Update on Lotus Funds - A visit to campus

Marathon # 3, Lake Chabot Redtail Ridge 50km Feb 18, 2017

 

"You hearty soul, you!" - said the lady at the entrance as I made my way to the parking lot of Lake Chabot State Park, the race venue of the day.   "Be careful of 'm puddles".

Near start line.  Still raining a bit.

As the next 6 hours and 40 minutes will tell me, she was right.

But before that...something eerie of sort is happening since this new year (or its just my analytical mind looking for patterns).   Two examples:

1. First race of the year was Crystal Springs marathon...I drove an hour, in pouring rain, parked in the parking lot (staying warm and cosy in my car, changing into my running gear to avoid rain)...and 5 minutes later, whoosh, as if some power above started HIS car wiper and the pouring rain was gone.   Cut to 2nd race, same story....I drove to lake Chabot marina in pouring rain, parked the car and 5 minutes later, the rain stopped.   Someone is watching up there...

2. Extra rains this year are helping CA (which was in draught past few years) but that does give a muddy, rainy flavor to these trail runs.   Last race was 4500' +/- of elevation through the course for 26.2 miles, this race, same 4500' +/- for a 31 miler (50k) - was supposed to be 4800' but they changed the course a bit to avoid super muddy trails.   Rank in both 25th over all.

Patterns!!

Trail running is more of a metaphor for life i.e. treat the day as it comes.   Early morning, I forgot the usual (compression socks, a headphone that works, and breakfast !)...plan was to run with camel pack and heavy rain jacket but once the drizzling stopped I felt adventurous and moved to a lighter wind resistant jacket with just a bottle in hand (which helped in a smooth race).



If last race was beautiful, this race went a notch above and this time I took some course pictures as well.

Redwoods

Muddy trails

Tried avoiding getting feet wet for almost 16 miles in but as race went north towards the dam the muddy trails become more frequent with little room for maneuvers. Resistance was futile and better option was to just run straight through.

Next race is Modesto Marathon Mar 19th.   A road race will be a good break from the elevation and mud ridden trails runs of the year so far.

Also, need to fine tune the running schedule a bit ... with work/family/kids, I am not giving the focus such an endeavour requires.

Trail vs Washed Feet

Leaving you with some customary shots and selfies at the race.

Sherpa Stan :-) Runs a kick ass 30k and then starts volunteering.