Training Log Archive: Tundra/Desert

Went running with Jim Waite and an ultra-runner group he had joined recently (the leader's name was Pierre, Pierre Tardif I guess—18:21 at Western States, included Brian Robinson and others). Started at Wunderlich and went up. Then, a hardcore trespass! From Jim's descrption of the group, I sort of expected that and had a USGS printed out, of Wunderlich and much around it, but, after much kicking myself, settled with the fact that I forgot the USGS at home. Otherwise this would have been a perfect reverse line-O. They'll repeat the run sometime in December, so I won't miss the chance. Will get the length and climb measured at that time.
This entry is for the uphill to Bay Area Ridge Trail, some Wunderlich and mostly trespass. Length/climb are approximate. The ultrarunners sort of pushed the uphill so I couldn't comfortably walk.

Bay Area Ridge Trail, trespass to Skyline, El Corte De Madera, back to Wunderlich. Length/climb are fairly accurate. Most of the run was inside a cold cloud.
Pierre was threatening to repeat this whole thing in the afternoon. Ultrarunners are nuts.

The bus.

An evening stroll through Los Altos Hills. Little traffic. As much as I dislike rich people, the place is special. I could live there if they'd allow a 7-11.

Baylands. Dark. Warm.

Black Mtn. campground, Windmill Pasture, Rancho 7JHM3UWV2, home. Tried to find the PG&E shortcut going down but couldn't.

Up Black Mtn. to see the Leonids. Had a camping permit but you're not supposed to be outside the immediate campground area after dark (which is at about 5 pm). I went after 11 pm. Went through Ravensbury entrance so as not to disturb Ms. Ranger. Saw one car in LA Hills, but that was just before entering the park, so was afraid of seeing Ms. Ranger's lights behind me as I went to Windmill Pasture. The lights never materialized. There was enough moonlight that I never had to turn my light on (only tripped twice, and did not fall).
There was nobody at the campground but a truck with what sounded like a busy couple at "the" Black Mtn. I went one grassy hill over to the W. The conditions were good; some light from S San Jose and Morgan Hill towards the E, and lots of moonlight from above/slightly NW. FAA lights were off at the cell towers. No clouds, warm but windy after 2 am.
Saw about 150 pieces, first one at 0201 PST, last one at 0603. Most of the 150 were between 0210 and 0250, with the peak 10 min being 0230–0240. Some fireballs, a lot of correlateds (pieces of the same junk), some counterpropagations. One head-on with an about 2 min afterglow in the moonlight (I though about poor Hubble at that instant). Peak instant rate was probably about 8/10 s. Fell asleep at 0330, woke up several times, last time at 0545.

BAOC local event at Calero. Blue.

Finish to the start.

BAOC event at Calero, Red. First half of Red ~= Blue. Some same leg re-runs, mostly different routes even though I knew the latter ones were inferior.

Finish to the start. Had to wait for a start window!

BAOC Calero, Green. Last half of Green = ending of Blue. Hit the wall half-way through.

*# trail up to the &% start, third time.

Brown. Felt easier than on Green; took it easier, too. But was too wasted to try Orange, and they closed the start as well. The major problem (after hitting the wall) seemed to be wet socks, so I was too careful/uncomfortable planting my feet down on the downhills. First half of Brown ~= first half of Green, last half of Brown = same of Red (no new controls this time).