Cows, Fog and Lady Gaga Tats

Bay Area group links some of area’s best trails for an epic DIY 50K.

The BayTrailrunners Coastal Marin 50K was no official race, rather a social gathering of enthusiastic runners who concocted an epic journey on a wildly scenic linkup, including the Bolinas Ridge, Coastal, Matt Davis, Dipsea and Miwok trails. For most of the 13 participants, it would be the longest run of their lives.

Nervous chatter, introductions and apprehension filled the 15-passenger van we had christened “The Mothership,” as we set out for the far reaches of northern Marin County, California, and the start of our adventure. During the 45-minute drive, chatter focused on hydration options, running shoes and fuel when suddenly someone shouted: “Wow, that’s an amazing tattoo!”

I turned to see Peter showing off his tatts. One was a profile of Lady Gaga. But the other was none other than the signature of Dean Karnazes. “I got him to sign my shoulder with magic marker at a race one day,” Peter said, “and then I decided it would make a great tat.” Meanwhile, a couple of the crew snapped pics of Peter’s now-famous left shoulder.

A trail alongside Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in the small town of Olema is the gateway to the Bolinas Ridge, the San Andreas Fault rift zone and the beginning of our 50K. Famous in its own right, Olema was the epicenter of the destructive 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the massive fault rifts are visible along the trail.

After piling out of the van, everybody gathered around, and my friend Ben and I gave an overview of the itinerary. Ben is in his early 30s and runs the Marin trails often. Today he would be out in front of the pack on his mountain bike setting out the red flags to mark the course.

Then, we were off. As we climbed, the Bolinas Ridge trail offered open, grassy meadows sprinkled with grazing cattle, low-flying turkey vultures against blue skies and distant views of Tomales Bay and the big billowy fog that normally hides Point Reyes. Everyone soon found their pace and ran with new and old friends or moved ahead on their own.

I ran with Chris and Hector. Hector, a college professor, had introduced Chris, an engineer, to trail running years ago, and the two had run together at events all over the world.

Soon we were sharing the trail with a dozen brown cows, some lying in the middle of it, indifferent.

At the 11-mile mark along Bolinas Fairfax Road we made our first aid stop at the Mothership. Shady and drippy redwoods kept us cool as we entered the start of Coastal Trail. Technical, forested singletrack paralleled the roadside and soon opened up to expansive views of Mount Tamalpais, the cold Pacific, Bolinas Lagoon and a sandy-white Stinson Beach. Long stretches of rolling hills were covered in sunlight, tall yellow grass and pesky stinging nettles. The off-camber hillside required running with caution.

The Coastal Trail turned into Matt Davis Trail, which took us across Panoramic Highway, into Pantoll Ranger Station, and our second meeting with the Mothership, at the 18-mile mark.

“How’s everyone doing?” I asked. “Anybody cramping up?”

“Yes, I’m having trouble with a hip flexor,” piped up Charles. “I’m going to call it a day.” His girlfriend, Chelsea, however, decided to carry on while Charles would provide good company for my brother, Eric, who was driving the van.

Picking up Old Mine Trail and moving on toward Muir Woods and the Marin Headlands we soon hooked up with the famous Dipsea Trail and climbed to the top of Cardiac Hill. We took a few moments to savor the view and have a peek at “Sam's Fountain of Youth,” the new water fountain being built in honor of Sam Hirabayashi, a celebrated Marin County runner who took up the sport at the age of 70 and inspired a generation of older athletes.

At this point, I ran along with Jacob, who, since January of 2012, had lost almost 100 pounds through diet and running. In the last month alone, he had run about 140 miles on a schedule of three to five runs a week.

“Long story short,” Jacob says, “trail running has changed my life.”

As we ran along the fringe of Muir Woods we weaved in and out of the Dipsea Trail and Deer Park Fire Road. Craggy and steep, technical terrain slowed our pace, before we headed toward the Muir Woods Road crossing and entered the Miwok Trail.

