Greg's Running Adventures

Max Heart Rate

2012-01-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

WARNING: Do not attempt these techniques yourself without consulting a doctor. You could injure yourself or worse. Bad things could happen to you. You might even die.

Do you know your maximum heart rate? I recently started to wear my Polar heart rate monitor again and wanted to know my max heart rate (MHR). After a quick internet search, I learned that the most commonly used formula is 220 minus your age. If this is true, my MHR should be around 172 beats per minute. (OK, so now you know how old I am if you are any good at math.) My target aerobic zone should be between 120-145 bpm.

I set out on a few runs with this knowledge and noticed right off that I was training beyond my target zone; my rate was usually in the 150-170 range. On a recent Run El Paso Club run, I ran at my max HR for over one and a half hours while carrying on a conversation the entire time. Is my MHR really 172?

After a more thorough internet search, I discovered that the only way to really know your MHR is to push yourself until you experience “fibrillations”. One article gave the instructions to basically find a good hill and run up it as fast as you can until you fall down. (read here) OK, that sounds like a reasonable test to me, so I set out to try it.

I depart on a crisp morning with my three dogs; Lucy, Sierra and Taz, on one of our regular neighborhood runs up to and around a posh country club. We have plenty of hills to choose from around here, so after warming up for 10 minutes, I start to push it a bit. My heart rate reaches 180 and I feel just fine. We reach a very steep hill and then I go all out. 185…187…190…194.

Unexpectedly, I feel a force from behind that is preventing me from going any faster. It seems the little Tasmanian dog has locked up and is squatting in the street. Well, I can’t blame him; we were traveling so fast that he probably had no choice. We must have been going at least as fast as a cheetah. Not really, albeit felt so.

Like a good citizen, I pick up Taz’s mess and put it in his backpack. (Yes, that is one of our rules.) We continue on our way at a reasonable pace. I question whether 194 is my MHR, and decide to try the experiment again to see if I can break 200. Is this really a good idea? I convince myself that it is, so after after passing a tee-off, I pick up my pace. I approach another incline and go all out. 190…195…197…199. I’m breathing as hard as I can and begin to grunt like a Nike wearing Samurai. I warp into another dimension and then my body gives up. 200…201.

I try not to throw up on the putting green and then slowly begin to return to Earth. I suppose the question has been unscientifically answered; my max HR is somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 bpm. A 30 beat difference than the 220 minus age formula. This makes a huge difference when calculating my target workout zone, explains why I can carry on a conversation at 170 and means I'm healthy enough for sex.

In other news, I’ve been running in my Merrell “barefoot” shoes for about 15-20 minutes of each regular run and prefer them over my über cushioned Asics Cumulus footwear. My goal is to slowly transition to wearing minimalist shoes exclusively on all my shorter runs while wearing the cushioned shoes on longer ones.

The original minimalist shoe

This week I will run my first race in over a year; the El Paso Half Marathon. One of our club runners, Salvador Almeida, will be running his 100th full marathon this Sunday. Many of our friends will be running with him to the finish line to celebrate. I plan to take plenty of pictures and will have a complete race report soon after. It will be an exciting weekend for sure. Good luck Sal!

See you on the trail.

Yippee-I-Oh

2012-01-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

Yippee-i-oh, coyote on my tail.

Two miles running over hill and dale.

His chilling laugh echoes off a canyon wall,

makes me push the limit 'till I almost fall.

Faster, faster, I have to lose him,

everything is starting to go a little dim.

A look behind me, to my left and right,

I keep on running with all my might.

Now it’s calm, I start to slow,

no sound of his howl, yippee-i-oh!

Running in the desert of West Texas is always like a dream. I’ve heard many coyotes and even seen a few, but never had one follow me for miles. What did he want? A piece of me or my littlest doggy? I made it six miles down the rolling dusty track with my four legged friends tagging along, but now I must head back.

Last week I went on another wintery hike with a friend. This time up to N. Franklin Peak (7192 ft) near the Paso del Norte. The mountains were transformed from a craggy rugged landscape to one that was beautified by a blanket of snow. Yucca, shin dagger and sotol were reaching for the sun through the frozen powder. An icicle had formed in a most unusual way; like a twisted “T” growing out of the ground.

The Indian Hot Springs Rd that I run today is near the lower route of the Butterfield Overland Stagecoach. I recently read that in 1881, the last Texas indian battle was fought near here after a stagecoach was attacked by Apaches in Quitman Canyon. In 900 Miles on the Butterfield Trail, A.C. Greene writes, “And though we do not recommend spending the night there..., Sierra Blanca proved to be the gateway to what we consider the wildest, most picturesque miles on the entire Butterfield stage line through Texas: Quitman Canyon entered by Quitman Pass.” I often run the Quitman Pass Rd and have seen indian drawings on the rocks in an arroyo there. (Read Post)

Speaking of rock art, I recently visited the Three Rivers Petroglyph site with my family. This mysterious set of boulders, near Tularosa, NM and the Sacramento Mts, has 21,000 indian drawings of all sorts. The land is owned by the BLM and a campground is located further east towards Sierra Blanca Peak. From there, a 12 mile trail leads into the Lincoln National Forest, so I’ve added that to my “runs-to-do-before-I-die” list.

On the same trip, we also visited White Sands National Monument, which is the world’s largest deposit of gypsum. In other words, the sand dunes create the largest sandbox on the planet. Maddie had a great time running down the hills while Mom or Dad caught her before she face planted into the sand. The park is located adjacent to the White Sands Missile Range where I will run the Bataan Memorial Death March (26.2 miles) in a few months. Any race with death in the title sounds intriguing to me, but I’ll write more about that later.

Today I continue my 12 miler in preparation for the El Paso Half Marathon. As I head back towards Ft. Quitman, I try to keep my pace up even while ascending the steep rolling hills. I’m feeling winded and am not sure if I can hold on to it. A blister has developed on the inside of my right foot; an indication that I’ve become a tenderfoot. I’m working hard though, to get my mileage back up and my body in shape.

Three Rivers Petroglyph Site

Soon I’m at my 10th mile and discover that I’m running 10 minutes per mile. There’s no sign of the wily coyote that was trailing me earlier; just the sound of 24 canine feet (do the math) keeping me company. Only two more miles to go, Yippee-i-oh!

See you on the trail.

Bear Canyon (Guadalupe NP)

2012-01-05T16:22:00.000-07:00

I had the good fortune of visiting Guadalupe National Park on the Texas - New Mexico border last week. A snowstorm recently struck this area, but all the snow in the low-lying areas was completely gone. As I was driving to the park, I thought to myself, this should be a good day for a hike; sunny, calm and no snow.

It wasn’t until I crested the top of the mountain pass that the white stuff came into view. The wind was also whipping through the pass as indicated by a horizontal windsock beside the highway. Oh well, I decided to hike anyway even though I didn’t have my boots with me. Running shoes would have to do. (Not recommended)

The Guadalupe Mountains are named for a likeness of Our Lady of Guadalupe as seen in the cliff face of El Capitan. This is the most prominent peak that comes into view when you approach the park and looks similar to El Cap in Yosemite NP. Many Southwestern Catholics take a pilgrimage to the base of the mountain on Dec 12th to worship the virgin.

When I arrived at the trailhead, I put on plenty of layers and topped them off with my soft shell jacket with windstop material. The terrain was beautifully covered with snow and I started out on a well packed trail. Most hikers head up to Guadalupe Peak, the highest in Texas at 8749 ft elev. I decided to take a less traveled trail to “the bowl” for better views of the interior of the park and maybe less wind.

Once I left the well packed trail, the traveling became rough, as no one had been this way since the snowfall. I had a hard time finding the path and had to break trail through some pretty deep snow. Occasionally my shoe would cave through the crust on top and my poorly equipped foot would sink up to my shin in the snow. Gusts of wind also made for precarious travel and several times I was almost knocked over.

The hike took me along the edge of Bear Canyon which led up to the rim of a bowl. I was surrounded by high mountains on three sides and could see plumes of spindrift blowing from the peaks. My only saving grace was rays of sunshine and the momentum of my body to keep me warm. Braving the wind, cold, and snow was well worth it, because the canyon was lined with Texas Madrone trees (Arbutus xalapensis).

Red bark of the Texas Madrone

These are the most beautiful specimens I have ever seen. Madrones have reddish to orange bark that peels off exposing a smooth white trunk. Some of the trees had ripe red berries on them. The combination of orange bark, green leaves, and red berries against a backdrop of white snow and blue sky was a stunning sight.

As a result of the abundance of berries, I happened upon some mountain bluebirds feeding. I tried to get a picture of the brilliantly colored feathered creatures, but they spooked too easily.

Eventually I made it to the rim of the bowl and that is when I was hit by a gale force. The wind was whipping up out of the basin like the breath of an ogre living within the bowels of the mountain. It seemed very much alive and ice crystals pelted my face creating an uncomfortable sting.

That is when I decided to descend. The trail continued on for a 9.5 mile loop, but I did not want to chance having to trek through deeper snow without my hiking boots. After turning around and hiking downhill for a while, I came upon a rock gully with high walls. A Madrone tree was hanging over the top which made for a dry, snow and wind free nook to have lunch. My leftover Christmas ham sandwich, pear, and dark chocolate covered cherries never tasted so good.

While eating, I found a piece of peeled off tree bark that looked like a torn leather belt. Following my rest, I continued on and, after reaching some flat terrain, began to run for a short while. I made it back to my truck having thoroughly enjoyed my jaunt in the Guadalupe Mountains. I know I’ll be back in better weather for some more hikes.

The view from Scenic Dr. New Years Eve

Do you know what I did on new years eve? I ran a 5K fun run on Scenic Dr in El Paso, TX. The Run El Paso Club sponsored the event beginning at 11:45, so I was able to end 2011 and begin 2012 while running. The weather was spectacular and about 200 people participated. I hope your new year was as exciting as mine.

See you on the trail.

My Year in Revew

2011-12-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Another year has passed and that is how long it has been since I ran a race. 2011 was humbling and challenging, but overall, a good year. I was injured at the beginning of the year, but still managed to run the Big Bend 25K trail race. Not the best decision since I probably just exacerbated my problem.

In spite of these circumstances, I managed to frequently get outside on my mountain bike and was also able to hike some interesting trails in Dog Canyon, Alamo Mountain, and Lincoln National Forest. Here is a slideshow of some of my favorite photos from 2011:

Watch out, there's a new sheriff in town!"

Not running for months on end is a humbling experience. We often take our health for granted and this was an eye opener for me. After 20 years of running mostly injury free, I had to learn how to deal with much more time on my hands.

Of course, having a new baby at home helped fill the void of what to do with all that time and that is what made this year so special. Watching Maddie go from a tiny, cranky, crying, poop machine to a cute, loving, silly, babbly kid with personality to boot was worth more than words can convey. We are so fortunate to have such a healthy happy little girl!

2012 is sure to be interesting in that it is a presidential election year. Now, I was always taught not to get into conversations about religion or politics, but this year I learned that there is another conversation which should be avoided at all costs: whether or not to run barefoot or in minimalist footwear.

Quitman Mt run 22 Dec, 2011

Quitman Mt run 24 Dec, 2011

The barefoot runners will swear that running shoeless is the answer to every problem on the planet to include reducing the national debt. However, most podiatrists and shoe salesmen will tell you that running barefoot will cause every ailment known to mankind. “You could get a serious infection or even lose an eye.” The rest of us have to pick a side just like in politics which leads to heated arguments in the running store, local gym or even on the marathon course.

Here is a post Christmas story for you: The day after Christmas, we were going on a walk at the ranch with Granddad and Grandmother. Granddad got a motion triggered wildlife camera for Christmas and we were going to set it up in a strategic location. On the way, our 8 dogs started making a furious raucous in the brush. We called and scolded them to come which most of them did, except the scrawniest little rapscallion, Taz.

Finally, we went in the thicket to see what was amiss and there stood, just a few feet away, a very pissed off collard peccary (javelina Tayassu tajacu) making a most peculiar noise. He was clacking his teeth together as a warning. “CLACK, CLACK, CLACK!” Well, I was scared he might charge me and send me ass over teakettle, but I pulled out my point and shoot camera anyway and fired off a few shots.

So far, the wildlife camera has only taken pictures of our dogs, but we are hopeful that soon we will capture a picture of something interesting. Here’s wishing you a happy new year.

See you on the trail.

Running Cold

2011-12-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

Oberammergau, Germany

Are you a fair weather runner? Not me. I’ve been bundling up this week when I venture out for my run. How do you know what to wear when you go out? Most people check the weather forecast to see how cold it will be. After living in Texas for 7 years, I’ve figured out not to look at the temperature.

Yorktown, VA

I’ve been doing this for quite a while and have run in all sorts of weather; scorching sun, 4th of July heat, arctic blasts, snow, rain, lightning, you name it. On a winter hiking trip in Virginia, I suffered superficial frostbite by not wearing proper socks and boots. In the Bavarian Alps, I became mildly hypothermic in July.

It was raining and windy and I was wearing cotton clothing under a non-breathable rain suit while slogging up a mountain all the time sweating profusely. On the return downward trip, I became chilled to the bone and had symptoms of hypothermia. After realizing the seriousness of my situation, I stopped to don a wool sweater that I was carrying in my pack. I made it back to camp, but shivered in my tent all night.

Did the conditions leading to hypothermia apply to me? According to a Princeton website they are:

Condition Applied to me?

Cold temperatures Somewhat
Improper clothing and equipment yes
Wetness yes -rain and sweat
Fatigue, exhaustion yes -mountain hiking
Dehydration maybe a little
Poor food intake are Cheetos a vegetable?
No knowledge of hypothermia hypo what?
Alcohol intake alcohol in Bavaria?

I learned the hard way (as usual) that cotton shirts and non breathable fabrics do not work for high intensity activities in windy, damp, cool weather. Now I know better and wear wool or synthetic layers to stay warm when I exercise outdoors. Running shorts over tights keep my legs comfy and 2 or 3 layers of polypro shirts keep my torso warm. Breathable Gor-Tex rainwear sometimes comes in handy too.

Proper outdoor wear

As I said before, I don’t only look at the temperature before I go out for a run. I’ve felt just fine on a sunny, calm, zero degree day, and have frozen on a 60 degree, overcast, windy day. The most undesirable element to run in is the wind. We have a lot of wind in Texas. Dust devils are a common sight and I’ve even seen snowplows clearing tumbleweed jams from roads. Well, that is better than dealing with the snirt that Northerners have on their roads.

