Western States Training - May 23, 2009

One of our favorite weekends of the year is to go to the Western States Training at Memorial Weekend, which is the last weekend in May. We've been doing this since 2005, so this is our 5th year. The run typically starts at the snow line and runs about 30 miles to the school at Foresthill. I've always given up at Michigan Bluff after 25 miles. That's enough for me!

I haven't been training and the Western States Trail is really difficult so I thought "you know, Ali and I should walk from Michigan Bluff to Foresthill (and back)". So we did the 6.5 miles each way and the weather was perfect.

We stayed as usual at The Christmas Tree Lodge - a Bed and Breakfast run by Claudia and family. We really love coming here. I think this is visit number 7 - we're loosing count. We visited last year in June with our son Jamie and he described Claudia's as "dead good, awesome" (or something equally enthusiastic). We've found the Roca family (Claudia, Liz and Joe) in good spririts and fine health. Joe's been very busy sand blasting the woodwork of the Lodge and varninishing. A huge job. Good Work, Joe.

Christmas Tree Lodge
Saturday Walk - Michigan Bluff to Foresthill
Sunday Walk - Rucky-Chucky and the American River

The Sunday run was from Foresthill along the American River to Rucky Chucky. A 19 mile run. Ali and I drove to the finish and walked to Rucky-Chucky and back. For us it was about an 8 mile walk. 3 miles down a steep descent to the river - a little walk beside the river and a demanding 3 mile climb back to the car. Once more the weather was perfect.

We had wonderful company was always for the weekend. The first time we came to the training weekend in 2005, we camped and almost froze on Saturday night. The weather is so variable in the mountains - it can be hot one day and cold the next. Then we discovered the Christmas Tree Lodge (thanks to Steve R) and we've been going to Claudia's ever since. We enjoyed the company once more of Penny, Andrew & family; Peggy, Christina and Linda; Winnie & Lee; and Lina & Bruce. Incidentally, it was Lee's birthday this week and Linda very thoughtfully brought a cake for everybody to enjoy.

As always the training was very well organized. Thanks to Donnie and Tom for fixing the BBQ on Sunday. We also enjoyed seeing some of our chums on the trail. Dennis and Eileen will be running in June and were training for the event. Jean P will be running, however wasn't here this weekend. We met Eileen's pacer Jim for the first time. Penny will be pacing Dennis, however injury prevented her from running this weekend.

Ali and I are looking forward a lot to the event on the weekend of June 27/28 and wish Jean, Dennis and Eileen well in their efforts and adventures. Thanks everybody for your company this weekend.