Training Log Archive: jimaIn the 31 days ending Jan 31, 2010:
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| « | » |
| » now | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | Mo | Tu | We | Th | Fr | Sa | Su | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sunday Jan 31, 2010 #
XC Ski - Skate 1:20:00 *** 13.26 km (6:02 / km) +400m 5:15 / km
ahr:144 max:162 shoes: '05 White/Red/Black Fischer Sk
Checking out control locations and flow for ski-O next weekend.
Conditions were better than I thought they would be, could possibly have run the race today - but prep time was as much of an issue as expected conditions.
They were blowing snow again and recreating Mt Howe in the middle of the stadium. Pretty good odor of swamp gas in the air from the water, though I didn't smell it near the high point on the east side of Cobble where it normally hangs.
They'd moved snow around and covered most of the normal problem points, but there were still some scratchy areas, as well as some veryicy spots. Also the reverse banked curve coming down off 9 was pretty slick on the inside - although I watched 3 good skiers take it at speed, with vocal exuberance...
They haven't groomed a few sections - Wood loop is roped off, 7a (Short Oak) isn't roped off, but hasn't been touched, so I'd consider that problematic.
Long course is currently 11.8 km skiable, took me ~1:09 with considerable amounts of stops at some locations. probably about right.
Medium, which shares some legs, is about 8.6 km, maybe a bit long. Current sprint design is about 2.7 - 3 km, I'd guess.
Conditions were better than I thought they would be, could possibly have run the race today - but prep time was as much of an issue as expected conditions.
They were blowing snow again and recreating Mt Howe in the middle of the stadium. Pretty good odor of swamp gas in the air from the water, though I didn't smell it near the high point on the east side of Cobble where it normally hangs.
They'd moved snow around and covered most of the normal problem points, but there were still some scratchy areas, as well as some veryicy spots. Also the reverse banked curve coming down off 9 was pretty slick on the inside - although I watched 3 good skiers take it at speed, with vocal exuberance...
They haven't groomed a few sections - Wood loop is roped off, 7a (Short Oak) isn't roped off, but hasn't been touched, so I'd consider that problematic.
Long course is currently 11.8 km skiable, took me ~1:09 with considerable amounts of stops at some locations. probably about right.
Medium, which shares some legs, is about 8.6 km, maybe a bit long. Current sprint design is about 2.7 - 3 km, I'd guess.
Saturday Jan 30, 2010 #
11 AM
Snowshoe warm up/down 10:00 [2]
shoes: Asics Orange Trail 08
A crisp winter morning in Center Sandwich. Started out a -1F at home, warmed up to 9 or 10F. Fortunately the wind had died down, as it had been howling most of the night.
Snowshoe race 52:13 [4] 7.9 km (6:37 / km) +150m 6:02 / km
ahr:163 max:167 shoes: RedFeather Race Snowshoes
Sadnwich Sidehiller 4 mile race, extended to 5 miles due to an alternate course.
WIth the warm heavy rain earlier in the week, the part of the course across Bean Road wasn't usable, so Paul K modified it to 3 loops around the Sandwich Fairgrounds. Wasn't too keen on loops, but this was pretty nice, taking ful advantage of the terrain available. Mix of wide hard packed ski trails and a section of narrow singletrack through woods.
Tony Federer, Bob Lux and me from UNO. All put ourselves towards the back of the start pack. I started off a bit fast but settled in pretty well. Need to work on breathing and pace, and do some more road runs at a consistent effort. Too used to trail runs and o races where I never am pushing at a constant pace for too long.
Laps: 16:01, 18:05, 18:07
Bob (freight train) passed me towards the end of the first lap - think is breathing spooked the kid just ahead of me - saw him looking back to see what was there.
Second lap was tough mentally - just couldn't hang with folks that were passing me. Was lapped by about 5-6 guys coming into the finish as I was completing my 2d lap - a bit discouraging. Back and fortht with a couple folks on the 3d lap, seemed to be faster relative to others in the single track section.
Legs really feeling it at the end and after on the drive home.