Partnachklamm - Garmisch, Germany

Tumbleweed, that symbol of the American West, isn’t even a native plant to these parts, but an exotic introduced from Russia in 1874. Can you believe that? Salsola tragus is also known as Russian thistle or windwitch and one plant can disperse up to 250 thousand seeds thanks to the wind. No wonder it is found in almost every state. On another note, Prairie Tumbleweed Farm sells it on the internet just in case you were looking for a unique Christmas gift for someone.

Blowing dust helps create beautiful sunsets

Blowing dust is a common weather forecast in the desert southwest. Before I go out, I check the temperature and, equally as important, the wind speed. When it’s really windy I wear my Mountain Hardware windstop soft shell jacket which keeps me toasty while wicking moisture. Don’t let winter’s weather derail your running plans; just dress properly and don’t forget to check the windcast before you leave.

See you on the trail.

Giving Thanks

2011-11-27T19:05:00.001-07:00

Guess what I did on Black Friday. What else would the author of a running blog do but go for a run? I spent the weekend at my in-laws' ranch in West Texas and was thankful that I didn’t have to brave the crowds, violent mobs, and pepper spray all for a 10% discount on an X-Box. No mall for me.

Instead, I went running up a dirt road in one of the least populated counties in our country; Hudspeth, TX, population density: less than one person per sq mile. Deputy Sheriff: Steven Seagal.

As I ran, I had plenty of time to ponder all that I was thankful for, like the company of my 6 pack of dogs who were running with me.

I was also grateful for the wonderful dinner with family that I enjoyed the day before, and for the light drizzle that dampened my shirt and hat. I had heard that some shoppers in the city waited 4 hours in the rain for stores to open. One could have completed a full marathon in that time.

Why do we make Christmas so stressful? It seems to sneak up on us every year. How long have we known about that Dec 25th deadline? Only around 2000 years. You’d think we would plan a little better, but I suppose it is human nature to procrastinate. Well, I vow to take off the pressure this year. If I’m on your shopping list, don’t worry about getting me anything and If you are on mine...well... um...I feel sorry for you.

My wife, Cara, and her dad made me an early Christmas gift while we were relaxing at the ranch. They crafted a wonderful pair of sandals out of a 1953 car tire. (Think Tarahumara Indians from the book, Born to Run.) I’m thankful for their thoughtfulness and even for the antique mud that still adorns the soles. I’m wearing them while sitting in front of a very warm wood stove as I write this.

We just returned from riding horses around the ranch, which was just one of four modes of travel that I enjoyed today. This morning started with a mountain bike ride, and then a walk with the family. After that, I drove the tractor around a bit and then ended the day on a horse.

One of the neighbor ranchers told us about a mountain lion that has been seen around these parts. He says that they come down from the mountain this time of year. Even in the city of El Paso, residents have been reporting wildcats in their yards. On yesterday’s walk, one of our dogs discovered a tasty treat. He found a javalina leg that I suspect may have been killed and eaten by a lion. Although, I think a pack of coyote could also bring down a small peccary.

Organ Mts New Mexico

I hope you will also have the opportunity to slow down and relax during this busy season. If you are looking for something better to do instead of shopping, try a leisurely walk or run. I recently discovered a new trail just over the state line in New Mexico.

Sierra Vista Trail

The Sierra Vista Trail is four miles East on NM 404 (off of I10) and has excellent views of the Organ Mountains. You can actually run or hike the entire 25 mile route all the way to Las Cruces. The northern trail head is on Soledad Canyon Rd. (Read post Soledad Canyon.) Eventually, I will try to run the whole way.

See you on the trail.

Things Are Getting Better

2011-11-07T08:23:00.000-07:00

After many months of no running, I’ve slowly been able to return to 30 minutes every other day or so. If you follow my insomnia cure referred to as Greg’s Running Adventures, you will know that I have been whining about plantar fasciitis for a year now. I’ve talked about all the exercises, stretches, ointments, therapies, shoes, inserts, diets that I care to think about.

Hopefully all that is in the past, but I will just say that I’m not 100% yet, but things are getting better. I went for a three mile trail run this morning and enjoyed some gorgeous weather and took in some nature.

Several months ago I wrote a post about a shrub that was covered in white blossoms. I didn’t know what it was called, but suspected that it could be Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa).

A reader confirmed my notion. This morning I saw the bush again, but it only had one flower and many pink feathery plumes. I couldn’t believe how different it looks after the white flowers go to plume.

Autumn is a great time of year to run. After sweltering all summer, the air finally turns cool and crisp. Leaves change color and drop to the ground so winter’s snowfall will not accumulate on the trees and bring them down. (I learned that from reading Bernd Heinrich’s The Trees in my Forest.) We have very few trees in the desert, but the ocotillo leaves are yellowing and ready to drop.

Lechuguilla or shin dagger is still in bloom and I enjoyed watching a bee pollinate the flowers that line the long stalk. I bet you are wondering how I get any running done while observing all this excitement in the desert. Well, the answer is that I hike a bit before and after my run so I don’t miss anything.

Madeleine, future trail runner?

In other news, (much more important than running), Maddie turned one year old this week. I can’t believe a year has already passed since she arrived into this world. Her baby babble is as cute as ever and she is one step away from walking. Mommy and Daddy are busy keeping her out of everything (especially Mom). Her favorite pastime is pulling pots, pans and tupperware out of the kitchen cabinets.

See you on the trail.

Stinging Cevallia

Soledad Canyon

2011-10-26T05:57:00.002-06:00

Soledad Canyon

It’s no secret that I detest the gym. I pretty much hate everything about it especially the being indoors part. I belong to a brand new multi-million dollar gym that I have been using while my sore foot (plantar fasciitis) continues to heal. UT El Paso (UTEP) recently held the grand opening of the newest improvement to their college campus.

This new recreation center has a three story rock climbing wall, 1/8th of a mile indoor running track, cardio machines galore, and much more. Unfortunately the pool is being renovated, so I’ve been slogging away on one of those elliptical thingys and riding a stationary bike.

I don’t know about you, but when I run, I would rather look at this...

...instead of this:

My gym as seen through the Miner's pick

Fortunately I have been able to run outside for 15-20 min a few times a week to help maintain my sanity. This morning I’m in Las Cruces, NM to hike and run with my dogs. Soledad Canyon is just East of a rival university that shall remain un-named.

We begin our little adventure at the trail head beside an Aermotor windmill. Windmills have been providing water to the arid west for around 150 years and they are still used today to water thirsty livestock.

Click to see how a windmill works

The landscape is very bouldery with brown grasses in the foreground, interspersed with alligator juniper and an occasional oak tree. I love seeing the gator skin like bark of the junipers. Interesting rock formations make up the surrounding topography.

We start up the track and ascend a sloping prairie. The sun is just coming over the Organ Mountains and behind me is an awesome view of the Mesilla Valley. After a bit of hiking, we come to a fork and must decide which way to go. The directions from Localhikes.com say to go left towards the rock house.

We make our way to the cabin ruin and stop to explore a remnant of days gone by. A small roofless cabin with several windows and a door jam stands at the foot of the mountains. What a beautiful spot this must have been to build, ranch, grow, and live.

Of course one could purchase one of the surrounding adobe abodes in the nearby subdivision, but it wouldn’t be quite the same as what these homesteaders experienced years ago.

After a short break, we march on and enter Bar Canyon, a narrow gorge with a natural “waterfall”. After climbing up onto a rocky stream bed, a light blue and white flag comes into view high up on the mountain. What does it mean and who was resourceful enough to climb up there? These are the questions I would like answered, but must settle for searching for the elusive waterfall instead.

When we arrive, the rocks are wet, but only a trickle of H2O is dribbling from above. Ferns, moss and other water loving plants are growing around this desert oasis. We can go no further into this canyon without scrambling up the waterfall, so we head back.

I stop to check out some boulders and Taz decides that he is a rock climber. To my amazement, he scampers up a sheer precipice, turns around and bolts right back down again. His energy level is out of control.

After another few miles of hiking we are back to our beginning point and I decide to take a short jog. I run uphill for about 10 minutes and realize how hot the temperature has become. The fact that the air is dry and I’m at almost 6000 ft elev. doesn’t help matters. I reach the top of the grade feeling completely winded, but turn around for a little downhill recovery.

The dogs and I had a great morning in Bar Canyon completing a 5 mile hike. It feels good to be able to run a little bit after 9 months off. I would much rather spend my time sauntering here in the wilderness than pedaling at the gym.

See you on the trail.

New UTEP Rec center with the signature Bhutanese architecture

The Window

2011-09-25T08:14:00.001-06:00

Once again I’m up at zero dark thirty for another hiking adventure. This week I’m scrambling up to “The Window” near the S. Franklin Peak. If you follow my blog, you will remember that on 9-11 I trekked up S. Franklin. This morning I will start on the East side of the mountain and hike the Ron Coleman Trail to Smugglers Gap on the West Side.

First I drive up Trans Mountain road to the parking area where I will finish my hike. I lock up my bike and drop off some water. The sun’s rays are just beginning to peak around the mountains. I finish my commute and arrive at McKelligon Canyon. This is a beautiful spot in El Paso that includes an outdoor amphitheater built into the rocks. El Paso was recently named the number one “Can Do City" in the US by Newsweek Magazine and also won the award of All American City by The National Civic League in 2010.

El Paso get’s a bad rap because we are located next to Juarez, Mexico, the so called murder capital. Governor Perry doesn’t help our image by saying things like “...bombs are exploding in El Paso....” According to CQ press, our border city is the safest large city in the US. Let’s keep that our little secret though; we don’t want scads of people moving here and crowding my running trails. (Read Fact Checking Perry)

The beginning of the trail is steep and leads uphill towards a cave. When I arrive, I climb in the cave and start taking photos. Last week I took a bunch of blurry shots so I am being more careful this time. The directions I got from Localhkes.com say to go to the right of the first cave and to the left of the second.

The right of the first one makes for an arduous climb so I stop for a rest. A Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) butterfly lands on a bush, sits perfectly still, wings outstretched, and invites me to take his picture.

I make it to the second cave and then finally attain the main ridge line. The view is stunning and I can see my neighborhood below. I meet an older gentleman named Santigo on the trail and he shares some information about routes that he walks on a weekly basis. I keep moving up the ridge line and stumble upon a millipede that curls up in his defense position.

I must be getting close to the window, because my walk is starting to get hairy. I now have a precipitous drop off to my left so I need to stay focused. After traversing the west side of the mountain I come to a cliff with a chain attached that leads straight up.

I grab on and pull myself up the craggy face. I follow some blue dots that mark the route and reach another obstacle with a chain. After scaling the second part I make it to the porthole in the rock with a beautiful view of East El Paso.

Rock Wren

Canyon Wren

I precariously balance myself agains the cliff and begin to take many photos through the window. Suddenly a Rock Wren lands just a few feet above my head and thinks to himself: I’m safe because no human would be stupid enough to climb up here. Well, I take a few close up pictures before he realizes his oversight. Birds are a plenty up here and I also enjoy watching Swallows and Canyon Wrens.

I continue on my way and walk just below the FAA towers that have been built on the mountain top. I start my descent down towards Mammoth Rock and see many wildflowers. This is the same trail I walked last week, but I don’t remember seeing this many blooms. Before long, I’m back down to Smugglers Pass where I have a peanut butter sandwich and hop on my bike.

The 16 mile ride is mostly downhill, but after descending the mountain, I realize how hot it has become. I pedal a few uphill sections and really begin to feel fatigued. As I ride along the east side of the mountain I notice signs that warn of unexploded ordinance. This land is the former Castner Firing Range that was used by soldiers at nearby Ft Bliss. The land is to be added to the State Park when the ordinance can be cleared and the land made safe again.

After much effort I make it back to my starting point having made a complete circle of around 20 miles. I hope you have the opportunity to hike the Ron Coleman trail for a peek out the window someday. It is well worth the exertion and you will also enjoy our very safe, “Can-Do”, All American City!

See you on the trail.

N. Franklin Peak as seen from S. Franklin

September 11th

2011-09-13T22:05:00.001-06:00

Sept 11, 6:00am - I turn on the news to see the twin towers crumbling. No, it’s not 2001, but 9/11/2011. The scene flashes to “O” and “W”, wives in arms, walking the perimeter of the newly dedicated 9/11 memorial. Ten years have passed since that horrific day and we are still healing. No one was left untouched by the events that unfolded that day. And so today we remember those lost, pray for those left behind, and thank those who responded.

This morning I’ve decided to hike to the S. Franklin peak which stands watch over my neighborhood. I drive up Trans Mountain Rd. and, as I crest the hill, am greeted by a gorgeous sunrise. I pull into the recently renovated parking area and get ready to hike. New signs and maps have been posted here (good news) and a fee station has been added (bad news). The state park calls it the “Iron Ranger”. (Fill out some paper work and insert some bucks into the metal box.)

This will be the most walking I’ve done since my Plantar Fasciitis injury, so I’m curious to see how my foot reacts to the stress. The morning is cool and the sun is barely up. I head up the path through the canyon known as Smuggler’s Pass and stop to take a picture of a bush showing its brilliant yellow flowers. I believe it is called brittle bush.

Before long I find myself huffing and puffing up the switchbacks that lead to the main ridge line. This trail can be quite treacherous in parts with loose gravel, exposed ledges, and poor footing. The wind picks up as I ascend and by the time I reach the ridge it is howling in full force. When I get to the track that leads to Mammoth Rock, I can see my neighborhood to the west.

I keep trudging along as the wind whips around trying its best to send my hat over the edge and 2000 ft down to the desert below. Just before I reach my wooly friend, I take a side trip to a shallow cave to get out of the wind and rest for a minute. I observe the city and try to pick out familiar landmarks.

I continue my journey and pass the rock that forms the Mammoth’s trunk. The trail gets trickier here and I have to make my way across a gully that would result in a one way trip to the canyon floor if one lost his footing. At least I’m out of the wind now and after a few rock scrambles I begin the final climb to the radio towers on the summit.

When you near the top, there are many routes to choose from; the summit is mostly rocks. I make it to the top at 6791 ft elev. and take a peak over the edge overlooking the east side. It’s a brilliant morning and all is calm on this 10th anniversary of one of our darkest days. Wildflowers are blooming, birds are singing, and the air is fresh.

After reflecting for a while I start my descent. I wonder how my foot is going to hold up on the downward trip. So far it has felt fine, but hiking down puts more stress on my tendons and joints. Getting down proves to be as complex as getting up here. Clambering down rocks is riskier than climbing up. Most falls happen on the way down, but I manage to get back to the main path without incident.

