Time for random chat

Holidays are approaching, but I am at work. My boss is really crazy guy, and his life IS science, It is hard for him to comprehand that somebody else's life would include family, house, hobby and simply resting. Sometimes he drives me nuts. Mostly I accept it, as long as he doesn't jump on me with hyper talks and running in the lab like a maniac.

I ran to work yesterday. It was a trial for what's going to be happening half the time during a week, to or from work - with one car and future driving Alex to school when he is back (no, not this weekend, it's a made decision, I'll keep you posted on when), we have to get around it. The road has a great sidewalk and goes for 5 milers, relatively quiet and climbs up at least a 1200 feet on the way in (the difference between a house point and OHSU is about 700 feet, but then it has many dips and uphills inside). It will definitely be better to run home:) My legs felt quite a lot heavy after 3 days of running hills on trails. I guess I am not ready to take on those as hard as I tried! I didn't cruise, I plodded on my run, but it was nice nevertheless. I brought a couple of clothes changes today for days like that - and am thankful for a shower at work.

There were a few stories circulating around, in blogs and ultra-list about a dog rescued his owner who fell off cliff, climbers lost in China and again, our own Mt. Hood operation of search. I responded to one guy on the list about Hood like that:

They did know about upcoming storm. Some of my husband's friends met them while turning back from Hood, but for climbers who came specifically from afar to do an ascent it's hard to go back empty-handed. Those 3 were quite experienced climbers and hoped for a one day "run up", what usually is. However, they were new to this particular route and the weather hit earlier, and one guy got injured, so when they did decide on going down, they somehow got off an "easy" course and most likely fell into one of the numeorus crevasses, while the injured one stayed in a cave. It is possible to survive in a cave for a few days - IF you have enough gear, what they didn't. Again, they didn't take much in terms of sleeping bags/tents to lighten the load and be fast on ascent.
There is no reason to blame them. Having a husband who's climbed both Hood and Rainier over 20 times and had to turn around same amount, I've heard how difficult mentally to go home with un-done business, how your partners influence decisions and how the life prevails when thinking hard.
And no, they (mountain teams) might have a small post about the upcoming weather, but nobody forbids climbing - like running trails, it's at one's own risk.

Having hosted a few people from East coast in the last two years here who came to climb Hood and Rainier, I am aware of all the thinking they go through when the weather hits bad. From day 4 we knew it was a "recovery", not a "rescue" operation. With so much fresh snow it can take a long time to find poor souls now. My heart goes out to families, but I feel for climbers and their decision. May they rest in peace. A death is never beautiful, whether or not it came doing what you love.

Can't help but point you to Glenn's pictures (see the link on side bar). I go there often. Many bring memories, other many - inspiration. Just click on any of WS100, Badwater or Spartathlon images - Scott Jurek captures what the Athlete is about. I was just browsing it today - yet again, never tired - and it was like living in a moment of when he had to grind through miles and miles, and then the tears of joy when he came to the finish monument, and then a smile when he re-played the start - he is a tough competitor yet a kid at heart. Isn't it what we thrive to be?

I just love Doanld's list for Santa! Thanks, Donald, I'll sign my name for it.

I promised to take a couple of pictures
of the house this weekend. Don't think you are interested about inside, it's very minimalistic, so I won't bother with those. I did go to the end of the property yesterday, and it's a very steep slope down to the creek, all messed up with fallen trees and branches and overgrown by brush. The amount of work is unmeasurable! Behind this nice backyard is a real forest:) Just see below, and that is a mellow part, one I was able to get to.


p.s. done! Mr. G, lets! It's a great idea! :)

Oleg and Stephen are driving to Seattle this weekend for a friend's birthday; I am staying home taking care of pets. Charlie is too young (3 months) and untrained for a travel. He is fun though. And I am sure I'll have good time - I love been home alone, I'll visit my Russian friend (I promised to clear her closet, and she is already scared knowing how un-packrat I am) and run in the park longish.

I dug out Scott's schedule he made for me in 2005, and the training starts this week (actually, next week, but that was for WS100, and Bighorn is a week earlier). I am on track with what he suggested. It was my best year, even though I raced a lot (what he didn't like). I was quite a difficult client for both him and Lisa, and I am deeply thankful to both for been patient. Scott accepts new clients now, and I briefly thought about it, but then again, I do have a schedule (thank God I pencilled it down before modifying it!) and the family will need money next year. It's very tempting though, coaching works wonders for type A personalities like myself, as well as for anybody lacking desire. So officially today is my day off. Worked out perfectly in my life!

Seems that I am leaning towards doing Bishop 50M instead of Silver State. It is just as tough, same elevation profile and altitude, but I know organizers and George, my friend, offered a place to stay. I'll need to rent a car - 2 hrs drive from Reno, but it's minor. Looking forward to it!