WIth the warm heavy rain earlier in the week, the part of the course across Bean Road wasn't usable, so Paul K modified it to 3 loops around the Sandwich Fairgrounds. Wasn't too keen on loops, but this was pretty nice, taking ful advantage of the terrain available. Mix of wide hard packed ski trails and a section of narrow singletrack through woods.
Tony Federer, Bob Lux and me from UNO. All put ourselves towards the back of the start pack. I started off a bit fast but settled in pretty well. Need to work on breathing and pace, and do some more road runs at a consistent effort. Too used to trail runs and o races where I never am pushing at a constant pace for too long.
Laps: 16:01, 18:05, 18:07
Bob (freight train) passed me towards the end of the first lap - think is breathing spooked the kid just ahead of me - saw him looking back to see what was there.
Second lap was tough mentally - just couldn't hang with folks that were passing me. Was lapped by about 5-6 guys coming into the finish as I was completing my 2d lap - a bit discouraging. Back and fortht with a couple folks on the 3d lap, seemed to be faster relative to others in the single track section.
Legs really feeling it at the end and after on the drive home.
Sunday Jan 24, 2010 #
10 AM
XC Ski - Classic 45:00 7.5 km (6:00 / km) +300m 5:00 / km
ahr:141 max:159 shoes: '84 Fischer Classic Wax White-
Classic at Gunstock - observing the organized goofiness. Winter Triathlon going on today, all on the XC trails. Run, mtn bike, then ski. Watched near the end of the first 2 km run lap - they'd spread out pretty well. There was quite a bit of vertical, dropped from the stadium to the lowest part of the race loops, up and down a bit, then up to the new upper trail (U), crossing over and dropping back to the stadium and then repeat. Uphill sections were pretty much chewed up, so must have been like running in loose sand.
Then headed reversed on Cobble, out along 9, up to the point of 7, down to the field, back up through the sand pit, down the tail end of 9 to the field again, up 7 along the stream and back in on 8 to Cobble. Continued the reverse of Cobble and saw the first 2 racers coming up the long hill on the east side if the hill. Not sure if they did the abbreviated course, 2 km bike versus the longer 4 km option, or if they were just overall fast. Both pretty good skiers.
Watched some of the mtn bike foolishness - a lot of pushing bikes along on the soft places and the uphills. None of the race loops were classic groomed, so opted to head back to the car and swap to skate skis.
Then headed reversed on Cobble, out along 9, up to the point of 7, down to the field, back up through the sand pit, down the tail end of 9 to the field again, up 7 along the stream and back in on 8 to Cobble. Continued the reverse of Cobble and saw the first 2 racers coming up the long hill on the east side if the hill. Not sure if they did the abbreviated course, 2 km bike versus the longer 4 km option, or if they were just overall fast. Both pretty good skiers.
Watched some of the mtn bike foolishness - a lot of pushing bikes along on the soft places and the uphills. None of the race loops were classic groomed, so opted to head back to the car and swap to skate skis.
XC Ski - Skate 41:31 7.5 km (5:32 / km) +200m 4:53 / km
ahr:138 max:155 shoes: '05 White/Red/Black Fischer Sk
More goofing around and watching the race. Some back and forth on the upper race trails, watching the last few folks still biking. Then around the Cobble loop, watching some of the folks who were skiing, with various degrees of skill. One gal on waxless classic was just chugging along, while another one was going slower trying to skate. Passed her a couple of times, then out a bit on 8, cutover to 9 for the fun downhills, then 7B? with the neat tight turns and back to Cobble. Came down the big S curves between racers, then follow a couple of gals up along the road. Reversed the course on U, which was all torn up. Saw the same 2 gals I'd followed earlier coming up the small steep section and head up the long uphill - the lagging one was looking a bit discouraged.
Remember watching this last year and briefly contemplating entering, but a $65 entry fee seems a bit steep for this degree of nuttiness. Our could just be I'm afraid to put it out there and get my ass stomped by someone.
Remember watching this last year and briefly contemplating entering, but a $65 entry fee seems a bit steep for this degree of nuttiness. Our could just be I'm afraid to put it out there and get my ass stomped by someone.
