekend's long run was our first trail excursion of the season. As is typical of the local trails, it included a nice climb. Compared to most of our trail long runs, this one was short and benign. Matt and I took the pace slow and easy as we chatted about our fall racing schedule and the 2015 edition of my trail race (registration opens Oct. 1).

It was a sweaty day.

As we passed beneath the canopy of towering redwood trees, I breathed a sigh of relief. Trail season equals playtime. We pack tons of junk food, the camera, and a little bit of water and disappear into the woods for most of a day.

So far this year, I'm on track to break 2,000 miles by the end of December. I doubt I'd manage such mileage without a trail season. I know I'd burn out without some quality playtime.  A dangling carrot out at the end of the season keeps me motivated. This year, it's The North Face 50K on the hills of the Marin Headlands. Now that it appears my bad weather karma has expired, I'm looking forward to the gorgeous December day that awaits me. (Nah, it will rain. Of that I'm certain.)

Here's what my fall racing season looks like:

(*= goal race)
Sept. 21: The Rogue Run Half Marathon.*
Since it's the day after my 30th birthday, I'm sort of hoping for the belated gift of a new PR and a strong start in the 30-34 age group. Forecast looks a bit toasty (95F for a high, yuck), we'll see what race day brings.

Sept 27: Enchanted Forest Wine Run.
Half marathon trail run in Oregon. My friend, Nikki, and I are making tutus. She says everyone dresses up, so I don't want to be the weirdo without a costume. The whole weekend sounds like a trail runner camping weekend with s'mores, BBQ, and pretty trails.

Oct 19: Humboldt Redwoods Marathon.
I ran the Avenue of the Giants Marathon in 2013 and mentally gave up a little past halfway. This race is the same course in reverse and my long overdue rematch. As long as I beat my previous time of 3:52, I'll be happy.

Nov 1: Santa Rosa XC 6K.
The Humboldt Track Club runs a bunch of cross country races in the fall. This year, they invited me to join. This is only one of two races that fits into my schedule (spoiler alert: I already ran the first one on Saturday).

Nov 15: Arcata Bottoms 8 Mile.
Running club race with the cows, sheepies, and horses. And probably rain. And high winds...as always.

Nov 27: Turkey Trot 5K.*
This is the largest 5K I run each year. I always find someone to push me to a new PR. This year I'd love to come in right around 21 minutes.

Dec 7: TNF 50K.
Ever since we moved to California, Matt has been trying to convince me that this race is a good idea. Since it is the same weekend as CIM, I was always able to fend him off. Lanore joined Matt's cause and I suddenly found myself hitting the *register* button. Even if it is the crazy hilly mud fest that often visits in December, at least I won't be suffering alone. :) I might just be in good enough shape to finally break six hours.

Other fall adventures:
Rocky Mountain National Park.
We're hoping that our trip coincides with peak fall colors. I've never been to the American Rocky Mountains, so this trip was long overdue. Matt and I are attending a conference there already, so we decided to extend our trip. Any must-hike trail suggestions are welcome.

Lassen Peak.
I'm still hoping we'll find time to summit this pretty volcano. Otherwise a winter snow trip will suffice..... I guess. ;)