Here I caught up with the lead runners, Keli, Jerome and Marty. The Miwok Trail slapped us with a steady climb, and, at the top, fog and strong winds cooled us quickly. Mount Tamalpais came into full view and, to the east, we glimpsed Mill and Tamalpais valleys and Richardson Bay. Our next descent brought us into Tennessee Valley, and marked a marathon distance. We welcomed our meeting with the Mothership, knowing our next climb of the Marincello Trail would be punishing.

Chelsea decided to call it a day, as the run thus far would constitute her first “marathon.” The next two miles saw a remarkable spread between runners, as we all churned out our individual run-walk pace up the relentless Marincello Trail. Keli and Dani led the pack. Keli said he had a “love-hate relationship” with the hill, but Dani, slender and fit, never seemed to tire. She began running after college but only started training for a full marathon in February and had raced strong in a couple of shorter races. Asked why she had joined our group adventure, she replied, “I wanted a fun run with no competition. I wanted to be able to just kick back and not worry about pace or what place I was in.”

As the Marincello Trail turned into Bobcat Trail we caught sweeping views of Gerbode Valley and Rodeo Beach. Then picking up Alta and Morning Glory Trail, we once again were faced with another sudden climate change as we cut through a windy and thick patch of eucalyptus trees.

To our left we were able to make out Tiburon, Sausalito and a small part of the San Francisco Bay. Out of the trees and to our right was the entrance to the SCA Trail, a well-worn favorite with the local path pounders, with postcard views of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz and Angel Island.

At the bottom of SCA Trail and the crossing at Conzelmen Road we reached the stairwells that led us up to the span of the Golden Gate Bridge and the final 2.7 miles of the run. Crowds were there to urge us on ... well, just kidding, but the Golden Gate is always packed with sightseers and it was to fun to think they were there to cheer for us. We triumphantly crossed one of the wonders of the modern world and reached our final destination!

At the finish, we were greeted with smiles and hugs from wives, girlfriends, husbands, offering welcome food and beer. Slowly people drifted off, until it was just me sitting alone, staring off at the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate, musing about the next time I might be able to host this run.

Aerial tour: http://baytrailrunners.com/earth/coastal.php
Distance: 33.9 miles
Elevation gain: 5148 feet
High point: 1812 feet on the Coastal Trail at mile 15.
Low point: 105 feet on Miwok Trail and Muir Woods Road at mile 21.
Strava data: http://www.strava.com/activities/56586551

Olema: In the Miwok Indian language, Olema translates to coyote. The Gateway to the Point Reyes National Seashore. The "San Francisco Earthquake" epicenter was in Olema.
The San Andreas Fault: A right-lateral strike-slip fault. Separates the Point Reyes Peninsula from the rest of mainland California.
Bolinas Ridge Trail: 10.5 miles across coastal ranges, through high redwoods and stretches of open chaparral.
Coastal Trail: At 17 miles it is the longest maintained trail in Marin County.
Matt Davis Trail: Matt Davis was a paid trail builder, and contracted this one during the 1920s, while living in a small cabin on Mount Tamalpais.
Pantoll Ranger Station: The main station for all of Mount Tamalpais State Park. Public restrooms and water available.
Cardiac Hill: The apex of the famous Dipsea Race.
Dipsea Trail: Stretches seven miles from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach.
Miwok Trail: Coast Miwok people were believed to follow this route from inland areas to the ocean during peak fishing seasons.
Tennessee Valley: Named for the SS Tennessee, which ran aground when the captain missed the entrance to the Golden Gate on March 9, 1853.
Marincello Trail: Marincello was a failed development project (fortuitous for us trail runners) that would have placed housing atop the Marin Headlands.
Student Conservation Association (SCA) Trail: Singletrack gold! Follow it down to the crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge and admire the views.

BayTrailrunners Coastal Marin 50K

Sunday May 26
Experience the beautiful Northern California coastline like never before! Run alongside the San Andreas fault rift zone, traverse Mt. Tamalpais with stunning views of the Pacific, and scale the Marin Headlands in an epic day of fun and accomplishment.