Saturday Jan 23, 2010 #
XC Ski - Skate 1:08:00 14.3 km (4:45 / km)
ahr:153 max:164 shoes: '05 White/Red/Black Fischer Sk
Another nice day at Gunstock - good snow cover and conditions.
A few folks out on the trails, some checking stuff out for the winter triathlon tomorrow.
A few folks out on the trails, some checking stuff out for the winter triathlon tomorrow.
Snowshoe 43:00 4.0 km (10:45 / km) +400m 7:10 / km
ahr:144 max:156 shoes: RedFeather Race Snowshoes
With Asics Orange Trail shoes.
Gunstock had a used pair of RedFeather Race snowshoes at a very reasonable price, so I splurged. Headed over to Ahern to try them out.
Bindings are much better than on the TSLs - lighter and flexible, so they don't create blister points. Need to make sure I move the band close to where the single piece buckle catches the strap to keep the tab through the hole. Had one heel strap work loose - wouldn't be good during a race.
A lot lighter feeling on my feet - still took a bit to get back into the swing of running with a wider stance. Had to do a couple hundred yards on snowmobile trail before I got to the single track - a lot of chowderheads out today. Why would they feel the need to slow down a bit when passing someone on foot?
Gunstock had a used pair of RedFeather Race snowshoes at a very reasonable price, so I splurged. Headed over to Ahern to try them out.
Bindings are much better than on the TSLs - lighter and flexible, so they don't create blister points. Need to make sure I move the band close to where the single piece buckle catches the strap to keep the tab through the hole. Had one heel strap work loose - wouldn't be good during a race.
A lot lighter feeling on my feet - still took a bit to get back into the swing of running with a wider stance. Had to do a couple hundred yards on snowmobile trail before I got to the single track - a lot of chowderheads out today. Why would they feel the need to slow down a bit when passing someone on foot?
Wednesday Jan 20, 2010 #
XC Ski - Skate 1:01:00 10.95 km (5:34 / km) +425m 4:40 / km
ahr:143 max:161 shoes: '05 White/Red/Black Fischer Sk
Putzing around at Gunstock after dark. There they'd groomed well it was pretty good, even with an inch or two of slow powder on top. NOt sure if the wax was too cold, or it was new untouched powder, but it felt like I was skiing on sand in many spots. THe normally very fast downhills were delightful, could just let it go and not get too far past the point of any control.
Along the bottom part of the Cobble Loop, along Poor Farm Brook, maybe the groomer had only been through once, or it was just rolled, but I was punching through so it was really slow.
As I get to the farthest out point, and discover that trail 7 hadn't been touched at all, my headlamp starts to flicker. Skied back with it off for the flats and uphill sections, turned it back on for the downhills. It totally gave up just as I got back to the car. Enough moon so I could see the trail in most places.
Spectacular view coming back north on trail 8 - come around the corner and the top of Cobble is lit up by light reflecting from the lit-up downhill slopes across the valley. Backdrop of a mostly clear sky with a few stars and the moon off to one side. Breathtaking.
Along the bottom part of the Cobble Loop, along Poor Farm Brook, maybe the groomer had only been through once, or it was just rolled, but I was punching through so it was really slow.
As I get to the farthest out point, and discover that trail 7 hadn't been touched at all, my headlamp starts to flicker. Skied back with it off for the flats and uphill sections, turned it back on for the downhills. It totally gave up just as I got back to the car. Enough moon so I could see the trail in most places.
Spectacular view coming back north on trail 8 - come around the corner and the top of Cobble is lit up by light reflecting from the lit-up downhill slopes across the valley. Backdrop of a mostly clear sky with a few stars and the moon off to one side. Breathtaking.
Monday Jan 18, 2010 #
XC Ski - BackCountry long 1:50:00 11.1 km (9:55 / km)
ahr:123 max:140 shoes: Rossignol BackCountry Skis
Think I hit every section of trail at RV Farms. Very nice conditions, the 3-4" forecast turned into 10-12".
Enough loose powder to make the killer downhills survivable, just have to pay for it slogging on the uphills.