When I return to the ridge, the wind is still gusting and I almost lose my hat again. Pretty soon I’m out of the wind and complete the final set of switchbacks. When I get down, a kid comments that I’m the fastest walker he has ever seen. Apparently he had been watching me on the peak just a little while ago. His mom asks, “Do you do this all the time?” I simply answered yes even though I haven’t been on the trail in some time due to my injury.

It was indeed a pleasure to be back on the trail and, even though I’m not healed 100 percent, my foot is doing well. I will continue to strengthen it and, with a little luck, may be able to run soon. There is nothing better for inspiration than bagging a peak. See you on the trail.

Cruising the Neighborhood

2011-08-28T20:47:00.000-06:00

Lately I’ve been riding a mountain bike through my neighborhood with my dogs in tow. I’m still not back to running yet, but my plantar fascia injury seems to be on the mend. I’ve also been testing my foot by taking some short walks.

Since the recent rains many wild flowers are in bloom and I’ve enjoyed taking some pictures of some of them. Almost everyday the dogs and I ride past a church that sits on a hill and an interesting plant grows along the road there.

Stinging Serpent

Stinging Serpent (Cevallia sinuata) is a hairy star looking plant with tubular buds instead of petals. Occasionally a bud opens into a small flower and I’ve read that they usually only open at night. As with almost everything in the desert, this plant can sting, hence the name.

Can you see the red Thunderbird?

I took a little bike trip up to the Coronado Canyon near the “Thunderbird” which sits below S. Franklin Peak. The ride to the canyon is through an upscale residential area with yards as well kept as a palace garden. Just before reaching the canyon you come to a golf course and can see the desert mountains as a backdrop.

As beautiful as it is, It doesn’t seem to belong here in the desert and I ponder how much water is used to keep everything looking green. I personally believe golf would be much more interesting and challenging if it were played in the natural landscape. The entire playing course would be a giant sand trap and the added venomous snakes, scorpions, and other perils would just add to the fun.

After reaching the mountain, I parked my bike and we walked a dry wash. Several bushes were in full bloom. The first was the Desert Senna, a small bush with tiny leaves and bright yellow flowers. It belongs to the pea family and produces seed pods.

The other one was a large scrubby bush with white flowers. I was not able to identify it, but I enjoyed watching a bee work over the pollen. This is a gorgeous canyon

that rivals the beauty of the nearby country club. I hope to be back running on these trails soon.

After letting the dogs sniff all the smells left by nocturnal creatures that inhabit this land, I got back on my bike and we traveled home. Our route took us around the golf course that is surrounded by trophy homes. A broken irrigation hose was wastefully spewing precious water in front of a newly constructed mansion.

OK, so maybe I’m too persnickety about this type of thing, but I find it very ironic that one can travel in several minutes from the harsh unforgiving desert to a completely manmade oasis.

After returning from our little adventure, we enjoyed a tasty breakfast, so here is another recipe for you (no measuring needed). Sauté some spring onions and bean sprouts in a little olive oil. Crack a few eggs in the pan and make a super food omelet. To make it healthier limit to only one yolk and give the others to your dog -they will be your best friend all day. (As if they weren’t already.) I also like to add some jalapeño peppers to wake up my taste buds and for the capsaicin they contain which is a natural anti-inflammatory. With all this healthy eating I’ve been doing lately, I should be back to running in no time.

See you on the trail.

Connecting with Nature

2011-08-12T11:46:00.001-06:00

Cool, fresh, mountain air. Thunderstorms. The chilling sound of coyote yips echoing through a canyon. Lush meadows laced with wildflowers and quaking aspens. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh…………. Cara and I are in the Lincoln National Forest in New Mexico enjoying our first camping trip with Maddie. I find it amazing that we can drive, in just a few short hours, from 100 degrees in the scrubby desert to 70 degrees in a lush forest. Our camp ground sits at 7500 ft above sea level nestled in the Bonito Canyon north of Ruidoso. (Texans proudly mispronounce the town name by saying Ree-uh-Doh-soh).

My first adventure is a bike ride with my dogs attached to my cycle with a Springer Dog Jogger. They are so excited to be out of the city and into the woods that I can barely control them. When we begin our journey they suddenly bolt and I feel like I’m riding on a rocket sled. I panic and start to brake while barking orders to them. “EASY, EASY, SLOW DOWN!” I yell. They don’t.

We exit the campground and turn onto Forest Road 107. I gain a little more control and start to enjoy the rolling hills that lead us through a beautiful valley. Bright grassy meadows dotted with yellow coneflowers greet us. All this lushness is framed in by a coniferous forest made up of douglas and white fir, ponderosa pine and pinyon. The fresh smell of damp pine is exhilarating and reminds me of my days living in Germany on the edge of the Palatinate Forest.

After riding for a while the dogs are finally getting tired. I notice their parched tongues hanging out of their mouths and then see a little stream to the left. We stop, they drink, we ride. The temperature is a pleasant 70. Soon we reach some aspen trees with their telltale smooth white bark. The quaking aspen has figured out a secondary way to reproduce other than seeding. New trees sprout from the main root system and, in fact, each tree is a clone; genetically identical to the parent tree.

After admiring these wonders of nature, we continue until we arrive at a little cave in the side of the mountain. As I dismount to take a picture, my little escape artist, Taz, has slipped out of his collar and is exploring the shallow niche. After letting him check it out, I get him back in his place and we wind and roll along the dirt road.

We come to Tanbark Canyon and begin a long steep ascent to who-knows-where. The climb is a leg burning, throat searing, brutal effort, but well worth it because, when we reach the top, we are rewarded with a fine view of Nogal Peak (elev. 9.957 ft). Feeling elated, we now descend the steep rocky road back to the rolling track that brought us here. Connecting with nature is as important to the human mind and body as the air we breathe and food we eat.

If you suffer from clinical depression or some other illness, take my advice and run, bike, saunter or just sit in the forest beside a stream or meadow. If you do not feel better after bonding with the natural world, you will only be charged a fraction of what you pay your therapist (make check payable to Mother Earth).

If camping isn’t your thing, maybe you should try glamping --glamorous camping. Opportunities exist where, for an exorbitant amount of money, you can travel to an exotic location and stay in a yurt, tee-pee, or tent including canopy bed, full kitchen, refrigerator, hot tub, massage, etc. Check out El Cosmico in Marfa, TX where you can sleep in a restored 1950s era “Kozy Coach” glamping trailer.

The ride home takes longer than expected. I keep noticing wildflowers along the way and can’t resist stopping for a few snap shots. I’ve determined that this area, complete with stunning scenery, wicked climbs and muddy creek crossings would be a great place to hold an ultramarathon trail race. We could call it the Rio Doso 50 for us Texans who can’t correctly pronounce Ruidoso.

Eventually I make it back to camp for some coffee and muesli and then get ready for a hike with Cara and Maddie. Cara’s birthday is today so we want to take her to a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. We don’t have to go far before we are following the S. Fork Rio Bonito. The creek is dry at first but as we continue up river the water begins to flow.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...................

We cross the stream and I notice that Maddie is sound asleep; snug on her mommy’s back. We come to an interesting rock formation on the side of the mountain. It is a moss adorned, terraced sort of thing that you might see in a finely landscaped yard except man did not create it. Cara comments that it looks like it was made for a waterfall.

Soon we pass a rock cabin ruin and then arrive at a picturesque little spot on the bank of the rio. Large boulders create pools where water cascades over tiny dams. I take pictures while Cara rests with Maddie napping on her back. The dogs enjoy exploring and sniffing until the little escape artist’s leash gets snagged on a branch. I was wondering why he was being so calm and still. Let’s see if he can get out of this little predicament. After a few minutes, I start to feel sorry for the little fellow and set him free.

Escape Artist can't get out of this one

Maddie wakes up and we continue up the trail. Another cabin ruin comes into view, but all that standsis the proverbial fireplace and chimney – a remnant of the past; of the people who homesteaded in this area in the 1800s. William Bonney, also known as Billy the Kid, rode in these parts around the same time, so I want to believe that he may have warmed himself by this fireplace while dodging the law.

Since Maddie is now awake, we decide to let her dip her feet in the water. We backtrack to our favorite spot and Cara takes Maddie’s shoes off and rolls up her pants. She enjoys feeling the chilly water on her feet. I’ve noticed that she is always happier when we are outside. There is so much more to see, hear, feel, and smell when we are outdoors.

The mountains of New Mexico are a gem and a great place for running, biking, hiking or just hanging out in the woods. Maddie had a great time on her first camping trip and will be back for many more adventures. Who knows? Maybe one day she will run the Rio Doso 50 with her dad, but for now, her favorite activities are climbing on the rocks and looking up at the trees.

See you on the trail.

"It was a dark and stormy night when all of a sudden..."

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh.....camping

Chia and Kefir

2011-08-03T17:29:00.002-06:00

Superfoods. Why eat anything else? What are these super stars of the food world anyway? Nuts, seeds, berries, hot peppers, garlic, tea, tomatoes, whole grains, yogurt, leafy greens, and dark chocolate (that’s right, chocolate). The two I’m going to talk about are chia seeds and kefir. Lately, I’ve been eating better to reduce inflammation in my body and to become healthier overall. I’m trying to avoid refined sugars and unhealthy fats and increase foods high in omega 3 fatty acids.

With all this healthy eating (and exercise), I should probably live to be at least 120 years old, right? Actually, all I really want is to add life to my years; not necessarily years to my life. My goal is to feel good as long as possible.

Dry chia seeds

Chia seeds are one of the foods highest in omega 3s which are known to defend against or reduce symptoms of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. I take chia seeds in a little bit of cranberry-pomegranate juice before my morning workout because they are also a high energy food. The Tarahumara Indians of Born to Run fame are known for using the seeds on their long endurance runs.

Chia gel

I get my chia from the Living Harvest Bakery, but you can find the seeds at your local “organic” grocery, health food store or in that Chia Pet that’s been sitting in your closet since Christmas. (Did you know there is an Obama Chia Pet for only $19.95?) Throw the little clay figurine away and soak the seeds in water as they will absorb nine times their weight in liquid which will help keep you hydrated in all this heat we have been plagued with.

What I do is put a ¼ cup of seeds in a container and add 11/4 cups of water (1:5 ratio); stirring to make sure the seeds don’t clump together. In a little while this mixture will turn to a gel that is completely tasteless. You can now add the substance to anything you like; oatmeal, yogurt, juice, smoothies, etc. You can even bake with chia seeds, but I have yet to try it.

Watch Chia Obama

Following my morning exercise, I enjoy a smoothie made with kefir. Kefir is a fermented dairy beverage, similar to, but healthier than yogurt, and full of probiotics which are healthy bacteria that enhance the immune function and inhibit inflammation. Kefir originated in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia where, centuries ago, shepherds preserved milk using kefir grains. You can buy Lifeway Kefir at your grocery or make your own.

To do it yourself you will first need to get some kefir grains from someone who makes kefir or search on the internet for a mail order supply. A little bit will get you started and, if you are not careful, you will have more grains than you know what to do with. After you get your kefir grains, put them in a glass container, pour some milk over them, cover with a cloth and let them sit at room temperature for about 24 hours.

Any milk will do, except ultra-pasteurized. Be careful with organic milk; it may have been shipped from across the country and could be overly pasteurized. In other words, buy local if possible. If your kefir turns into a gooey, cheesy, lumpy mess; the grains ran out of food (milk) and you will need to scoop them out and start over. Next time either drink the kefir sooner, use more milk or fewer grains. Pretty soon you will learn the right ratio of grains to milk. I use about a table spoon of grains to 2 cups of milk and let it sit for 24 hours.

To make smoothies, strain 2 cups of kefir into the blender and then add some frozen strawberries, blueberries and chia gel. Make sure to buy no sugar added fruit unless, of course, you want your smoother sweeter. Try agave nectar instead of sugar because it has a lower glycemic index. Don’t forget to place your little friends (kefir grains) back in a clean jar and feed them with some more milk.

The best part of making your own kefir and fruit smoothies is that you avoid the preservatives, additives and sweeteners that are in commercial yogurt. Many of these products, like Go-Gurt, have dozens of ingredients including several types of sweeteners. When is the last time you sat down at the breakfast table and said, “Please pass the xanthan gum, modified corn starch, and food coloring”?

All these probiotics, omega 3s, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are bound to keep you going and feeling great for many years to come. By the way, some say the word kefir means “good feeling” in Turkish. See you on the trail.

Taz: Devil, Runner, Escape Artist

2011-07-25T15:12:00.001-06:00

If there was such a thing as a Hairless Tasmanian dog, I’m pretty sure I own one. In my last post I wrote about two of my dogs, Lucy and Sierra. Today I’m going to tell you about Taz, the hairless mutt that showed up on our doorstep and decided to stay.

One day when I came home from work, Cara had an apologetic look on her face and instructed me to look in the backyard. When I did, I saw a scrawny little guy who looked like the runt of a junk yard dog. Well, at least he was small and if you overlooked his semi-hairless condition, he was sort of cute.

I had recently gotten used to running with two medium sized dogs who got along very well. What would Lucy and Sierra think of this weird looking guy encroaching on our perfect relationship? Maybe the owners will show up looking for their Tasmanian. No such luck.

Taz was an extremely overexcited puppy who got into everything. He loved to chew, especially straps. By the way, did you know that you can get your Chaco sandals re-webbed? When we took our dogs to Pawderosa Ranch for boarding, Taz continuously escaped from the play area, so the owners finally designated him a “greeter”. He remained at the reception desk and welcomed all the patrons as they entered.

Several years ago, we moved into a new house and Taz kept breaking out of the yard. I reinforced the gate and fence to no avail. Cara finally had to set up a video camera to discover how he was getting out. He had learned how to climb a wrought iron gate, squeeze through the bars at the top, and leap down to the other side.

Must watch video of Taz (turn sound up to hear Lucy scold him)

We needed a way to drain this dogs pent up energy, so I had to figure a way to run with three dogs. Cara and I started out by teaching him to walk on a leash. Fortunately, he was not a “puller” and we had many walks with our pup before I tried to run with him. I was used to running with Lucy on one side of me and Sierra on the other which worked out perfectly. I now had to run with two on one side and Taz on the other.

At first the little grey guy liked to switch sides and run around behind me. This maneuver made me stumble and almost end up face down in the street. Soon he figured things out though, and stayed on his side. Pooping was his favorite past time while on our jaunts, so we bought him a backpack so he could, not only carry the cleanup bags, but also a few rocks for added energy drainage.