The Coastal Marin 50K is not a competitive race, but rather an adventure run open to all long-distance trail runners. The course is non-technical and with moderately difficult climbs, and aid will be provided. It is perfect for first-time 50K runners looking for a supportive team-oriented event, as well as seasoned athletes seeking to push their limits. Our route begins in Olema at Bolinas Ridge trailhead, then heads south to Mt. Tam and on to San Francisco. The stunning course hits all the classic trails of the Bay Area in a gorgeous uninterrupted chain: Bolinas Ridge, Coastal, Matt Davis, Dipsea, and Miwok, ending with a triumphant crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge! Entry numbers will be limited, so sign up now to secure your spot and get more information.

View the Google Earth Tour

At a Glance
Veloroutes Data
Distance 50K - Total elevation gain 5125 ft

Meet at 7AM in SF at the bus pickup and parking location

Arrive in Olema to start running at 8AM
Aid stations will be provided at miles 11, 18, 26, and finish.

Cost
$25 to cover transportation to the start and aid along the route. Cash and CC accepted at the bus pickup.

Join in on the BayTrailrunners Coastal Marin 50K. We will send more information about what to bring, how to prepare, and event day details in the days ahead.
Signup here

Dirt Matters

Very pleased with "Dirt Matters", the latest BayTrailrunners newsletter to hit the masses. Please take a moment to sign up while there!

Dirt Matters

Baghdad By The Bay

I love a great run along the coastline! Hardy Wilson, a photographer friend of mine asked if I'd work with him at a location just south of the Golden Gate Bridge along the Great Highway. Being the affable camera splash, how could I resist?? We set out to capture some telling images that highlight Bay Area trailrunning and the breathtaking scenery that goes along with it. Here are the three that topped the list. Special thanks to Noel for working the lights!

Sic manebimus in pace

Few have been here, and from what I understand I have been the only trail runner.  The Unseen Trail is a catalog of my discoveries inside a very private piece of land that lies south of San Francisco and has been home to a select group of unique artists.  I feel very fortunate to have been invited in to this amazing estate just so I can do what I love.  Run!


To view the rest of the photos, please visit my Facebook page

Time to do this!

Here we go! So nice to share my passion with the world.

Run in the Headlands

Back to the location where it all began. Here is where I was inspired to create BayTrailrunners. I have run here many times, but I am still amazed at the incredible views this part of the Bay Area offers. Even better is that I can still find spots I have never been to before, like "Slackers Ridge".

I set out to run a circuit my friend Ben calls "City Lights". It is a short 6 miler that starts at the Conzumel turnout and heads northwest towards Rodeo Beach, then takes a long climb up Miwok and circles back to the start. Since it was so nice out, I decided to stretch the distance a bit and add some more mileage. Check out the run stats I posted on my Strava profile.

I feel very fortunate to be able to live and run in this part of the world. The photos below will give you an idea why.

Winter running in Purisima

During the winter it seems that my running gets turned up a notch. According to my Strava Athlete Profile I have logged 86 miles in my last 14 hours of running time. I took some time today to enjoy Purisima Creek Redwoods and run a circuit I call Uncle Nathan. Not really concerned with time since I was snapping pics along the way. More of a "get back to nature" run for me. Easily one of my favorite spaces to run in.

Good times!

Last year I had the pleasure of working with the crew from Boa Technologies on a fun ad campaign. They let me test out some stylish and innovative footwear made by Viking, which features the patented Boa Closure System. All day long I got to hike, run, and climb around in the Marin Headlands wearing these bad ass shoes! The true test came at the end of the day though, when I had to run from Tennessee Valley to Fisherman's Wharf with Boa's Marketing Director. I thought about 3 things while on this run... 1) Running over the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset is one of the most beautiful things I have ever done. 2) Runners from Colorado are very fast! 3) Support Boa! These folks are great!

Viking Footwear - Powered by Boa from Boa Technology on Vimeo.

More toys to fuel my addiction!