A few folks out, many with dogs, generally well behaved. Those that wouldn't behave were well controlled by their people, like the energetic lab whose owner was holding onto it's collar (barely) with two hands. "He's friendly, maybe a bit too much. He really likes anything that is going faster than he is. So we'll just sit here for a while until you get well ahead."
Enough loose powder to make the killer downhills survivable, just have to pay for it slogging on the uphills.
A few folks out, many with dogs, generally well behaved. Those that wouldn't behave were well controlled by their people, like the energetic lab whose owner was holding onto it's collar (barely) with two hands. "He's friendly, maybe a bit too much. He really likes anything that is going faster than he is. So we'll just sit here for a while until you get well ahead."
Sunday Jan 17, 2010 #
11 AM
XC Ski - Skate warm up/down 7:00 [2] 2.0 km (3:30 / km) +50m 3:07 / km
ahr:139 max:150 shoes: '03 Yellow Fischer Skating
A couple of laps back and forth on the lanes, then down Brook Run to the bottom.
XC Ski - Skate hills 28:00 4.25 km (6:35 / km) +220m 5:14 / km
ahr:149 max:164 shoes: '03 Yellow Fischer Skating
From the base of the jumps, up Quarry and Igor's Trail, then looped on Rollercoaster, hitting most of it. Did the out and back on the deadend to the top of the old lift, then back down.
Conditions a little gnarly. A few rocks here and there, and a lot of small stubs stickig up, making snowplowing to check speed on the downhills dicey. Didn't break anything.
Conditions a little gnarly. A few rocks here and there, and a lot of small stubs stickig up, making snowplowing to check speed on the downhills dicey. Didn't break anything.
XC Ski - Skate 40:00 8.1 km (4:56 / km) +300m 4:10 / km
ahr:149 max:160 shoes: '03 Yellow Fischer Skating
Back across the road and some cruising. Reversed 9, down 7 and 8, then reversed 5. Finished with some back and forth on various race trails.
Saturday Jan 16, 2010 #
11 AM
XC Ski - Skate warm up/down 6:05 [2] 1.4 km (4:21 / km)
ahr:139 max:152 shoes: '03 Yellow Fischer Skating
Once around the race loop GNA had used for Thursday's paintball biathlon to get warmed up. Stadium, down along T to the end, back along 2 then down to lower 4 and back into the stadium.
Saw Tracy O and a small beginner class as I came over Mt Howe. They groomed a path over/through the center of it - nice touch.
Saw Tracy O and a small beginner class as I came over Mt Howe. They groomed a path over/through the center of it - nice touch.
XC Ski - Skate tempo 4:55 [4] 1.4 km (3:31 / km) +40m 3:04 / km
ahr:156 max:160 shoes: '03 Yellow Fischer Skating
Same loop at tempo. Skis were a bit slow in places where the sun had started warming things up. Felt pretty good, but not 100%.
XC Ski - Skate 40:30 8.65 km (4:41 / km) +275m 4:02 / km
ahr:151 max:162 shoes: '03 Yellow Fischer Skating
Then out poking around. Quite a few folks out on the trails. Although there's a few gritty spots, trails were in decent shape.
Andy had move a lot of snow from the pile and spread it around on the rae segment, which was great. There's a few spots on the S side of Cobble that could stand some attention.
Andy had move a lot of snow from the pile and spread it around on the rae segment, which was great. There's a few spots on the S side of Cobble that could stand some attention.
Friday Jan 15, 2010 #
5 PM
Snowshoe tempo 28:00 ** 3.2 km (8:45 / km) +200m 6:40 / km
ahr:145 max:161 shoes: TSL Small Snowshoes
Evening workout at RV Farm. Walked tot first bit up the hill to get warmed up, then picked up to tempo pace across the top, down the zigzag then along the lower trail to the other lot. Followed the snowmobile trail, then up the ridge trail.
Was starting to get a hot spot on one heel, so backed off, then decided to to do the rest on foot, as it was still rubbing. Last time I kept on going and took of a chunk of skin bigger than a quarter that took over a week to heal.