After many months of trial and tribulation, we finally developed a running routine. I have been exercising with my three favorite canines for three years and it seems normal now. Taz is still very hyper and can be seen zooming in the back yard or frantically jumping on us when we return home.

A funny thing happened to him the other day, but I have to first say that he chewed a hole in our bed comforter several years ago. I may seem to be digressing, but stay with me. Our comforter is the type with a thin cover that fits over the fluffy part. The outside part easily comes off for tossing in the washing machine (a must with three dogs). We purchased a new one, but haven’t used it yet. Why should we do that when he may chew another hole in it? Flip it over and it's good as new. Right?

Since Taz has little fur to keep him warm, he loves to snuggle under the covers. Perfect for winter camping trips, but not so much in the summer. Several days ago, I was napping when he decided he needed under the bed spread. When I awoke, I left him under there nice and cozy and went about my business. Several hours later Cara found the comforter on the floor and wondered, “what gives?” When she tried to pick it up, the poor little rapscallion had entered through his chewed hole and was trapped between the comforter and the cover. After a little assistance from Cara, he poked his tiny nose out through the hole and, when he realized he was finally free, rocketed out of there like nobody’s business. We never have a dull moment around here with three dogs and a cat. (No, I don’t run with the cat).

As much as I like writing about my pets, I would much rather be blogging about an up-coming race. The sad truth is that I’m still recovering from heel pain (PF), but there seems to be a slight improvement. After a month of physical therapy, I m looser in the calves and hips and have better dorsiflexion in the ankles. The therapist says things are in place for healing and that I should slowly get over it.

I thought training for and running a 100 mile trail race was difficult, but not being able to run for six months has been grueling. Nevertheless, I’m optimistic that this injury will pass and I’ll be back on the trail in the future. In the mean time, I continue to swim at the pool and bike with my dogs. I’d take them to the pool too, but am not sure how that would go over with the other swimmers.

See you on the trail.

Man’s best running partner

2011-07-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

Lucy

“Whine”. “It’s too hot outside, Lucy.” “Whimper” “Not now, I’m busy.” “Yip, yip!” “Stop following me around, Lucy.” “Sigh.” How much more of this can I take? I get it. Lucy is part whippet and made to run, but how can I keep this dog happy? Fate is what brought us together. Two who love to run.

This is the story of Lucy, one of my three best running partners. Do you have a dog that you like to run with, or maybe take for walks? I enjoy my outings with my best friends as much as they do, but Lucy is over the top. I cannot wake up, stretch, and put my shoes on before this dog is crying and following me around like a lost puppy dog.

Sierra

About six or seven years ago, when Cara and I were taking our daily walk, we happened upon two young unclaimed puppies in the street of our neighborhood. They were just there; ticks, fleas, worms and all, so we scooped them up and carried them the mile and half to our home. After several weeks of trying to find their owners, we were stuck with them. One was a short haired, brown and white, brindled puppy with cute floppy ears while the other was a furry, long haired, brown one with a black snout and purple tongue.

Pet Fest 5K, San Marcos, TX

Since puppies have a lot of pent up energy, I started to walk and run with my new friends. There were many trials, growing pains, and, yes, accidents before I was sold on the idea of running with two dogs. After all, I was accustomed to my solitary excursions where I could get away from everyone and everything. I thought running with one dog at a time might ease the burden, but these two were siblings and Lucy would simply flop over in the street like a two year old throwing a tantrum in your local big box retail store. She would refuse to go anywhere if her sister wasn’t with her and they made it perfectly clear that the two were inseparable.

Pretty soon we fell into a nice groove, though, and running everyday became routine. Each dog learned how to run on a leash and keep her spot by my side without pulling or otherwise killing me in the process. They also shared the responsibility of wearing a backpack to carry the poop cleanup tools (a necessity). The two dogs were dubbed Lucy and Sierra, Lucy being the more dominant, bossy, pushy one; Sierra the laid back calm one (as long as you don’t try to do her nails).

We came together by chance, but have forged a relationship that only canine and man could achieve. I could not even begin to speculate as to how many miles we have logged together on many different types of terrain. Running has become so normal that when we don’t do it, Lucy will not leave me alone. I have to listen to the crying and whining until I relinquish and take her out.

A beaver did that

When I was injured six months ago, I feared the worse for Lucy and my sanity, so I bought a Springer Dog Jogger for my bike. This bike attachment works great and allows me to safely exercise the dogs. I have been taking them for their daily run without putting strain on my recovering foot.

Taz

Lucy and Sierra had many great runs with me over the years and we had the perfect situation of “two’s company”, but then, a few years ago, a little hairless, parasite ridden mutt showed up on our doorstep to disrupt our equilibrium. His name is Taz. See you on the trail.

The Springer Dog Jogger

Paddle and Pedal

2011-06-14T10:59:00.002-06:00

Why is my alarm going off at 4:00am? Oh yeah, it’s paddle and pedal day and, as I always say, sleeping in is over rated. I’m going to paddle a five mile stretch of the Rio Grande west of El Paso and then ride my bike back to my truck. I have a lot to do this morning to make it to the river by sunup. It’s going to top 100 degrees today so I want to complete my adventure before the heat of the day. The beautiful thing about living in the dry desert is that there is a 30 degree temperature swing.

After dropping off my bike, I drive my truck to the kayak put-in area under a bridge. When I arrive, I’m greeted by three Hispanic boys who appear to be up to no good. They are hanging out by their truck, music blaring. The ring leader approaches and asks in his alcohol laden breath, “are you gonna fishing?” “No, I’m going down the river in my kayak,” I reply. The other two stand by nervously, while their spokesperson incriminates them all. After some more nonsensical small talk, the boss gives me the cool person’s hand shake complete with front and back hand slides and ending with a fist bump. “Adios amigo”. “Ciao”, I say.

I prepare the kayak and am ready to launch. The boys crank up their conjunto music for my departure. Well, I guess that is better than hearing banjos at the beginning of your river journey.

WARNING: This clip is rated R for language at the very end.

I slide into my sit-on-top Ocean Kayak and push off into the current. The sun is barely starting to rise and the air is fresh. I look behind me and see the mountains shrouded in a red haze from the distant Wallow fire (Arizona). There is something special about stealthily slipping along the river bank where many have paddled before. If not for this river, settlements, missions, towns, and cities would not have sprung up in this harsh country. It is our life blood.

The river is usually all but dry until the farming season, when the Bureau of Reclamation releases water from the Elephant Butte and Caballo reservoirs upstream. Water has always been a hot button issue in the arid west. The result has been the construction of thousands of dams for irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power.

The Rio Grande and its tributaries have 16 dams and the US alone has around 85,000. Many have created hazards to fish, displaced humans, and flooded scenic valleys and canyons. Did you know that the Yosemite Valley was once considered to become a large reservoir by damming the Merced River? According to John Muir, the Hetch Hetchy Valley, that is now a reservoir, was on par with Yosemite.

"Dam Hetch Hetchy! As well dam for water-tanks the people's cathedrals and churches, for no holier temple has ever been consecrated by the heart of man." -- John Muir

As I paddle along in my little boat, I think about the many eons the Rio Grande flowed unimpeded before man tamed it and settled on its banks. One day (long after I’m gone) this river is sure to flow wild and free once again.

I come to a section of “fast” water running around a small island. Ducks are enjoying the morning as much as I am. Red winged blackbirds are abundant and swallows are performing acrobatic flying maneuvers as they get their morning meal. Birds and other wildlife rely on this precious resource that cuts through the Chihuahuan Desert. In the past, I have seen coyotes prowling the banks and the work of beavers on the trees.

I come to a little cove so I decide to stop. I get out to explore, stretch my legs, and have a drink. It almost looks like a little pond surrounded by trees and bushes. Feeling refreshed, I get back in my vessel and am soon approaching a snowy egret. I try to get a decent picture to no avail. He keeps flying off when I get close enough for a shot. Try keeping a kayak pointed downstream while operating a camera without losing it in the drink.

I continue on my way and then happen upon another wading bird. The black-necked stilt is characterized by his long skinny legs (with knees in the back), black head and white eye. I enjoy watching his every comical move as he stalks his prey along the edge of a sandbar. I could sit here all day, but need to keep going.

I swing my paddle left, right, left, right cutting into the water with each stroke. I get a nice rhythm going. I like the feel of the resistance and pick up the pace for a while. I come to a large island in the middle of the river and have to decide left or right. I go left and spook some more birds. A great blue heron takes flight before I can get close. I also see two cormorants (double-crested or neotropic) sitting on some brush, wings outstretched. Cormorants are excellent divers and swim low in the water so you can only see their neck and head much like the periscope on a submarine.

It has been a great morning for paddling and bird watching, but I’m almost at my take-out point. Getting in and out is always the critical part of any kayak trip and so I do my best to land on the steep slippery embankment. I pull in and grab onto a beached stump to keep my boat from drifting past the landing. I carefully step into the mud and climb up onto land. Whew, made it.

After having a snack and drink, I make the transition from yak to bike. I unlock my bike and put the long chain around my boat and lock it. Two hours have passed and the sun is getting higher in the sky. I start pedaling and cross a bridge to get on the river trail that leads me back to my starting point.

On the way, I see some Mexican evening primrose along the banks of the river. I stop to get some pictures and notice a green grasshopper in one of the gorgeous pink blossoms. I hop back on and keep pedaling. I cross a little foot bridge that takes me over a marsh complete with cattails.

I approach a clear meadow and see some interesting birds flitting up and down hunting bugs. The western meadowlark has a yellow belly with a black V near the neck much like a bib. A beautiful little songbird, but unfortunately, I’m not able to get a clear picture. On I go up river; starting to sweat now.

Are those geese ahead? Yes, three Canada geese are waddling around by the edge of the river. They don’t seem frightened at all, and one is eying me over pretty good. You don't play the banjo, do you? After only 30 minutes of bike riding I’m back to the truck having made a complete circle using two modes of travel.

I rest under the bridge and watch the grand finale of my morning. Cliff swallows feeding their babies are the stars of this show. The craftsmanship that goes into their adobe nests is to be admired and they never stop for more than a few seconds before they carry on hunting for their young.

In three hours on the river I saw at least ten species of birds, three drunken boys, and heard no banjo music. A successful river trip if I ever saw one. Now for some coffee.

See you on the trail.

Mountain Biking the Borderland

2011-06-04T14:29:00.001-06:00

This weekend we are spending time at the BR Ranch in far West Texas. I’m heading out on my mountain bike towards Mt Quitman. Harry, Quasi, Lucy, Sierra, Taz, and Bush (as in W) are my companions today. Bush is the neighbor rancher’s dog and he always accompanies us on our runs out here. Unfortunately I’m not back to running yet. More on that later.

When we start out on our adventure, the dogs take off in a sprint towards the main road. They know the way as well as I do. Once passed the ranch gate I gain some speed. This should be a piece of cake on a bike -- right? I’ve run many miles into these dusty hills in all sorts of weather. This morning it’s nice and cool; the sun has just peaked over the mountains.

I haven’t done much off road biking; I usually just pedal around my neighborhood to give my dogs some exercise since I haven’t been running. I approach a steep short hill and shift into my lowest gear. I can’t get any traction and start to tip over. After several more tries, I get off and walk to the top. Maybe this is going to be harder than I thought.

Once up the hill it is smooth sailing for a while until I reach a much longer hill. Again, I shift to low gear and pedal hard. I have to keep my speed up or I’ll fall over, but my heart is racing. I’m barely able to maintain a snail’s pace and then my throat starts to sting from sucking in the dry air. The road levels off for just a minute only to get steeper as I go. My legs are burning, I’m out of breath and my heart is in overdrive. Finally I make it to the top.

I have a new appreciation for mountain bikers. The view up here on this plateau is spectacular. I can see the Rio Grande Valley, Mexico and, unfortunately, the “Iron Tortilla”, also known as the border fence, that separates two countries. I’m not sure the barrier is very effective. It seems that migrants just walk to where it ends, a few miles left or right, to cross the border. This section is only four miles long. The news recently reported on a nearby area that some call “almost America”. Read article

After riding for another thirty minutes, I stop to hydrate the dogs. They have been chasing rabbits, exploring and sniffing the whole time. Lucy and Harry take turns carrying some of the water in a saddle bag while I carry more in my camelbak. I made sure to bring enough for six dogs and myself. They eagerly lap up every drop and then we are on our way. After 45 minutes of hard riding, we turn around and head back. The sun is in full swing now and the air is quickly warming.

I stop several times to enjoy the view of the hills and mesas. I’m always amazed at the geology of this region. You can see the alternating layers of color in the eroded hills – red, tan, brown. The sand hills have been created by eons of water and wind wearing away at the mountains. White rocky roads now cut through the terrain leading us to where we want to go.

When we arrive back at the BR, the dogs are as tired as I am and hunker down along the side of the adobe house. Each one nabs his own little piece of shade and settles into a deep slumber. We had an awesome ride in one of our least populated counties. Didn’t see a soul all morning and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

L to R: Buddy and Sierra

L to R: Lucy, Taz, and Quasi

L to R: Harry, Bush, and Lucy

In other news, I received my Merrell Trail Glove minimalist shoes and wore them for a week. I really like the way they feel and going back to cushioned shoes was an eye opener. You don’t realize how raised your heel is until you go barefoot or minimalist for a while. If you haven’t tried barefoot or minimalist walking I recommend it as long as you are healthy. I plan to incorporate it into my training after I heal up.

Blue Grosbeak at the feeder

I started physical therapy this week and feel good about the care I’m getting. I am receiving ultrasound waves with hydrocortisone (phonophoresis) on my heel and arch and some electrotherapy with alternating cold and hot wraps. The therapist works on loosening my muscles and lengthening my tendons to get a better dorsiflexion (big word for how far you can bend your foot). I’m stretching way too much now and hoping for some progress.

See you on the trail.

Do you know what this is?

Native Americans Ran Here

2011-05-27T08:35:00.002-06:00

I always seem to find myself driving on a deserted dusty road in the middle of nowhere. Here I am again, but this time on the Otero Mesa, a wild grassland in New Mexico, west of Carlsbad. The Cornudas Mountains, a series of volcanic peaks, rise high above the desert prairie. As I drive along, a pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra Americana) darts across the road and I come to a screeching halt. Not that I was in danger of hitting the animal, but I want to get a picture.