Getting geeky again. I'll be playing around with Strava for a while ;)

Allied Forces

BayTrailrunners and Snap Fitness of Redwood City, CA have joined forces in a strategic business alliance to develop and cultivate new fitness programs emphasizing the increasingly popular sport of trail running.

Sitting on the edge of some of the most accessible and awe-inspiring trail systems on earth, we will help one another and our community by sharing ideas, promoting health and the environment, and by helping you reach your fitness goals.

Train with us in a clean, comfortable close-to-home gym with all the amenities, then move outdoors to get in touch with nature in one of the many pristine forests that are just a stones throw away! BayTrailrunners is growing strong but we still need your support! Please signup for the Email List and stay informed of breaking news! Feel free to post questions or to share your ideas!

Check out the Training Page to view my current packages.

Call of the Wild

This post is in response to the sudden spike in coyote attacks on humans and dogs. The incidents that were reported did not happen in the Bay Area but I see these animals frequently on many of my runs. The one on the right I spotted while running the Bobcat trail in the Marin Headlands. She was kind enough to let me snap a few pics before running off.

During my first 50K in Woodside, CA, I encountered 2 coyotes at the top of our first hill. They started howling together as if to greet me and wish me well on my journey through their hallowed woodlands. I was alone at this point of the race in my usual spot of 5th or 6th, behind the lead pack of runners and felt uneasy in this dicey position. The coyotes let me pass without harm and continue on my way to place 11th overall in my first ever ultra! On other occasions I have had coyotes run in front of me for surprisingly long distances along the trails, like they were guiding me to make sure I stay the course and don't get lost. My animal spirit... or shaman? Perhaps.

We have forged a friendship with these furry creatures here in Woodside and I myself never feel threatened when I come across them. But like any smart trail runner, I respect mother nature and the dangers that are veiled within her beauty. We live for adventure!

Mr. May

I have reached the zenith of trail running!! The culmination of all my work has finally been recognized! Well... kind of. Check out the January issue #85 of TrailRunner Magazine and flip to May in the calendar. Guess who??

This was from a portfolio shoot I did with Mike Tittel in the spring of 2012. We started in Purisima Creek Redwoods out in Half Moon Bay and worked our way up to Russian Ridge in Palo Alto. The image was captured on the Ridge Trail with an exceptional sunset in the background.

Far away from the pressures of everyday life, I find a sense of peace out here. Lonely at times but very fortunate to be living in this running paradise.

Loving my new running companion!

MOTOACTV 8 GB GPS Fitness Tracker and Music Player

Latitude/longitude/elevation. MOTOACTV, TCX, KML, CSV, GPX. All this new tech stuff has me very geeked up lately ;) The graphic above is the satellite capture of my recent run in the Marin Headlands.

Checkout the actual workout data that was recorded - Svelte

“The best mirror is an old friend.”

This photo has enormous significance in my life and how it shaped my running lifestyle. That's me in the middle with the blue shirt. I had no idea that in about 30 minutes I would be swarmed by bees, taken down and suffer a torn shoulder! It was the longest, most painful 15 miles I had ever run! Next to me, also in blue is the 2011 winner of a race called Way to Cool 50k. In white, wearing the hat is my good friend who I have run with many times. He suffered a heart attack but thankfully made it through after a triple bypass. If it were not for his running keeping him strong he would have died. In front of him kneeling in black is a guy from Canada that contacted me while he was visiting the Bay Area and asked if I would take him out for a trailrun while he was here. It happened to be his lucky day because behind him, standing in a white tank top is a man known as Caballo Blanco! He spoke to us that day but at the time nobody really knew how much he would mean to the running community, or the world for that matter. We shared a handshake. Sadly he is no longer with us running free.

So many important people come and go in our lives never to be seen or heard from again. I would like to know who is visiting my blog so I can thank you! Please leave a comment.

A volunteers perspective.

This story was written by my father, Lucien Rhodes. It is about the experience he shared with my mother Nancy as first time BayTrailrunners aid station volunteers at the 2011 North Face Endurance Challenge Championship held in the Marin Headlands.