THink I need to get a better pair of snowshoes if I'm going to keep running and maybe do some racing this winter in them. Gunstock has a used pair of Redfeathers for $160 - might go for those.
Was starting to get a hot spot on one heel, so backed off, then decided to to do the rest on foot, as it was still rubbing. Last time I kept on going and took of a chunk of skin bigger than a quarter that took over a week to heal.
THink I need to get a better pair of snowshoes if I'm going to keep running and maybe do some racing this winter in them. Gunstock has a used pair of Redfeathers for $160 - might go for those.
Hiking warm up/down 19:00 [2] 1.5 km (12:40 / km) +75m 10:08 / km
ahr:123 shoes: Gray Nike XCR
On foot back to the car. Was getting chilly when I slowed down. Couldn't go too fast with just the traction of the shoes.
Passed two women heading out on snowshoes with headlamps just as I was getting back. First time I'd seen anyone there in the evening.
Passed two women heading out on snowshoes with headlamps just as I was getting back. First time I'd seen anyone there in the evening.
Monday Jan 11, 2010 #
6 PM
XC Ski - Classic 36:00 7.45 km (4:50 / km) +150m 4:23 / km
ahr:141 max:155 shoes: '84 Fischer Classic Wax White-
Classic technique on the lanes at Gunstock by headlamp.
Striding, DP, kick DP. Felt very nice, flashing back to an earlier day when I could do this for hours on end.
Wax worked well. Blue klister binder, 3 layers of Swix Blue, then a layer of Blue Extra, as it had warmed up a bit today.
Also did a quick loop on one of the snowshoe trails, lots of quick DP, rapid direction change, and the occasional stride thrown in as possible.
Striding, DP, kick DP. Felt very nice, flashing back to an earlier day when I could do this for hours on end.
Wax worked well. Blue klister binder, 3 layers of Swix Blue, then a layer of Blue Extra, as it had warmed up a bit today.
Also did a quick loop on one of the snowshoe trails, lots of quick DP, rapid direction change, and the occasional stride thrown in as possible.
Sunday Jan 10, 2010 #
9 AM
Snowshoe 1:33:00 5.55 km (16:45 / km) +375m 12:32 / km
ahr:102 max:122 shoes: Axis 930 Snowshoes
Wandering around Ahern on snowshoes. Had on the big Axis 930s, would have been just fine in most places with the smaller TSLs.
Onto the south section fo the map first, checked out a couple of the marshes, nice travelling except where the scrub was thick. Cut through the center of the ring loop and down by the beach. Surprised to see the lake is still mostly open. A couple hundred yards of windblown broken up sheet ice, then open water. Pretty good wind across the water, which must be what it keeping it open.
Headed across the entrance road and the powerline up the hill towards the previously restricted area. Some nice terrain on this side, scattered boulders, small wet areas and drainages and a few knolls and reentrants. Looped around the N end and checked out the hillside between the prison and Meredith Ctr Rd - not quite as nice. Blander terrain and will probably be thicker low vegetation, thorns, etc. A few boulders, but less contour stuff. Campus section in the center should be nice for open sprints.
Onto the south section fo the map first, checked out a couple of the marshes, nice travelling except where the scrub was thick. Cut through the center of the ring loop and down by the beach. Surprised to see the lake is still mostly open. A couple hundred yards of windblown broken up sheet ice, then open water. Pretty good wind across the water, which must be what it keeping it open.
Headed across the entrance road and the powerline up the hill towards the previously restricted area. Some nice terrain on this side, scattered boulders, small wet areas and drainages and a few knolls and reentrants. Looped around the N end and checked out the hillside between the prison and Meredith Ctr Rd - not quite as nice. Blander terrain and will probably be thicker low vegetation, thorns, etc. A few boulders, but less contour stuff. Campus section in the center should be nice for open sprints.
12 PM
XC Ski - Skate 59:00 12.0 km (4:55 / km) +375m 4:15 / km
ahr:150 max:163 shoes: '05 White/Red/Black Fischer Sk
Once it had warmed up a bit, headed over to Gunstock. Nice conditions, although it's a bit gritty in places. If Paul would send some of his folks out with shovels a couple hours a week, could really make a difference on that.