Once safely across the road, the majestic deer stops and peers at me from a distance. I try my best to get a good shot, but my little point and shoot just isn’t cutting it. Pronghorn are a native species that once roamed the plains of the west in the millions until most were slaughtered in the 19th century. They are the second fastest mammal (cheetah is fastest) and live a solitary life until the winter, when they band together in large herds.

Pronghorn have given me a great idea for an organized running event. Some anthropologists believe prehistoric man had more endurance than their prey. Daniel Lieberman of Harvard says, “Antelopes and cheetahs sprint as fast as 65 miles an hour but not for very long. There are reports of African and Native American hunters who could run their prey to exhaustion…”

I propose that we get a group of runners who compete in teams to chase down and catch a pronghorn. What do you think? I know, PETA would be all over this thing, but in the name of science? We would even let the exhausted animal go after the race and have the usual bagels and bananas for our post race meal.

After taking some blurry shots of the antelope I jump back in the truck and continue down the dusty path. More pronghorn appear and one runs along the side of the road unable to get over the barbed wire cattle fence. My dogs are as excited as I am and can’t wait to get out to explore. After traveling 30 miles off the beaten track, we arrive at Alamo Mountain, one of the dormant volcanoes in the area. Native Americans inhabited this area for thousands of years and consider the mountains sacred.

That little dot is my truck

Once I get the dogs dressed in their saddle bags we start toward the mountain. The morning is crisp with a brisk breeze. There is no trail so we pick our way through rocks, ocotillo, yucca, creosote bush, and many species of cactus. We ascend a hill and I look back over the mesa --brown grass for as far as the eye can see. This grassland, along with springs in the area, enabled many animal species to thrive and therefore sustained the early tribes who lived here.

More recently, the first overland stage route traversed these mountains and I’ve heard that a ruin is located somewhere near a spring at the base of this mountain. The Butterfield Stage Route ran from St Louis to San Francisco which gives me another idea for an ultramarathon. Are you in?

After climbing amongst the rocks, my canine friends and I eventually reach a flat area where a spotty trail runs north to south. We decide to take the northern route and then suddenly it appears. Hello well-endowed-male-shaman-figure. Are you the god of fertility? In addition to the shaman, this rock is adorned with many other petroglyphs. Snakes, symbols, arrows. This is the mother lode I have been looking for and, in fact, these mountains have thousands more Indian drawings.

Since most of the art has not been formally documented, finding them is a challenge. Trails don’t exist so I must continue, across rugged country, keeping my eyes peeled. I suspect I may have walked right past some of them, but soon find another rock with many shapes and figures. A dragon fly, moth, grass, plants, river, weird thing with one foot. What does it all mean?

I’ve heard a route exists to the top of the peak, but there is a cliff above me. I’ve seen other photos of petroglyphs from this mountain on websites, but have not been able to find them. We start making our way back to the south in search of a route to the peak.

Boulders are all around and I start to scramble over a rock pile. Once over, the cacti become very thick and I accidentally brush up against a large prickly pear. I pluck as many thorns as possible out of my jeans, but a big one has gone all the way through. My pants come down and I pull it out. Ouch!

Eventually I stumble upon some more rock art on a very large boulder with a flat wall. The symbols appear to be a couple of suns and perhaps a moon with some other human figures. Several hours have passed since our arrival and we are all getting tired. I offer the dogs some treats and water as I eat a PBJ.

I continue looking for a way up to the top of the peak, but am unsuccessful. I start back to the north again and start to climb another rock pile. That is when Lucy says enough is enough. She scolds me by yipping, crying and barking as if to say, “that is too dangerous; you’re going to get us all killed.” Lassie would have been proud.

I decide Lucy is probably right and so we start our descent back to the truck. I know there is a way to the top and there are many more petroglyphs for me to find. I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface (pun intended). However, these adventures will have to wait for another day. In the mean time, we make it back to the parking area and start our trip home. Otero Mesa is a most remarkable place that is well worth the effort.

See you on the trail.

Self Experimentation

2011-05-20T08:27:00.001-06:00

Why not experiment on myself to find relief from plantar fasciitis? What have I got to lose? I listened to my podiatrist for the last four months and the only outcome was that he became richer.

Santorio Santorii or Sanctorius of Padua (however you want to call him) was the earliest known self experimenter. This 16th century professor meticulously weighed himself, his food, pee and poop for thirty years in the earliest study of metabolism. Talk about being obsessed with your weight, but let’s give this guy some credit; Shangri La Diet wasn’t discovered yet.

Seth Roberts

“In my experience, you need four things to make useful progress on health:
1. Good tools. Computer, numerical measurement.
2. Experiments. You need to systematically change things.
3. Knowledge of what others have learned. You can’t do experiments blindly, there are too many possibilities. You have to choose wisely what to change.
4. Motivation. You have to really care about finding something useful.”

After four months of zero progress on foot pain, I have decided to experiment with the barefoot running thing (systematical change). OK, maybe it’s not that systematical, but nevertheless, it is change. I have stopped wearing orthotics, cut back on cushioned shoe use, and have started 30 minutes of barefoot walking every other day.

I have been reading studies and testimonials from runners who have overcome injuries like PF by running barefoot or in “minimalist shoes”. (knowledge of what others have learned) For those who don’t know, minimalist shoes are low to the ground, non-cushioned, flexible, with no raised heel and a wide toe box. They allow the foot to function freely like a caveman’s. (Somehow Homo sapiens were able to function without shoes for eons.)

A team of Harvard researchers led by Daniel Lieberman have published a study in Nature Magazine called Foot strike patterns and collision forces in habitually barefoot versus shod runners. The information and videos show that barefoot runners land with less force which may minimize running injuries. Dr Lieberman emphasizes that he is not proclaiming that running barefoot will lessen injuries and that more testing is needed.

This Harvard website has a plethora of topics from “running before the modern shoe” to tips on transitioning to barefoot/forefoot running.

If you are interested in learning more, I recommend Jason Robillard’s, The Barefoot Running Book. (First 52 pages are free on his website) So far, I have learned to start slowly, walk in a relaxed state, use a mid or forefoot landing by “kissing” the ground, and to start on hard pavement for “feedback” and to learn how to land softly.

The theory behind barefoot running is that shoes (and orthotics) prohibit the foot from functioning in a natural state. Cushioned (raised heel) athletic shoes cause runners to land with a jarring heel strike which leads to more injuries. Barefoot walking/running also strengthens weak feet.

Having not been able to run for quite a while, I’m ready to find something useful (motivation). I have chosen something that I believe in --nature. Strengthening my foot the way nature intended could help me get over this dreaded condition. I’ve been trying out some minimalist shoes and have decided on the Merrell Trail Glove. I will keep you updated on how my self experiment goes. Please let me know what you think.

See you on the trail.

, modern day self experimenter and author of The Shangri La Diet…, has discovered answers to many life problems like insomnia, inflammation, balance/reflexes, and procrastination. In his own words:

Ocotillos and Willows

2011-05-10T20:46:00.001-06:00

Last evening I enjoyed a fine sunset while admiring the blossoms of the ocotillo plant. This thorny, dead looking (most of the year) plant is quite amazing when you think about it. I once watched Bear Grylls, the star of Man vs. Wild, use an ocotillo stalk to roast a rattle snake for dinner.

Bear referred to the plant as “devils walking stick” which I’m sorry to say is not the proper name for ocotillo. Devils walking stick (Aralia spinosa) is a non-desert plant and even though I’m up on many of my plant names, I could never drink a cup of rodent poo tea like Mr. Grylls does in one episode of his show.

Watch Bear drink some yummy tea.

Ocotillo (Fouquieria Spendens) has long stalks with sharp stickers and will grow green leaves when it rains. When water becomes scarce the plant drops its leaves to prevent moisture loss. The coolest aspect of ocotillo is the bright red blossoms that grow on the ends of its stems. I was amazed to see the blooms this spring as we have had no rain in over three months. The desert is certainly full of many amazing surprises

The dogs and I enjoyed a nice walk at the base of the Franklin Mountains and admired a beautiful western sunset. Nighthawks, known as bullbats in these parts, were circling overhead and chasing each other while we rambled around in the desert. We also watched some bats flitting about before we called it a night.

This morning we are taking another short jaunt through Coronado Canyon, a dry wash that drains the Franklin peaks near my house.

The highlight of this trip is the desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), a beautiful flowering tree that you would never expect to see growing in the Chihuahuan Desert. Many people think of deserts as lifeless and ugly, but I’m here to prove otherwise.

Unfortunately the wildflowers this year are not abundant due to the lack of precipitation. Last spring, though, I had many colorful running adventures while exploring the diverse species of wildflowers in our area.

Read my post: The Lifeless Desert

This morning, I begin my hike by strolling up a sandy dry wash while the dogs take off to sniff. I can see Mammoth Rock to my left and a caprock straight ahead. Soon the desert willows appear. They love these arroyos because they hold water a little bit longer than the surrounding desert. I stop to get a few close-ups of the buds and flowers. Beautiful!

Soon the canyon narrows and I must climb and hop from rock to rock. The sides of the gully become very high and I can see the results of torrents of water that have carved away the rock and sand. This would not be the place to hike during a heavy thunderstorm.

I come to a deep hole and channel where one would be sucked down into the raging flood if it were running. The power of water can be seen by the way the earth has been sliced in two.

I continue up the wash and then stop at some boulders to take some photos of the dogs. They always love our off leash adventures and I enjoy the company.

Sierra

Lucy

Taz

Another abundant plant around here is the sotol, a sort of succulent with long serrated leaves. A giant, feathery plume comes up from the middle of the plant to propagate seeds.

I see a stalk that has tipped over, so I take a closer look to check out the seeds.

After a little more hiking I decide to turn around and head back. Earlier I passed a channel coming into the main canyon drainage. It was there that I saw a very large desert willow full of blooms and I want to get a closer look.

When I arrive at the channel I can see, in the distance, a humming bird enjoying the nectar of the willow blossoms. I climb up on some rocks and sit and watch for a while. A huge bumble bee of some sort is also busy at the tree. The humming bird doesn’t like the competition so chases the bee off.

After a morning of enjoying all that nature has to offer, I’m ready for a hot tasty beverage. After all, it is only 7am and I could use some caffeine about now. I’ll forgo the poo tea and scoot back home for a pot of Joe.

After returning to the car and starting down the hill, the dogs become excited about something in the street. A male gambel’s quail is crossing the road and then we see his mate following. Never a dull moment in the desert southwest!

See you on the trail.

A Sloth Ran Here

2011-04-21T22:40:00.001-06:00

Now what? Do I turn right or left? It’s dark and I’m not sure where the heck I’m driving. It’s kind of scary being out in the middle of the desert on a dirt road not knowing where you are. Better turn on the GPS. Hmmm…, if I can just get to those railroad tracks, I can follow them to the unmarked road where I’m supposed to turn to get to the volcano.

I’m trying to find Aden Crater in New Mexico where a remarkable Shasta ground sloth (Nothrotheriops shastense) was found around 1928. The specimen (one of the most famous) was quite rare in that it was partially mummified and contained some hair and tendons intact. What’s also remarkable is that my wife’s (Cara’s) great grandfather, C. Ewing Waterhouse, was one of the discoverers and sent a letter to Yale (Peabody museum) in 1929 with photos and drawings. The fossil is now displayed in the museum.

The problem this morning is that I can’t seem to find my way to the site. I continue driving down a dirt road and then arrive at the railroad tracks only to discover that I’m on the wrong side. I turn right and hope that I’m able to find a road that will allow me to cross over. I look at my gas gauge and see that I’m half empty (or is it half full?) Running out of gas out here is not an option. (Think hungry vultures circling overhead while I lay next to a sun-bleached cow scull.)

Now this sloth was found in a fumarole or lava tube and scientists believe bat guano helped preserve the specimen. They also think the creature was being pursued by wolves or other predators when it fell into the cavern. A petrified dung ball was also found in the pit. This species has been extinct for about 11,000 years, around the time of Clovis game hunters; this one was carbon dated at 11,080 +/- 200 years. Could this have been one of the last remaining sloths that suffered a most unfortunate accident?

After driving for another five miles I finally come to a crossroads where I turn left and cross the tracks. I wonder if the unmarked dirt road is in front of me. I can see Mt Riley directly ahead which reminds me of a run I did out here last year. I’ve arrived at the Potrillo volcano field which includes the Kilbourne Maar (See my post: Kilbourne Hole). I have no idea where this Aden crater is though.

I decide to drive straight and after a short while realize that this is not the way. The road is very rutted and I’m afraid of getting stuck. I backtrack and follow the road along the tracks. I think I can see the crater to, my left, but can’t figure out which unmarked road to turn on to get there. After much trial and error, I finally find the right road. The crater is getting closer and then I see the sign for “BLM Wilderness Study Area”. Whew, what a ride.

After several hours of driving (should have been one), I’m ready for the short hike to the crater. Lucy, Sierra, and Taz are accompanying me today, and are also ready for a jaunt in the desert. There isn’t much of a trail, but the route is obvious, so we head towards the rim. Lava has been deposited all around and we have to navigate around some interesting formations.

Soon we encroach upon a prairie dog town. We are at the southern end of the black-tailed prairie dog range and these ground squirrels have dwindled in numbers over the years. They are important to other animals like the burrowing owl and black footed ferret who use their shelters. Some land owners and ranchers try to eradicate the critters while certain state agencies have programs to reintroduce the species. Taz enjoys poking his nose into a few of the holes for a quick sniff before we continue on our way.

Within minutes we see another critter hole that is skillfully decked out with grass around the opening. Maybe a spider or beetle was at work crafting this cozy little abode. We come to an ocotillo “forest” and then to some cholla cactus. I get a nice view of the knobs and domes in the distance and then we ascend the crater lip. The rim is lined with broken lava of every shape. We explore the area and then find our way to the steep slopes which lead down to the sloth chamber.

Ropes and caving gear are needed to descend into the abyss, so we just enjoy the sight from a distance. I ponder the amount of work that went into extricating the sloth from where it rested for thousands of years. I will continue to research the details of how the animal was discovered. Some photos, papers and articles have been archived at the University of Texas at El Paso as well as at Yale. Although I have not yet been able to locate it, we believe one of Grandad Waterhouse's photos of the sloth has been published in National Geographic Magazine.

I sit at the edge of the pit and enjoy the call of a Canyon Wren, an intermittent high to low song. After a short rest, the dogs and I head back to the truck. Although today’s hike was quite short, I hope to run this area in the future. I have directions to Mt Riley and the neighboring Cox peak that are just waiting for me. I’m sure to be back soon provided I don’t get lost on my way out of here. See you on the trail.