Lucien Rhodes

Hello Friends and Family,

Recently Nancy and I had an exciting experience I thought worth sharing in a story.

On Saturday December 3, we were volunteers at the Endurance Challenge Ultramarathon put on annually by North Face and Goretex in the Marin Headlands in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Nancy and I were part of a crew maintaining an aid station for marathoners running in both the 50 mile Open Trail Ultramarathon and the only slightly less challenging 30 mile Open Trail Marathon.

We got this assignment from Rob Rhodes. As you know, Rob is himself an accomplished marathoner and, indeed, he ran that Saturday in the 50K event. Rob is also founder and editor of BayTrailrunners, a focal point for open trail runners throughout the Bay area.

This year Rob's credentials attracted the attention of the North Face folks and he was invited to organize and maintain an aid station at the race on a try out basis with the understanding that if all went well he would be invited back the next year. Rob was highly motivated to do a good job because such an association with North Face is well respected by the marathoner community. And given this motivation wouldn't you know Rob would think of two people who he knew would never let him down.

Right . . . Mom and Pops.

Since we are a bit past our own ultramarathon prime, Mom and Pops naturally had reservations that the assignment might prove too much. On the other hand, there was that allure of hanging out for a day in the Marin Headlands, that spectacular, mind-blowing patch of protected open space hard by the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco itself. We also calmed down a lot after Rob told us there would also be some 12 other volunteers in two shifts at his aid station all pitching in under the direction of Rob's friend and fellow runner, Carl, who would act as crew chief.

The BayTrailrunners aid station was more inland in a sheltered valley but with Stinson Beach just over the next rise. Most of the time, this spot is complete open country just the dirt hiking trails and forests and meadow grasses and the wind from the sea. But on this day, there was tremendous energy and activity concentrated into a tight knot of runners and spectators in and around our aid station. Cars lined both sides of the road for a couple of miles approaching the aid station area and the dirt parking lot there was full to bursting and the portapotties were busy. It was Max Yasgur's farm becoming Woodstock. That was the feeling. Intense energy and excitement.

Nancy and I had to get to work right away.

But let me pause to explain a few of the extraordinary facts about what was actually going on. Two races were underway at the same time both the 50 miler and the 30 miler. They had different start times. And here's my first incredible fact . . . the 50 mile Ultramarathon began in the pitch dark at 5 a.m. and the runners had to wear headlamps. You can see this start in the dark by following this link to a wonderful video of the 50 miler that shows the course, conditions, and runners very well. The video is especially cool because it opens with a blank dark screen and what appears to be only a tiny pin prick of light in the upper right hand corner of the frame. And you can't figure out for a while what's going on but gradually the light grows and differentiates itself and you realize you're looking at individual runners and that they're wearing headlamps. At this point a question can strike you very forcefully as it did me and one that caused me to puzzle over it throughout the whole day. You will ask yourself . . . what kind of people are these people!?

I mean many people I know regard DRIVING 50 miles in a car as too far, taking too much time, and a distinct inconvenience all around. But here we have people who want to RUN for 50 miles starting out when they can barely see where they're going. And another incredible fact . . . you are given 14 hours to complete the 50 mile Ultramarathon which means that you may even finish the race in total darkness again wearing a headlamps. Which is indeed what happened and Nancy and I were there to see it because we had to stay at our station until the last runner passed. But consider what I'm saying . . . you could be running for 14 hours up and down hills in the wilderness. At the other extreme, it's equally amazing to realize that the Ultramarathoner elite runners in this race would finish their 50 miles in roughly 6 hours.

Somewhere in all this I think there a lessons for us all about persistence and dedication and human endurance and what we're capable of achieving if we push ourselves. Anyway, as I say, I think there are lessons but I don't want to get too heavy handed and I myself am a slow learner.

The BayTrailrunners aid station was located exactly 5.7 miles from the finish line. We were set up on 3 folding picnic tables and one wood table. The race course brought runners right alongside the tables but first they had to cross over an electronic sensor on the ground that would record their race identification number letting the race chiefs know these runners had been accounted for and weren't still out there on the course lost in the hills. Not too far away for our tables, Rob had put up a large BayTrailrunners Banner.