Mt Howe is getting rather sizable in the middle of the stadium, assume they've been blowing snow around the clock for the past few days. The manmade stuff is very fine and sharp, slower than the natural.
Felt pretty good today. Only terrorized a few tourers. Almost comical to watch guys on fishscale skis try to impress their companions by trying to skate. Flailing arms, incomplete weight transfer, but a lot of effort.
Mt Howe is getting rather sizable in the middle of the stadium, assume they've been blowing snow around the clock for the past few days. The manmade stuff is very fine and sharp, slower than the natural.
Felt pretty good today. Only terrorized a few tourers. Almost comical to watch guys on fishscale skis try to impress their companions by trying to skate. Flailing arms, incomplete weight transfer, but a lot of effort.
Saturday Jan 9, 2010 #
10 AM
XC Ski - Skate 1:05:00 12.24 km (5:19 / km) +350m 4:39 / km
ahr:146 max:158 shoes: '03 Yellow Fischer Skating
Crisp conditions at Gunstock. Upper teens, light breeze from the north, which was chilling in the open areas.
Feeling tired from last evening's outing, could feel the lack of energy , especially on the uphills.
Need to rewax these skis, think the last time they were touched was last season.
Feeling tired from last evening's outing, could feel the lack of energy , especially on the uphills.
Need to rewax these skis, think the last time they were touched was last season.
Friday Jan 8, 2010 #
XC Ski - Classic 1:05:00 10.23 km (6:21 / km) +350m 5:26 / km
ahr:152 max:164 shoes: '84 Fischer Classic Wax White-
Finally out on classic skis.
Saw Andy Howe just as I was putting my boots on. They fixed the big groomer and had hit most of the trails, with classic tracks on many of them.
Had been snowing lightly most of the day, so there was an inch or so of powder in the tracks, but it was very nice. Waxed for a bit warmer than conditions, so wasn't real fast.
Lower back will feel it tomorrow, I'm sure.
Saw Andy Howe just as I was putting my boots on. They fixed the big groomer and had hit most of the trails, with classic tracks on many of them.
Had been snowing lightly most of the day, so there was an inch or so of powder in the tracks, but it was very nice. Waxed for a bit warmer than conditions, so wasn't real fast.
Lower back will feel it tomorrow, I'm sure.
Wednesday Jan 6, 2010 #
Elliptical trnr 20:00 [2]
ahr:128 max:144
At hotel - couldn't work up the mental energy to run outside.
Upper Body 7:00 [1]
Upper body stuff on the weight machine right next to the elliptical trainer.
Monday Jan 4, 2010 #
XC Ski - Skate 36:30 7.6 km (4:48 / km) +250m 4:07 / km
ahr:148 max:160 shoes: '02 Peltonen Skate Skis
Evening ski at Gunstock. Snowgun going in the stadium. Also saw 3 others out skiing by headlamp going in the opposite direction. Assume it was GNA folks.
Sunday Jan 3, 2010 #
XC Ski - Skate 35:55 6.44 km (5:35 / km) +150m 5:00 / km
ahr:143 max:160
After only getting a couple inches of powder, rather than the 6-8" promised, headed over to Gunstock hoping to do some classic. Groomer was down, so they were only rolling, and had a late start on that. Had grabbed Tim's Rossignol combi skis and tried skating on them. Not sure what was on them for wax, but it was certainly not the wax of the day.
Got passed handily by Nina heading out on 8. Came back on 9 and decided with the still falling snow, it might be pleasant to do some back country along the Mt Rowe ridge.
Got passed handily by Nina heading out on 8. Came back on 9 and decided with the still falling snow, it might be pleasant to do some back country along the Mt Rowe ridge.
XC Ski - BackCountry long 2:07:00 [2] 10.4 km (12:13 / km) +450m 10:02 / km
ahr:130 max:145 shoes: Rossignol BackCountry Skis
Putzed around on the beginner trails and checked out one of the snowshoe trails before heading to the base of the jumps. Gunstock is offering horse-draw sleigh rides, staging out of the small pavilion in the triangle.
