I'm inclined to make up various runs and races...so it was inevitable that I'd combine a few local regular trails into one "day long series of trail runs that combine into a race." OK, maybe not a race. A few years ago I combined the local "eastern" trails into a day long trek of running: Forest Glen Nature Preserve, Wild Wilderness, Lake Mingo, and Clear Pond. Now it's time for the "western" version of our local trails to be combined into a day-long adventure: McNaughton Park (10 miles), Clinton Lake (10 miles), Allerton Park (6 miles), and Lake of the Woods (5 miles). This local "western slam" of trail running would equate to 31 miles (50K). Not a bad day of running, with short breaks to drive to the next trail head and refuel. I've been doing a "made-up" ultra in my sister's memory each Earth Day (April 22). That's when she passed away in 2006. Usually I just run in town on roads, bike path, and trail. Seems like it's time to step it up and make it a bit more formal...and difficult...and reflective. I can run on beautiful trails, have time to think about my sister as I drive to the next trail, then run some more. So the "western slam" is set to go on April 22. If this trial goes well, I'll repeat it yearly...maybe even doing an eastern and western slam all in one weekend! Who can't run 4 trails on Saturday, then another 4 trails on Sunday? Eight trails in one weekend...sweet! Need to turn this idea into a tradition.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Local 50K "Western Slam"
I'm inclined to make up various runs and races...so it was inevitable that I'd combine a few local regular trails into one "day long series of trail runs that combine into a race." OK, maybe not a race. A few years ago I combined the local "eastern" trails into a day long trek of running: Forest Glen Nature Preserve, Wild Wilderness, Lake Mingo, and Clear Pond. Now it's time for the "western" version of our local trails to be combined into a day-long adventure: McNaughton Park (10 miles), Clinton Lake (10 miles), Allerton Park (6 miles), and Lake of the Woods (5 miles). This local "western slam" of trail running would equate to 31 miles (50K). Not a bad day of running, with short breaks to drive to the next trail head and refuel. I've been doing a "made-up" ultra in my sister's memory each Earth Day (April 22). That's when she passed away in 2006. Usually I just run in town on roads, bike path, and trail. Seems like it's time to step it up and make it a bit more formal...and difficult...and reflective. I can run on beautiful trails, have time to think about my sister as I drive to the next trail, then run some more. So the "western slam" is set to go on April 22. If this trial goes well, I'll repeat it yearly...maybe even doing an eastern and western slam all in one weekend! Who can't run 4 trails on Saturday, then another 4 trails on Sunday? Eight trails in one weekend...sweet! Need to turn this idea into a tradition.
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4 comments:
Neat idea. I've ran two different trail on same day. First one (8.5 miles) was ice covered and didn't want to do a second loop so headed for home but stopped at a more local trail and got in another 5.5 miles. Now that trail was wet mess, strange. Guess I've ran a big loop connecting a few parks, all limestone trails though with paved in between. OK looking forward to your post local 50k slam report
I loved it a few years ago (when I did the "eastern" slam of 4 different trails). Time to hit our western trails. I'll post a report. It's in honor of my late sister so it'll be good no matter what happens.
Sounds like a beautiful idea, wish I could do it with you, it should be a great day and a great day to think of things about your sister and run a little with her.
Thanks Tim.
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