Got Electricity?

2011-04-17T12:26:00.001-06:00

This is simply dumb and ridiculous! I’m shocking my foot right now. Why would anyone want to electrocute their foot? The doc says it could help alleviate the pain from my plantar fasciitis. Electro-stimulation therapy is supposed to bring blood flow into the injured area to help ease the inflammation and advance healing. Wouldn’t a cold bag of frozen peas do the same thing? That’s one thing peas are useful for- icing injuries.

I’ve been at this for four months now. Like I said in an earlier post, runners with PF will try anything to get rid of it. (Read my post: What I Learned From Having PF). So far I’ve tried the night splint, taping, PF strap, icing, stretching, rolling foot over racquet ball, cushioned shoes, orthopedic shoes, heel risers, arnica gel, arnica oral, and turmeric. (I’m allergic to motrin, naprosyn, aspirin, etc - so must resort to natural anti-inflammatory meds.) In addition, I haven’t run since my Big Bend 25K in January. (Very sad)

The TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) Unit is my latest attempt to heal my injury. Having read much about this dreaded condition, plantar fasciitis, I’m convinced that my body is going to heal it when it’s good and ready. However, I need to feel like I’m doing everything in my control to help it along even if it seems fruitless. Therefore, I will follow the doctor’s orders (for now).

If you haven’t tried KT tape (kinestheology tape), you might want to give it a try. It is like an ace bandage and sports injury tape combined. Stretchy tape that adheres well. I have been taping the bottom of my foot and wearing a PF strap. The strap stretches across my arch and holds the plantar fascia in place so it’s not pulling on the area where it attaches to bone (ouch).

I’m getting to the point where I’m about to take all these gadgets, orthotics, splints, straps, shoes; and throw them in the trash. After all, there are the barefoot runners who swear that running unshod is the answer to preventing injuries. Every single one of these shoeless joggers put the prefix “Barefoot” in front of their names as if they were some kind of royalty or something. Instead of Sir Charles or Prince William, it is Barefoot Ted, Barefoot Ken Bob, or Barefoot Rick (barefoot running for Jesus).

Barefoot Taz

If my condition doesn’t clear up soon, I may go against the doc’s orders and jump on this barefoot bandwagon that was made so popular by Chris McDougall’s book, Born to Run. Of course, I would then have to change my blog to Barefoot Greg’s Running Adventures.

See you on the trail.

Maddie Takes A Hike

2011-03-30T23:02:00.001-06:00

This post is written by my daughter Maddie, 5 months old. This is one thing we do to prevent nature deficit disorder.

Today I went for a hike at Grandmother and Granddad’s ranch in Texas. I rode in a sling on Mommy's back. She and Grandmother had quite a time getting me in it, but I was snug and comfy once they were done. I also wore my new bonnet to protect my face from the desert sun.

The first thing we saw on our hike was a bunch of small animal tracks in the dusty road. Some were from the roadrunner. They look like an X in the sand. We couldn’t tell what the others were, but think they were small peccaries, and a ringtail. We should buy Granddad a wildlife camera for his birthday so I can see a picture of all these critters that come out when I’m sleeping.

The next thing we saw on our hike was a swarm of bees at the base of a mesquite tree. Dad got a close-up picture with his zoom lens. They were in search of a place to build their nest, and were all gone the next day. Sometimes we see a lot of bee hives that the honey people put out along the road. The bees pollinate the farmer’s crops so they will produce vegetables.

After we walked for a while longer, we came to the lake that is close to the Rio Grande. Salt cedar trees surround the water, but we were able to look through and see a few birds swimming around. Some of our dogs who came along went for a swim.

After that we saw a flock of large birds flying high above the ranch. They had long necks and were white with black under their wings. I think they were migrating from a faraway place that I will visit someday.

When we finished our hike, I was all dusty from the trip so Grandmother and Mom gave me a bath in the bathtub that Great-Great-Grandmother used to wash all the babies. I had fun taking my bath and then got to try my first vegetable -celery. It was long and green and I didn’t really know what to do with it.

After that I got to accessorize. Daddy dressed me in his cowboy hat and bandana. Grandmother says I will get to ride one of the horses soon. I can’t wait to ride around the ranch on a horse and see all the sights.

An interesting bird lives here in the desert. It is called a pyrrhuloxia. (Aren't I smart?) It looks like a grey cardinal with a bright red belly and a tuft on its head. We saw one visiting our palo verde tree in the front yard.

We also have a lot of snakes and lizards around here. When I was taking my nap, a lizard was walking on the screen in the window. I love watching all the wild things that live around the ranch. When I’m older, we will ride the horses to a bat cave to watch all the bats come out at night.

Well, I had a really fun day and am really exhausted from all the hiking and nature watching. Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite.

What is this thing?

See you on the trail.

With My Dogs to Dog Canyon

2011-03-16T23:29:00.001-06:00

We’re having a beautiful spring weather day so I am here at the base of the Sacramento Mountains ready to take my three dogs into Dog Canyon. Oliver Lee Memorial State Park is located just south of Alamogordo where the trail starts. Apparently Army soldiers found a stray dog at the mouth of this canyon when they were battling Apaches; hence the name. There are at least two other Dog Canyons in this part of the world; one in Big Bend National park and one in Guadalupe National Park; both in Texas.

(From left to right) Sierra, Taz, and Lucy

After donning their saddlebags, my canine friends and I start up the steep rocky trail. Taz is carrying the dog biscuits and collapsible water bowl while Lucy lugs the two water bottles. Sierra has it easy for now, but will carry Lucy’s pack down the mountain later in the day. I have all my necessities in my Camelbak, so everyone pulls their own weight on this adventure.

After we huff and puff, or should I say I huff and puff, up the trail for a while, we leave the state park and enter the Lincoln National Forest. This is the same Lincoln of Billy the Kid fame and the Lincoln county wars. Oliver Lee was also a prominent figure of this county, once the largest in the U.S. Lee was a gunman, rancher, deputy U.S. Marshall, and N.M legislator.

Read Tularosa: Last of the Frontier West by C.L. Sonnichsen to get a good idea of all the drama that was going on in this area from the late 1800’s to mid 20th century. Sonnichsen details the mysterious murder of Albert Fountain and his young son where Lee was a suspect, but later acquitted. The book continues the history of the Tularosa Basin all the way up to the time when a US Army ammunition depot fire was seen by ranchers for miles around. The so called fire was, of course, the secret Trinity nuclear test, the first explosion of an atomic bomb.

As we crest the top of the hill and continue our trek into the canyon, I look out at the view of White Sands Missile Range and wonder what the scene would have looked like at 5:29:45am on July 16th, 1945 when the “gadget” (nickname) was detonated. Luckily all is calm and pleasant today as I enjoy the warm breeze and take in the fresh air. We continue on and can see down into the canyon and up the escarpment which rises abruptly towering high above. Everywhere we look we see sharp vegetation and jagged rocks.

The sun warms up making us overheat so Taz decides to take shelter in the shade between a bush and boulder. I determine that we could all use a break so I get out the dog bowl and reward everyone with some refreshing water. After a few dog treats we continue on and climb a short staircase made of white rock. We begin a long section of switchbacks which takes us to higher elevations and then we finally reach flat terrain.

This plateau is characterized by brown grass, large cane cholla, alligator juniper, and strategically placed boulders. A master gardener could not have done a better job at landscaping this area most suitable for camping.

After an easy hike through the meadow, our destination comes into sight –a line cabin ruin beside a spring. I’m not sure what a line cabin is; perhaps line refers to a trapping line. Never the less, we descend a steep trail to the cabin below. The dogs cool themselves in the pool while I rest under the shade of two very large juniper trees.

My four legged friends explore the cabin and then take off to check out a nearby stream bed slick with wet leaves, moss, and lichen. This oasis in the Chihuahuan desert has been a welcomed spot for thousands of years. Native Americans used this water source and a metate which can be seen right here beside the stream bed.

After checking out the sights and having a snack, we are ready for our return journey. I’ve been told a narrow trail with a precipitous drop off continues up a very steep track to a forest road high in the mountains. We will have to save that route for a future running adventure.

The trip back to the park is much easier now that we are heading mostly downhill. Sierra is taking her turn with the doggie pack and doesn’t seem to mind since the load is lighter. She gets off easy because of all her fur. I worry that she could get too hot carrying a heavy load uphill. I was hoping to see more wildflowers, but not many have bloomed yet; although, I did spot one just before returning to the car.

Alamogordo, NM and the Tularosa Basin have abundant hiking opportunities if you are ever in the area. White Sands National Monument is also close by. The Bataan Memorial Death March, which is on my list of runs to do, will be held this weekend at the White Sands Missile Range. It has been nice to get back out on the trail today even though I’m not able to run yet. It feels like I’ve come home again. See you on the trail.

Cane Cholla

Growing Old Ain’t for Sissies

2011-03-05T23:03:00.001-07:00

When I was hiking in Yosemite several years ago, I approached an old gentleman hobbling down the trail on two crutches. He looked like he was about to take a tumble any second and end up in the valley thousands of feet below. As our paths crossed, he just looked at me and said “Growing old ain’t for sissies.” I admired his courage and determination to keep on living the adventurous life even though he was limited physically.

I’m starting to understand what he meant by his remark as I battle more aches and pains. Since being injured the last several months, I’ve noticed more wear and tear on this body of mine. The swimming I’ve been doing has caused my neck arthritis to flare up. Bike riding is hard on my shoulders and back, but like the old man in Yosemite, I refuse to give in.

As I was getting a cortisone shot in my heel (very painful) for plantar fasciitis last week, my podiatrist was telling me that he had to give up running because of getting older. Swimming caused him shoulder pain, so he gave that up too. What are we supposed to do? Weave baskets? Shuffleboard? Seriously people, I’d rather fall into the Yosemite Valley than sit in my rocking chair and die of boredom. I will keep on running, thank you very much.

The cortisone shot is working so far and I could probably start running, but am going to continue resting and cross training to give the foot some more time to heal. According to the doc, the pain could return in about three weeks, so I will wait to see how things progress. If the pain comes back, I will find a good physical therapist to work on my foot. In the mean time, my wife has found another remedy that might bring some pain relief.

Baltic amber necklaces are used for teething pain in babies. The succinic acid found in the amber penetrates the child’s skin and supposedly brings pain relief. The amber also reportedly heals, radiates soothing energy, calms nerves, drives away evil spirits, etc. So guess who’s been wearing baby Maddie’s teething necklace around his ankle. Poor baby. Well the pain’s gone now. Could it have been the cortisone shot or is there something to this amber necklace? (Remember it must be Baltic amber).

I had some nice bike rides using the new Springer Dog Jogger this week and I’ve done several walks with the dogs. They really enjoy the rides because they get to run fast and they are much more balanced when they’ve had a good workout. I hit the pool three times this week and stared at the bottom of the pool . I always feel energized after my swim, but it is really a chore to get through the workout.

We had some great sunsets this week, so I rode my bike to the mountain and took some photos. By the way, I’ve never seen a good sunset from the pool. You must get on the trail for that and we have the best sunsets out here in the desert southwest. No, growing old ain’t for sissies, so we just have to keep fighting back as long as possible. The old man in Yosemite knew exactly what he was doing. See you on the trail.

What I've learned since having Plantar Fasciitis

2011-02-19T23:03:00.001-07:00

If you love to run like I do, plantar fasciitis is your worst enemy. I’ve been icing, resting, swimming, stretching, biking, researching, and wearing a night splint to try to heal my foot quicker. This is a slow process, but I’m optimistic that I’ll be back on the trail before too long. I hope to be more cautious in the future and try to incorporate more cross training into my routine. I love trail running more than road running and think that staying off the hard surfaces may help me prevent this in the future.

Here are a few things that have come to light since I haven’t been running for a month.

Aqua Jogging sucks
Swimming is a great workout, but quite boring
Watching paint dry is fun
Riding a bike one handed while holding three dog leashes is dangerous
A Springer Dog Jogger makes biking with dogs safer
Lucy would make a good lead sled dog in the Iditarod
According to my podiatrist, I need a shoe with a high heel
I don’t look good in pumps
Nike shox have a high heel, but aren’t good for running
Some runners swear that running barefoot has alleviated all their injury problems
Running shoe salesmen beg to differ
Runners with PF will try anything they read on the internet to try to make it heal quicker. If you told me to boil fish heads with eye of newt and spider claw and drink on the next full moon while wearing my wife’s pumps, I would probably try it. (Fortunately she doesn’t own a pair of pumps.)
A cortisone shot in the heel could be a temporary fix (about 3 months), but I only have three of those cards in my deck. I may soon play one of those cards.
Airrosti, or Applied Integration for the Rapid Recovery of Soft Tissue Injuries has helped some runners with PF as well as other injuries. This painful manual manipulation treatment might work, but doesn’t exist out here in the desolate Chihuahuan Desert. I’m stuck with eye of newt for now.
There’s only so much stretching one can do
There’s only so much icing one can do
Rolling your foot over a racquet ball is beneficial in loosening the tissue
According to my podiatrist, I need a shoe with a lot of cushioning
Hoka Mufates are the most cushioned running shoe available, but are very expensive, not to mention look like a teeny bopper shoe stuck on top of a neon marshmallow.
I may buy a pair of Hokas
Waiting for PF to go away sucks
Did I mention that aqua jogging sucks?

See you on the trail.

Guess which one is Lucy, the lead sled dog?

Snow Day

2011-02-07T19:26:00.001-07:00

What to do on a snow day when you can’t run? Well, the doctor said I could walk, so that is what I shall do this morning. We have had unusually cold weather for 3-4 days here in the desert southwest and a little bit of snow. The snow isn’t what prompted the snow days, but a shortage of electricity. Our power plants have frozen over and can’t produce enough electricity so schools and businesses have taken a few days off to conserve energy.

The first snow day was fun and relaxing, but after 3 days, I have a touch of cabin fever. I haven’t yet ventured out because the temps have been down in the single digits. OK, so I’ve grown soft since living in this comfortable, 300 days of sunshine per year climate. I did once camp in the mountains of Virginia in sub-zero degree temperatures and have a good frostbite story as a result.

Anyway, I’m here at the edge of my neighborhood with Lucy, Sierra, and Taz. We plan to explore some trails here in the Franklin Mountains with hopes that one will lead to the mountain ridge and Ron Colman trail. The weather reports say it is 17 degrees, but it feels much warmer to me. The wind is calm and the sun has not yet shown itself over the mountain.