Headed up Quarry, someone had been through earlier inthe day on skis and busted trail, which was welcome. Igor's Trail to Rollercoaster, then headed up the snowshoe trail to the small tower. Trail had seena bit of traffic - snowshoers and it looked like people had come down on skis and a snowboard. Still a challenge going up - a lot of deep snow to catch tips, along with a lot of scrub growth popping up everywhere.
Hit Rowe's Revenge where the other skier had come up. Over to Try Me, where the tracks headed downhill. I kept going past the big tower - looks like they are starting work to replace it. Some deep drifts along the ridge, and some reallly great views from the open area. Going down the hill one the other side, was glad for the hours I'd put in there this fall cutting back branches. Back up to the downhill trail, then turned around and headed back. Almost ran into a guy on tele's coming up by the first trail junction - he'd come up from the Gilford Village side. Back up and over the ridge, then down the way I'd come up. A couple hairy moments, but there was generally enough powder to keep my speed under control.
Met 4 kids near the bottom hiking up with skis and snowboards over their shoulders - going for the less expensive and more fun option.
Checked out the other piece of the snowshoe trails on the way back - circles around the marsh boardwalk - pretty neat!
Although I was a bit tired, decided since I had my other skating boots with me, might as well do another lap skating.
Headed up Quarry, someone had been through earlier inthe day on skis and busted trail, which was welcome. Igor's Trail to Rollercoaster, then headed up the snowshoe trail to the small tower. Trail had seena bit of traffic - snowshoers and it looked like people had come down on skis and a snowboard. Still a challenge going up - a lot of deep snow to catch tips, along with a lot of scrub growth popping up everywhere.
Hit Rowe's Revenge where the other skier had come up. Over to Try Me, where the tracks headed downhill. I kept going past the big tower - looks like they are starting work to replace it. Some deep drifts along the ridge, and some reallly great views from the open area. Going down the hill one the other side, was glad for the hours I'd put in there this fall cutting back branches. Back up to the downhill trail, then turned around and headed back. Almost ran into a guy on tele's coming up by the first trail junction - he'd come up from the Gilford Village side. Back up and over the ridge, then down the way I'd come up. A couple hairy moments, but there was generally enough powder to keep my speed under control.
Met 4 kids near the bottom hiking up with skis and snowboards over their shoulders - going for the less expensive and more fun option.
Checked out the other piece of the snowshoe trails on the way back - circles around the marsh boardwalk - pretty neat!
Although I was a bit tired, decided since I had my other skating boots with me, might as well do another lap skating.
XC Ski - Skate 23:30 4.56 km (5:09 / km) +100m 4:39 / km
ahr:148 max:157 shoes: '02 Peltonen Skate Skis
Quick lap around Cobble clockwise and then looped on 2 and T back to the stadium. Much faster skis, not a lot of pep for the uphills, but the technique was still there.
Friday Jan 1, 2010 #
XC Ski - Skate hills 56:00 10.9 km (5:08 / km) +450m 4:16 / km
ahr:152 max:167 shoes: '02 Peltonen Skate Skis
Evening ski at Gunstock.
Got back from Providence RI mid-afternoon - had been at the weeding of the son of a friend. New Year's Eve wedding - very nice, going ot be easy to remember the anniversary...
Light snow falling - looks like they got a nice heavy dusting yesterday - most fo the formerly gritty areas are now OK, although I did grind to a halt a couple of times in some places.
Snow reflecting the headlamp back at me was neat. Also had my contacts in, so was dealing iwth snow flying into my eyes on the downhills - no spectacular crash and burns thankfully.
Got back from Providence RI mid-afternoon - had been at the weeding of the son of a friend. New Year's Eve wedding - very nice, going ot be easy to remember the anniversary...
Light snow falling - looks like they got a nice heavy dusting yesterday - most fo the formerly gritty areas are now OK, although I did grind to a halt a couple of times in some places.
Snow reflecting the headlamp back at me was neat. Also had my contacts in, so was dealing iwth snow flying into my eyes on the downhills - no spectacular crash and burns thankfully.