Training Log Archive: hoggster

Long hill run with Juan up to Pajarito. Started from Jemez Rd, near LANL (about 2400m in altitude) and started climbing up Parajito Canyon. This is just a single trail through the canyon, up past the dungeon. The first part was pretty good going, with a bit of snow on the track, but I was already feeling the altitude. About halfway up the track crossed the canyon into knee-deep snow, so we bailed and went cross country. Pretty rough country, with thorny bushes, lots of fallen timber, rock scrambles and some really thick aspen. Finally rejoined to trail and got up to the top of the ski hill.

From here we had planned to go to the top of Pajarito, but the snow was pretty deep, and after wading through knee-deep snow for half an hour we realized we wouldn't make the top. Nor could we cut across to the Valles Trail in another canyon, so we headed down the spur (cross country again) to find our original trail. Eventually we found it again, but it meant running the section we had previously avoided because of deep snow. Here it was deeper than we had ever suspected! Up to waist deep slush and we often found ourselves toppling into the snow. Finally we escaped from the mire, with frozen feet and legs and thawed out as we trotted down the trail. Awesome fun, pretty stiff and sore now ...

C • Sounds like 2

Afternoon run with Juan and Jeremy from the lab. Headed up hill, and through the forest, continuously climbing. By the time we reached our destination trail (a small single track) there was lots of patchy snow which made it slow going. Visited the mouth of the dungeon, then realised we were going to slow to make it back to the bus in time, so climbed another snowy hill (to get a view over Los Alamos) and scooted back home -- all downhill. Nice run and has me inspired for a potentially longer run on the weekend.

After a long flight to Los Alamos, I managed to get a decent sleep and woke just before it got light. Headed straight out to investigate the trails around White Rock. Meandered for a while, then found the edge of the canyon -- spectacular view! Then, found a steep, super-rocky trail (the Blue Dot Trail) which took me all the way down to the Rio Grande.

Hard work on the way back up -- a combination of steepness, jetlag and altitude, I think. Amazing country around here, and hoping to find time to explore more of it.

Early morning run before jumping on a long flight (actually, 4 flights in total) to Los Alamos...