We start our short adventure by walking through a dry wash patched with powdery snow. The dogs are as excited as I am to be out of the house and are pulling on their leads. Soon I let them off and they enjoy running to a good spot to sniff. After a short jaunt through the arroyo, I see a trail that leads along the side of a steep canyon. I was hoping to see a route going up the incline, but this seems to be our best bet this morning.

The trail is easy going except for a few slippery spots. The landscape is completely changed with the addition of the snow and the succulents and cacti look out of place. I usually equate this type of vegetation with hot and dry, not cold and snowy. I worry about slipping down the slope and into the unforgiving flora. I hope the trail doesn’t get too steep or treacherous. My four legged friends seem to have no problem and I wonder if I should have brought my trekking poles.

I can see that someone else has been up here before me so I just follow the tracks in the snow hoping that I’m still on the trail. After a while I come to what appears to be a dead end. A steep gully has cut off the trail, but on the other side I see footprints. Do I really have to climb down this and back up the other side? OK, I’ll try, but must be careful not to lose my balance and end up at the bottom of the gully.

I make it to the other side and am envious of the dogs as they effortlessly negotiate the obstacle. The way is flat for a while and I come to an abundance of bear grass (Nolina texana?) on the slope. I don’t see bear grass growing around here very often, but it seems to be very happy in this spot. Perhaps the shaded canyon prevents the ground from drying as much as more exposed areas.

A few short switchbacks take me higher above the canyon and then I come to another gully that I must cross. As I’m contemplating the best way to get to the other side, I see a lechuguilla (shin dagger) stalk that has been scraped by some animal. Maybe a mountain lion, chupacabra or some other dangerous creature was sharpening his claws. Probably nothing that exciting, but perhaps a mule deer was scrapeing his antlers.

El Chupacabra?

After crossing the gulch, I forge ahead on a narrow trail with a steep slope to my left. I try to lean to my right for fear that I might slip and end up sliding through the biting plants all the way to the ravine below. The further I trek, the less inviting the trail becomes until I seem to have come to the end. I see no more tracks in the snow and have come to another obstacle to cross. Did the hiker before me turn off and go another way? Did she climb up the ravine to a better trail above or did he lose footing and have a really bad day? El chupacabra? Let's not go there.

As we backtrack, the sun shows itself and warms the air. I hear the distinct sound of the cactus wren and see some smaller birds flitting between the ocotillos. As I’m climbing back up one of the gullies, I misplace my hand which now looks like a pin cushion. At least the thorns are the big ones that are easy to pluck out.

Ironically Taz is working on his paw when I catch up to him. After helping him remove a few thorns he continues on like nothing ever happened. Lucy and Sierra also have a great morning enjoying nature and my cabin fever has subsided for now. See you on the trail.

Twenty more years

2011-02-01T20:38:00.001-07:00

It seems that 20 years of pounding my feet has finally taken its toll. I don’t know why, because I know people who run a lot more than I do. I haven’t really run that much have I? To warrant foot pain that has temporarily stopped me from running? I’ve only ran 20 races of 26 miles or more and I’ve never run a 100 mile week unless you count the one time that I ran 100 consecutive miles through the Sierra Nevada.

The race that started it all.

As I was cleaning up the other day, I came across my race bib collection which brought back fond memories. The first race was on Langley AFB in Virginia where I ran 8K. That race was exciting and I just kept increasing my distance from there. Next came a 10K, 10miler, half marathon, and finally the first marathon. I once ran a 10K on Camp Lejeune where Marines train. The course was cross country, through a swamp, over creeks and into shoe sucking mud.

I just couldn't wash it.

After many years of running road races I discovered the ultramarathon trail race. While hiking the Massanutten Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, I came across a bunch of runners making their way through the woods. I asked one guy what they were up to and he said they were running a 100 mile trail race (Massanutten 100). I was intrigued, because I didn’t even know that was possible.

Less than a year later I ran my first ultra; The Great Eastern Endurance Run. I only ran the half which was 50K. Not knowing what I was doing, I became slightly hyponatremic, but still finished. I’ve learned how to manage my electrolytes and calories since that first long distance trail race.

Bill Rogers autographed this one.

Not being able to run much the last month has taken its toll. I’m grumpy and the dogs are antsy. Lucy whines at me all the time to take her running. At least we have been able to walk a little, but she was meant to run like me. I’ve been doing a bit of swimming which makes me feel like a guppy in an aquarium. I pretty much hate the pool and gym for that matter. Staring at that line on the bottom makes me claustrophobic. I swam at Barton Springs in Austin once and I could see plants and fish swimming around while I worked out.

Germany has the largest race bibs

I’m doing my best to be good and refrain from running until things heal up. Plantar Fasciitis is a strange injury though. The last time I had it, I ran straight through and it just finally went away. Have you ever tried to sleep with a night splint on? I’m not sure that wearing it and resting my foot is really going to make my injury go away any quicker. One physical therapist told me that I would just wake up one morning and the pain will be gone. The problem is that it seems to last between 6 months to a year before it heals.

Luckily I only have to wear this thing at night.

I don’t intend to wait that long to start running again, but will comply for several more weeks until I have another consultation with my podiatrist. I plan on running marathons and ultras for another 20-30 years and then maybe I’ll cut back to half marathons. When I’m 100, I’ll be the guy shuffling through the mall at a pretty good clip.

See you on the trail.

Big Bend 25K Race Report

2011-01-19T23:11:00.001-07:00

Something doesn’t feel quite right. The sun is up and I’m not running yet. I’m here at the start of another adventure --The Big Bend Ultra Run (Big Bend Nat. Park, TX). The 50K runners have already been running for almost an hour, but I had to downgrade from the 50K to the 25K because of some injuries. (See Injured!) I’ve only run four times in the past three weeks and one of my outings was quite painful. I have no idea what is going to happen today, but I’m going to try my best to finish this 15 mile trail race.

Madeleine, newest member of the crew

I came here with my family and in-laws, Betsy and Raymond, who are going to run the 10K race near the Rio Grande Village. Crew Chief Cara and Madeleine just bade me farewell and went to take Grandmother and Granddad to their starting line. While looking for the place to put my drop bag (with clean/dry shirt for later), I see a long line in front of the port-a-potty. Fortunately, I already clogged the toilet back at the lodge. (The front desk clerk looked, at the very least, irritated when I reported the problem.)

Grandmother and Granddad

"SEVEN MINUTES ‘TILL START”, I hear someone shout. OK, better get to the start line. I walk down a dirt road and see a line drawn in the sand. This must be it. I scan my surroundings and can’t help wondering if I’m in the most gorgeous spot on the planet. This is big sky country where you can see forever.

Mountains surround me with desert vegetation in the foreground. Everything out here has thorns, barbs, spikes, spines or bites, stings, or scratches. There’s very little water, the terrain is rugged, and the nearest hospital is a two hour drive from here. Sounds like the perfect place to have an ultramarathon!

The sun is shining with just a little chill in the air and I’m ready to get my run on. After a few words from the park superintendant, the race director, and official timekeeper, announces, “8 seconds, 7, 6…GO!”

This dirt road is fairly rocky, but very runnable compared to the trails I train on. I try to keep up with the pack, but pretty soon I’m falling behind. No need to go out too fast. What’s the hurry?

I stop at the top of a short steep hill to get a photo of the runners behind me. I feel completely at home out here. These are my people and I’m glad to be sharing the trail with them. I check out the scenery and take a few more shots. I’m never going to finish if I keep this up. I step up the pace a little and after a few miles notice that my foot isn’t hurting. I did a good job taping it up this morning and think it will hold until the finish. I’m pretty sure my plantar fascia will be on strike tomorrow, though.

Soon a runner, that I recognize from my running group back home, catches up to me . After butchering her name, I ask if she has any family here supporting her. Leesy responds, “Yeah, my husband. He’s running too. He’s waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay up there.” Wow, he must be really fast. I wonder what that’s like, but before long, I’m smelling the daisies and taking pictures again as Leesy cruises on effortlessly.

I slurp down some Vanilla flavored Hammer Gel and chia seeds and chase it with water. Somehow I catch up to Leesy and pass her. I’m trying to make up for lost time and in a few more miles I arrive at aid station number one. I’m almost a third of the way home so I celebrate with a cup of Hammer HEED while watching Leesy streak by. The day is heating up, so I strip off one of my layers, tie it around my waist, and fill my water bottle. A little more dawdling and then I’m off.

I try my hardest to catch back up and in a mile or so I pass a young lady who is fiddling with her i-pod. She soon lets me know that it’s not an i-pod, but her insulin pump. “Don’t let anything happen to that.” I say. She responds, “Yeah, that makes for a really bad day.” I’m amazed at the spirit of runners every time I run a race. I wish her a good run and keep going.

I’m now running along the Glenn Springs Road. A small village was located here back in the early 1900s where people manufactured wax from the candelilla (Euphorbia antisyphilitica) plant. The spring was a coveted resource and when the Mexican Revolution broke out, bandits raided the village, killed soldiers and villagers and also destroyed the wax factory. Everything is peaceful now as I look in every direction. I can see the Elephant Tusk in the distant. This 5,157 ft high mountain looks more like a rhinoceros horn to me.

I realize that I’m approaching the half way point and try to push ahead. I still feel good and concentrate on keeping a fast pace. Finally, I catch up to Leesy and we run together for a while. An eroded canyon appears to our right with layers of colored sediment. I’m looking at a living geology textbook --the chapter on stratification. This place is too cool.

After more running, we can see the next aid station. A little more than three miles to go. After downing some more sports drink, we cruise home. I try to push as hard as I can, but I’m starting to fade. Soon the finish line comes into view and I get a burst of energy. I cross in around 2:35 and turn around to watch Leesy finish.

Her husband, Mike is waiting for her. He Won! Congratulations Mike and Leesy. Another club runner, Jim, took 1st masters (4th overall) in the 50K. Betsy and Raymond finished the 10K 30 minutes sooner than they expected. And me? Well, I won too by finishing the 25K and having a great time with my family in one of our least visited (and most beautiful) national parks.

When I return to the village, Cara and I, along with her family, enjoy a nice soak in a natural hot spring that is near the Rio Grande. I know… that is the worst thing for recovery, but I can’t even think about taking an ice bath right now. The spring’s healing powers are calling me. After all, it has cured rheumatism, eczema, indigestion, pellagra, dropsy, alcoholism, tobacco, running…

See you on the trail.

Casas Grande (Chisos Basin)

Sunset Through The Window (Chisos Basin)

Along the Rio Grande

Santa Elena Canyon

Injured!

2011-01-06T22:51:00.002-07:00

INJURY UPDATE: (Jan 10, 2011) I've been walking almost every day and was able to successfully run today. I had a little bit of tenderness in my foot, but things seem to be improving each day. I’m working with the Big Bend Ultra Run staff to switch from the 50K to the 25K race that is being run this weekend. This seems like a sensible compromise so I can still run in the backcountry without further injuring myself. I feel confident that I can finish the 15 mile run.

(Jan 6, 2011)
My plantar fasciitis (PF) has improved, but I haven’t been able to run for almost two weeks. During Christmas weekend I went for a routine run out at the BR ranch and half way through my 6 miler, my foot started to hurt. I didn’t twist it or anything and was very perplexed, not to mention annoyed. When I was done, I had no idea what was going on so iced the top of my foot and rested for a day.

Following a day of rest, I went for another run thinking everything would be fine, but it wasn’t. The top of my foot and the joint that bends was very painful, so I decided I better stop running for a while. After a week, it still wasn’t much better, so I went to the doctor. Tendonitis was his diagnoses and after a few days of an oral steroid I’m feeling much better. I hate having to succumb to meds, but after a week of no running I was very frustrated.

How do I manage pain and injuries? My number one remedy is to ice the area about 3-5 times a day for 15-20 minutes at a time. I have worked through many turned ankles and PF this way and firmly believe that it heals injuries much quicker. Since I have had allergic reactions to ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs, I am limited by what anti-inflammatory drugs I can take.

Instead, I lean towards natural homeopathic supplements like turmeric (oral) and Arnica montana gel (topical).

Did you know that blueberries are anti-inflammatory? I make kefir smoothies with blueberries. My smoothies are low in sugar and have beneficial probiotics. Did you also know that bananas can increase inflammation? I avoid them when I’m injured. As a last resort, when things get really painful, I take some acetaminophen. (Not before a run, though.)

I have been doing some walking the last few days and my foot seems to be tolerating the exercise. I plan to try some short easy runs this weekend. My three dogs are wondering why they have not been getting their daily exercise and are ready for an adventure.

Next weekend is the Big Bend Ultra Run (50K) in Texas. I registered to run this race months ago, because trail races fill so quickly. I’m hoping to feel well enough to participate, but I have no idea how things are going to turn out. Nevertheless, my family has been planning this trip for months and we are looking forward to a nice weekend away from the city. If nothing else, I will have some nice pictures of the big bend region to share with you.

Check back for a race report soon. See you on the trail. (I’ll be the guy limping along).

Big Bend 50K 2006 finish

Year in Review 2010

2010-12-28T09:38:00.002-07:00

Click on the slideshow to get a larger view of my favorite photos from 2010:

As hard as it is to believe, it has been a year since I started writing this blog. What an eventful year it has been for me and my family. I’ve had many firsts this year, both positive and negative, including losing my first parent and the first time ever not finishing a race. On the positive side, I finished my first 100 mile trail race, my first grandchild was born and my wife and I had a baby girl. Quite an eventful year to say the least.

When I started to write this blog, I didn’t know what to expect. Would anyone care about my running? Would anyone read it? Is it worth my efforts? I’ve learned that it doesn’t really matter, because I enjoy all the running adventures, the photography, the writing, and it keeps me motivated. A big plus is that people are interested in it and I thank all the readers who have followed and given me feedback.

I now have many more friends to share my interest in running. The “blogosphere” is a powerful medium and I’m grateful to have discovered it. Since I have been keeping track of my visitors, I have had over 1700 views in 43 different countries. I enjoy following other ultrarunners and learn from them and hope they learn something from me.

The hardest time this year was saying goodbye to my dad who was always active and enjoyed his life to the end. He was a great father, grandfather, brother, son, and husband who instilled important values in me and my siblings. He never wanted to outlive his quality of life and he succeeded, because he was mostly healthy and happy up to the end.