Nancy and I were assigned to manage one of the tables. It was a dieter's nightmare but a runner's delight. We had M&M chocolate candies, potato chips, pretzels, grape flavored gel candies, boiled potato chunks to be dipped in an open bowl of raw salt, a large serving tray of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and a lot of other quick energy stuff. The next table in the line offered various soft drinks like Mountain Dew and Gatorade and the final folding table had the crucial water fill-up supply. On the dirt access road just behind us there was a paramedic emergency truck and 2 paramedics from Marin and Jeff, an affable "roadie" from North Face, who helped us keep things organized.

Just as we arrived around 11:30a.m, the first shift of volunteers, who had arrived at the race site at 4:30a.m., was getting off duty and they were tired. So Nancy and I jumped right in. Our orders were to keep our table full of goodies, tell runners how far they had left to run, point them in the right direction, describe the course ahead, and call in paramedics or North Face people if needed.

As the day progressed Nancy and I sorted out our specialties. She proved particularly good at making P&J sandwiches and keeping the tabletop organized and presentable even after I had managed to mess up the chips and M&M's. In turn I discovered I had skill at a task I had not known was an essential part of marathon events. This is the preparation of warm chicken broth. Many, many runners said they wanted to drink the broth because it was salty and tasty and warm. On the wood picnic table, I had set a kettle on top of a small cookstove burner powered by a propane bottle. I'd pour some ready made chicken broth into my kettle, get it nice a warm, and hurry back to my post to laddle out the broth in paper cups for runners. It was very popular stuff and it was tough keeping up with the crowd so for most of the afternoon I was quick back and forth from propane burner to laddle.

Sometimes a group of runners came by in a bunch but other times in onesies and twosies. But the table always had some business and Nancy and I were on our feet all through the long day. It was pleasant out there, though, with the sun out full yet cool and dry and the breeze carrying the distinctive wilderness signature of the Headlands and the Bay. And occasionally the afternoon offered entertaining surprises such as watching a runner stop near the station to dress up in a colorful Captain America costume so he could finish the race in style.

Even more memorable, though, was the following moment. At one point about mid-afternnon, I heard someone behind me saying how much he wanted to thank us volunteers for our work and I turned around to meet the speaker. There was this good looking young guy about 20 years old, tall, blond haired and lean. And there he was thanking Nancy and another girl Nancy had just met for being volunteers and shaking their hands. But it appeared Nancy and the other girl had lost the power of speech and instead were just looking up at this young man adoringly as if overwhelmed by his good looks and manner. I haven't seen Nancy look like that since she first met me 47 years ago. I was getting a little jealous and finally had to break the spell and introduce myself to thank him in turn and to ask him if there was anything I could do for him. He explained that he had lost his windbreaker and wondered if anybody might have turned it in. We had a cardboard box that served as our lost and found department and amazingly there was his windbreaker. That made him even happier and he started thanking us all over again. Then I think Nancy asked him which race he was in and how he had done. He paused for a moment and told her that he was in the 50 mile Ultra and that he had finished 2nd. With that, a respectful silence settled on all us volunteers because we understood then that we were now talking with an extraordinary human being. Then the other girl asked him if this was his first race. He paused for a longer moment this time because I think he realized we did not know who he was. "No, not my first," he said politely. "I've been in others before this." So it was, as we were to learn later, that we had just met Dakota Jones, one of the most famous and successful Ultramarathoners in the country. And let me ask you, how is it that someone gets to be that talented, that handsome, that young and also gets a name like Dakota Jones!

Given the drama of our Dakota Jones encounter you might expect the rest of the day to merely tapered off peacefully. But not this day. In fact, there was another high voltage moment in store for us.