Not finishing Jemez 50 was disappointing, but I keep everything in perspective and don’t take my running too seriously. I was grateful to have made it to mile 32 in such a difficult course. I enjoyed most of the race, but when my body told me it was done, I listened and threw in the towel. I look forward to going back for another try in 2011.

Several months later I had the best experience and my proudest running accomplishment when I finished the Tahoe Rim 100 miler. I couldn’t have done it without the support of my loving wife and crew chief, Cara. Even though she was 5 months pregnant, she cheerfully endured the two day drive and a week camping at 9000 ft elevation on an air mattress that went flat every night. She got me to the start and met me at several aid stations for moral support and was waiting at the finish line when I crossed over 33 hours later.

We also had a wonderful trip to Virginia this year to see my grandson, Max. All my family was there, including my dad. Since my parents are from Pittsburgh, we are a family of Steelers fans and Max is no different as you can see by his attire. His proud grandpa gave him his first John Deere tractor for Christmas.

Our happiest moment of the year, though, was when our baby girl, Madeleine, arrived. She is the center of our life now and part of the running crew. When the opportunity to run the Big Bend 50K came up earlier this year, I asked my wife, “Are you sure you want to travel to Big Bend with a newborn?” She replied, “I don’t want the baby to limit what we can do, so sure, let’s go.” Madeleine and Cara will be the crew in a few weeks when I run Big Bend.

Several years ago we went to this race with Cara’s parents and we had a wonderful time. Since the race organizers added the 10K this year, her mom and dad decided to run also, so it will be a family affair this time around. Big Bend is a unique area in a remote part of Texas with the high Chisos Mountains in the center; surrounded by the Rio Grande that cuts through steep canyon walls. A natural hot spring awaits sore runners after the run.

I’m a little nervous about my 31 mile run this year, because I have been plagued with foot pain the last several months. I can’t understand how I can train for a 100 miler without any problems and then all of a sudden have plantar fasciitis flare-ups on shorter runs. Nevertheless, I have cut back on my running some and have been icing my foot in between training runs. I did get a 21 miler in last week and hope to get one more long run in before the race on January 16th.

It has indeed been an eventful year and I look forward to more running adventures in the future. Happy New Year and I hope to see you on the trail sometime in 2011.

McKelligon Canyon Run

2010-12-22T17:41:00.001-07:00

Zero dark fifteen (0515): I leave home and start running the 6 miles to the Starbucks near the university. It’s still dark, but not too cold, at least. I’ll be out all morning so didn’t want to wear my headlamp. Most of the route is lit so I should be OK. Running in the dark is quite different and everything is strange at this time of day. I feel like I have the entire city to myself.

After a little more than an hour I make it to my destination and meet the Run El Paso Club for their Mckelligon Canyon run. After everyone arrives, we depart on our journey uphill towards Scenic Drive. The run through the Kern neighborhood is very festive with all the houses dressed up for Christmas. Right away I notice that I’m in the back of the pack so try my hardest to keep up with the speedsters in our club. I usually run with my camera and must stop for a photo when the sun starts to color the sky.

As I run along Scenic Drive I have the best view of El Paso and its sister city of Juarez. The morning is peaceful and calm as I make my way up the mountain. We are not the only people enjoying the day. Volunteers from “La Fe”, a non-profit benefitting children, are lining the two mile scenic drive with 4000 luminarias to be lit tonight in celebration of Christmas. Before long I’m at the flag pole and then start the descent down the other side of the Franklin Mountains. Ranger peak is above me and the ever present star that is lit every night of the year.

I enjoy putting forth less effort as I cruise downward toward the eastern side of the city. When I get down I wonder how far behind the others I have lagged. Just as I make the left turn, I see two runners ahead of me and think I can catch up. To my left is a giant “A” on the side of the mountain. I ponder what the “A” stands for. I now find myself getting winded as I run uphill to catch the others.

Just as I am making my way into the canyon, I meet up and enjoy some company for a while. This is where the route gets quite steep. McKelligon is at the base of South Franklin Peak where the Ron Colman trail starts. We are running along the paved road that leads to the trailhead. I plan to do the treacherous hike over the mountain in the future.

Pretty soon, as I near the turn-around point, I see the main pack heading back towards our starting point. After a few snapshots, I continue on and then bring up the rear with several others. After turning around and making my way down, I hear a noise and then notice that I can’t see anymore. My lens has fallen out of my glasses and I still have more than an hour before I get back. Oh well, there is a saying that goes, "if you run long enough, something is bound to happen." Luckily I can see well enough to make it back to Scenic Dr, over the mountain and back to Starbucks. Total miles for the day: 21.

My adventure is not over, as I still need to get home. After visiting with some of the other runners I buy a cup of my favorite coffee and then wait for the Sun Metro bus. I thought about driving to meet the group this morning, but it seemed kind of silly to drive 6 miles if I was planning on running 15 (although I do it all the time). Anyway, I’ve wanted to try our public transportation for a while and this seems like a good opportunity.

After waiting for about 15 minutes, the #14 shows up and I board. I take my wet, limp dollar out of my sweaty running shorts and try to push it into the little cash thingy. As other passengers look on impatiently and no matter how hard I try, the bill will not go in. I drop my camelback, sweaty hat, bandanna, other odds and ends and start searching for some coins. Fortunately the bus driver is helpful and turns the bill around and in it goes.

Where is everyone?

OK, so now I settle in for the 45 minute ride home. You know, I could get home a lot quicker if the bus driver would quit stopping at every street corner to pick up every Tom, Dick, and Harry. I contemplate telling him this, but think better of it. Actually, the bus experience isn’t bad at all and I am even considering riding it to work occasionally. I enjoy resting and sipping my coffee after a nice run and pretty soon I arrive back at my humble abode.

See you on the trail.

For an interesting story about public transportation click here: My Multimodal Mom: Growing up with Public Transport (Nat Geo)

Dinosaurs Ran Here

2010-12-13T22:43:00.002-07:00

I’m running with dinosaurs this morning or at least where they once roamed. Cara is dropping me off at one of our nation’s newest national monuments -Prehistoric Trackways National Monument near Las Cruces, NM. In March, 2009, Barack Obama signed a law setting aside this area for important fossil finds. This land has or had some of the best examples of Paleozoic tracks in N. America. The reptile and invertebrate fossils found here actually predate the dinosaurs. The unfortunate side of this story is that most of the fossils have been removed and relocated to the New Mexico Museum of Natural History in Albuquerque, NM.

Nevertheless, there are many miles of trails that need to be run this morning so I bid farewell to my crew chief and 5 week old daughter and start running the dirt road towards the foothills of the Robledo Mts. Some strange erosion formations appear as I near the entrance to an unmaintained trail. Better not try to run that one.

I have no idea where I’m going today, but at least have a trail map (with no land features) and my trusty gps. I’ve studied the lay of the land using Google Earth and have seen many jeep trails and arroyos. My contact at the BLM office told me of a mountain bike trail that I may find this morning.

I see a road ascending to the right and decide to run it, but when I get to the top it dead ends. I can see a vehicle across the way so figure all the good trails must be over there. When I arrive at the car, a lady is returning from a walk with her dogs. “Do you know these trails?” I ask. “Pretty well”, she replies and then explains several ways that I could go.

There are three types of routes in here -jeep roads that traverse the high country, arroyos and canyons down below and some single track bike trails. The cool thing is that you can combine the high roads with canyons to make some interesting loops.

Click here to get a visual. (.pdf map 3.23 MB)

I decide to take the steep jeep road up the mountain. The road is treacherous with loose footing at first, but then gets a little easier. Before long I’m at the crest of the hill and can see Las Cruces, the Rio Grande, and the Organ Mountains to the east. Someone has built a little rock fireplace up here at this nice little camping spot.

I carefully make my way down the other side of the mountain and come to a livestock water tank. I can see Mt. Riley in the distance and then, after more running, observe a very steep road that descends into the canyon. I decide to explore the arroyos below to get a different perspective. The going is rough and I almost eat the dirt while slipping down the slope. Eventually it becomes less steep, but now I’m in the canyon where rocks and boulders are all around.

My ankles and feet are twisting in ways that they haven’t turned for quite a while. My plantar fascia is not happy and I’m starting to get some pain in my right big toe. I realize I have a rock tumbling around in the toe box of my shoe, but am too lazy to stop to take care of it. These canyons are very rugged and I have to stay alert so I don’t completely wipe out. This type of technical running is anything but boring and I start to think about the Chili Challenge that is run on this course.

Chile Challenge is not a running event, but a premier four wheel drive, rock crawling festival held here every February. As I run along dodging rock after rock, I cannot imagine navigating a vehicle through this steep gorge. Drivers take their machines over boulders; through the most severe terrain and even drive up dry waterfalls and cliffs. If you don’t believe me just watch this video.

After destroying myself for a while I come to another arroyo that leads back to the high road. I ascend quickly at first, but then have to power-walk when the grade becomes too steep for me. When I make it to the top, I’m greeted by a breathtaking view of the mountains that surround me. I enjoy running along the road with good footing for a change, although the pain in my toe is too much to bear. Finally I take a break and remove the rocks from my shoe and enjoy a PBJ and some pretzels while taking in the view.

Following lunch, I continue running the road and come to another track that leads back into the canyon. As I run I’m always on the lookout for fossils, but have no idea what I’m looking for. I see areas of what appear to be hardened mud with some strange patterns and designs. I bet this is the type of stone where fossils are found. I enjoy looking at all the different shapes and colors of rock. Some are stained with bright red patches while others are all together yellow in color. One even has a cactus growing right out of the middle.

These two look like they could be fossils. What do you think?

Looks like something from another planet

As I cruise through the dry wash I realize I’m heading back from whence I came, but via the canyon instead of the high route. I could probably make it all the way through the canyon, but my feet would not be too happy. Eventually I come to another arroyo that leads me back to the road where I continue running. When I’m almost back I notice the mountain bike trail and run along that for a while.

When I get back to my starting point I realize that I have 45 minutes before my ride will return. I can see the entrance to the main gully below me. This route has been dubbed Patzcuaro’s Revenge by the four wheelers, so I decide to go and find out why. Those crazy rock crawlers (as if trail runners aren’t loony) have named all the routes in these hills. Ones like Habanero Falls, Hopping Jalapeno, Cayenne Crawler, and Tabasco Twister. I hope to tackle all the trails in here someday, but my morning is coming to a close.

I make my way through the “Revenge” and arrive at some rocks that I have to scramble up. After continuing on I come to another obstacle that I have to climb and then realize that I must turn around to make it back to my ride in time. I can now see why they call it Patzcuaro’s Revenge. I don’t think any vehicle could make it through here, but I’m mistaken. Nevertheless, I prefer my own two feet to travel around these hills and dales. I can go anywhere a four wheeler can go and more.

Watch a video of Patzcuaro’s Revenge

After four hours of running, sliding, tripping, hiking, dodging, and scrambling, I complete my adventure through the Trackways. My feet are feeling the pain, but this is definitely a place worth spending the day. I will surely be back for more punishment. After Cara returns for me, we enjoy a much deserved meal of Mexican with her family. Steak Patzcuaro with habaneros and jalapenos smothered in a tabasco cayenne sauce. Ouch! See you on the trail.

Arroyos are abundant in the Trackways

Trashy Run

2010-12-02T23:17:00.001-07:00

I’m against recycling. You heard me, I’m against it. Keep reading to find out why. I’m very concerned for our environment and consider myself a “granola”. I’ve been known to eat twigs and bark and I love to run in the wilderness. Since I don’t always have time to get out on my beloved trails, I run around my neighborhood with my three dogs Lucy, Sierra, and Taz.

While on our runs, we dodge trash of all sorts. Broken glass, aluminum cans, plastic water bottles, and my favorite, plastic grocery bags. Occasionally I have to police my route and sweep glass from the sidewalk and street so my running partners don’t cut their paws. On our runs, I sometimes pick up a few pieces of trash, especially glass bottles, and put them in Taz’s saddlebags. (He loves his backpack – makes him feel important).

If I don’t pick up the bottles, they will end up broken in the street in a day or two. So why am I against recycling? When I was a kid, I learned about the three “Rs” of rubbish – reduce, re-use, and recycle. Our society as a whole overlooks the first two Rs and overuses the third (recycle).

Recycling is overrated. If we practiced reduce and re-use, we wouldn’t have to recycle nearly as much. Recycling uses energy and so does producing excess packaging. Bottled water is a prime example of unnecessary waste. One blogger wrote that buying bottled water was like paying for the air you breathe. Municipal water supplies are regulated while bottled water is not. Allaboutwater.org writes,

“Bottled water, because it is defined as a 'food' under federal regulations, is under the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—under much stricter standards—regulates tap water. Thus, bottled water, depending upon the brand, may actually be less clean and safe than tap water.”

I remember taking the trash out as a child. We used the brown paper bags that we put our groceries in for trash can “liners”. As a tree hugger, I don’t like the idea of using a bunch of paper products, but at least the brown bags biodegrade. I see more plastic shopping bags hanging in the trees and blowing in the streets than in the recycling bin. San Francisco has actually passed a law banning plastic bags and the use of city funds to purchase bottled water.

Another childhood memory is collecting returnable glass bottles and taking them back to the store for a nickel apiece. We would use the funds for a few pieces of candy and the bottles would be re-used instead of put in the landfill or recycled. How much of our trash is recycled anyway? According to Nat Geo: Aluminum drink cans: 44.8 %, Tires: 35.6 %, Plastic soda bottles: 34.1 %, milk / water bottles: 28.8 %,
Glass containers: 25.3 %. Where does the rest go?

Today is trash day, so my dogs and I went for a jaunt around the hood and found a lot of litter blowing around in the street. The reason there is more today is because the trash truck is automated. Once again, going back to my childhood, I remember garbage being collected by at least three people. One drove the truck while two rode on the back, jumped off and manually placed the trash in the truck. All the trash went in the truck. Today one person drives the truck and a robotic arm picks up the trash cart allowing much of the trash to blow away.

How can we help? First by reducing the amount of trash we produce. Use reusable water bottles and fill them up at the tap. Use reusable grocery bags. You know, the ones that you see at the cash register for a buck. If you already have some, but are like me, and can never remember to take them in when you shop, keep them in your car. These are just a few of the many things we can do to reduce and re-use.

OK, so I’m not totally against recycling, but you get the idea. Let’s all do our part to keep our running routes clean. Our roads are not just for cars, but for pedestrians as well. Pedestrian rights, driving while texting, blah, blah, blah… OK, I’ll get off my soap-box for now and save that argument for another day. See you on the trail (or road).

Re-using VWs instead of recycling them!