Twilight was coming on and there was a chill in the air for jackets and sweaters. Fewer and fewer runners were passing the aid station and many of those that did looked completely exhausted yet still pushed on for the glory of it all. Then, the sky got darker still. Early night. Soon no runners showing up at all. The volunteers, now joined by Rob Rhodes, were unconsciously grouping closer together as we packed up supplies getting ready to go home. But then Carl's walkie talkie handset started crackling with messages from the race command post somewhere saying that there were still two runners out on the course and giving their numbers. Have they passed through yet? Have you seen them? The wait began.

Now completely dark. The volunteers huddled together with electric camp lamps and flashlights and looked out toward the hills. Then we heard someone calling out to us in this darkness from a nearby trail. A volunteer turned on his car headlights. It was a hiker coming in off a trail. He came up to us asking, "Have you heard about the mountain lion? Yeah, someone said they saw a mountain lion. Could've been a bobcat though. Anyways, it was a big cat. You guys gotta watch out." And he wandered off to his car somewhere. We all looked at each other. And wouldn't you know that at that exact moment and just about simultaneously we heard fairly close by the bark of a dog, the whinny of a horse, and the howl of a coyote. I kid you not.

Then not a moment too soon we all saw two tiny, tiny lights out there in the darkness bobbing up and down obviously coming down the distant hill. It was the two missing runners and on they came to the aid station accompanied by understandably enthusiastic applause because now we could head for home.

But wait . . .

The walkie talkie radio crackled again. "'The Sweeper' is still out on the trail. Wait for 'The Sweeper'." I confess this was an unsettling, and vaguely ominous, development for a marathon volunteer newbie such as yours truly. First, I had never heard the term used before and did not know what it meant until Rob Rhodes explained that a Sweeper is a race volunteer who runs the course way behind everybody else expressly to make sure that no one else is out there and in trouble. Even so, I still wasn't entirely comfortable because to me 'Sweeper' kept sounding like "Reaper" as in "Grim Reaper" and there we were in the pitch dark waiting for it. Plus, let's not forget about the Mountain Lion. You will understand that the thought did cross my mind that there might very well be something wrong with this picture?

But, oh happy day, all ended well. The Sweeper showed up in short order. The North Face roadies loaded up the supplies for the races on Sunday. The paramedics left to save lives somewhere else. And Lucien and Nancy drove back to their bungalow there to get in their jammies for a good night's sleep.

Finally, and in closing, I can tell you with some satisfaction that Rob Rhodes and his BayTrailrunners were indeed invited back for next year's Endurance Challenge.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, Lucien

Have a look at the November newsletter! I just added a new section to the website called "Tenderfoot". These will be shorter group runs designed specifically for the new trail runner and anyone who might be getting back into the sport. Kristi Ridgway will be leading these great new circuits!

Read all about it!

Run through one's mind

Sometimes it is best to focus on the experience of trailrunning and why we are really out here. Rather than worry about PRs, distance, elevation, and time... think about the forest, the sights, smells, sounds and even the friendships that can be forged along the way.  All of these elements in nature will often remind me of the people I have run with over the years. Like a sunset, the crack of lightning, a falling tree, or a wild animal they all come and go.  Loved ones, friends, strangers. I wonder where they have gone? This goes out to all of the incredible people who have let me into their lives, and given me the chance to share my passion for trailrunning with them! I hope you enjoyed.

Photography

Looking forward to an opportunity of a lifetime this weekend! Michael Clark Productions, Eric Gould, myself and good friend Sarah Hallas will be teaming up to capture "fleeting moments of passion, gusto, flair and bravado in the outdoors." Michael Clark is an internationally published outdoor photographer specializing in adventure sports, travel, and landscape photography.

  

Adventure Photography Workshop – The Art of Motion - San Francisco, CA

Michael Clark Photography

North Face Endurance Challenge Aid Station Volunteer

I'm making a big effort to get all the spots filled for the BayTrailrunners North Face Endurance Challenge Tennessee Valley Aid Station.  Volunteers will set up their aid station, track runners, provide directional support, distribute fluids and food, collect lost and found items, and assist the event staff in breaking down each aid station. We will all work together and have a lot of fun at this annual event!

December 1 - 2, 2012 - Marin Headlands

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