tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-69661817637333318322024-03-15T16:17:27.408-07:00John's Barefoot Running BlogA blog about my barefoot running experiences and adventures, as well as the barefoot lifestyle in general.John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-35051854714389262902023-12-13T16:25:00.000-08:002023-12-13T16:25:30.593-08:00Update December 2023<p> Hello all!</p><p>I remain off and on plagued by injuries, not barefoot running induced. In the meantime, you can head on over to my writing blog for goodness there:<br /></p><p><a href="https://johnyoheblog.blogspot.com/">https://johnyoheblog.blogspot.com/</a></p><p>And my website for links to my published writing:</p><p><a href="https://johnyohe.weebly.com/">https://johnyohe.weebly.com/</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EatMHRWsQKTWCFFOVhGZSYjnMuBpZl0HGGqWEoEJvnXqctGl9mQxjc-5U6P8ZSKMckf287qsNs-fZRgVPY4b0wc9RfuO55zBAwFJ3XI_FnCf5VUXNci1Qjs6_S2GJIzIm9QISKpPchihkDEmkZw5oyTwR3qWanohwdwP_y8MiS97GRoKpJF31Hs2nLkz/s2048/large%20literate%20caterpillar.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EatMHRWsQKTWCFFOVhGZSYjnMuBpZl0HGGqWEoEJvnXqctGl9mQxjc-5U6P8ZSKMckf287qsNs-fZRgVPY4b0wc9RfuO55zBAwFJ3XI_FnCf5VUXNci1Qjs6_S2GJIzIm9QISKpPchihkDEmkZw5oyTwR3qWanohwdwP_y8MiS97GRoKpJF31Hs2nLkz/s320/large%20literate%20caterpillar.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-86442246193458965162022-04-23T15:51:00.001-07:002022-04-23T15:51:22.015-07:00Oral Cancer 5K<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JjCvrnFdDNo-IYilLlQo449jUTGECVwgEobpc22DEjvSCsjYUZ6BJ63Xrf9vnM572RwCGC-TKNoj06Vi2dbUCz7AFODXbx3seRHz51E9ywHUDppp3rNH37psxnxeGFIQc-0YK0QY0r001JwTXZIlzzpdbY6XHl1Xe7ile8Uk6kDKpKDcccERTEnlvQ/s4128/shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_JjCvrnFdDNo-IYilLlQo449jUTGECVwgEobpc22DEjvSCsjYUZ6BJ63Xrf9vnM572RwCGC-TKNoj06Vi2dbUCz7AFODXbx3seRHz51E9ywHUDppp3rNH37psxnxeGFIQc-0YK0QY0r001JwTXZIlzzpdbY6XHl1Xe7ile8Uk6kDKpKDcccERTEnlvQ/s320/shirt.jpg" width="148" /></a></b></div><b>Oral Cancer 5K</b><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b>Rangley, Colorado</b></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The weather last
night here in Rangely, Colorado was cold and rainy, and snowy at just
five hundred five higher elevation, so I halfway expected to wake up
to snow on the ground. But no, this morning is sunny, dry pavement,
if still cool: people at Registration are wearing winter coats,
though runners are in jackets or hoodies, with long pants of some
kind. I am the only one in shorts, and regretting that decision. At
least the race starts at 8:30 rather than, say, 7:00. Enough for the
sun to come up and warm things a bit.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is my last race
here in Rangely (population 1500) in the northwestern corner of
Colorado. A goodbye as I finish my semester teaching and go on to
other adventures. I’d hoped to get more in shape these last two
years after a previous two or three years of injuries, including a
broken heel bone and a fractured ankle, both in the right foot.
(Note: not from barefoot running, though the heel break happened when
I was barefoot and landed hard on a wood floor, and the ankle was on
a backpacking trip wearing huaraches). Rangely has a lot of dirt
roads, and I’d hoped to get maybe back up to marathon levels, but
it just hasn’t happened. I could maybe run a half-marathon, just on
mental effort, but I fear my big running days are over: after being
out, and gaining some weight, and just getting used to doing other
things, I’m not sure I even want to run that much anymore. Which
makes me sad to say. So, I’ve only this last year ever been running
up to an hour at a time. One thing, motivation-wise, is being so far
from civilization here in Rangely that races just are not usually an
option, except for these occasional 5Ks.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The organization for
this race has been about what all events here in Rangely are like:
unorganized. First it was a run, then it got labeled a walk, and then
the flyer for it I didn’t even realize was the flyer for the event,
since the big letters said Oral Cancer, and in small type were the
words 5K walk. A good flyer should be readable from ten feet away,
and a race flyer should have to the 5K part in huge bold letter, with
the charity in small letters: no one really cares about the charity,
they want the run. Anyways, mostly stuff gets around by word of mouth
here in a small town like this. But there seem to be about seven
runners and maybe ten walkers—smaller than even the other two small
5Ks I’ve run here. But, I’m grateful there is a run and I
shouldn’t complain. I just have that personality where if something
isn’t being run well I want to step in and run it right.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a charity
run for Oral Cancer, put on by the Dental Hygiene department at the
community college where I teach, Colorado Northwestern Community
College. The organizer, one of our instructors, whose name I can’t
remember, gives a little speech beforehand with, for example, the
statistic that one person dies from oral cancer every hour. So, wow.
You may see more of this charity, as she told me she basically got a
‘kit’ from the main charity on how to put on a race.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFQPpfIdV4ir-4itaPsP1gniMGcobsKrcdKLor5KVNxhjSXXd_SDflnDFPde-oOIaUNdWK0IADjFcE6qZkDKp7bTpVLcRMGHySsm9O_MP6qivF7gThkyQR2O9We_0vJpMYvY_suzLoSSJENWESlOPs45LqKA3ivkiP510Xd6adYulf1qB6fJSjoUkMQ/s4128/shadow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFQPpfIdV4ir-4itaPsP1gniMGcobsKrcdKLor5KVNxhjSXXd_SDflnDFPde-oOIaUNdWK0IADjFcE6qZkDKp7bTpVLcRMGHySsm9O_MP6qivF7gThkyQR2O9We_0vJpMYvY_suzLoSSJENWESlOPs45LqKA3ivkiP510Xd6adYulf1qB6fJSjoUkMQ/s320/shadow.jpg" width="148" /></a></div> After a group photo,
we vaguely line up under the balloon arch and someone says go, and we
go. The group of six or so young twenty-something runners take off,
with me a little behind, then the walkers, one of whom says, “Oh,
is this a run? Are we running? I guess we’re running!” A half a
minute later she’s like, “Ok, that’s enough.”
<p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is an ‘out
and back’. We curve around the park to the west, do a zig at the
baseball field, then a zag that gets us on a long straight paved road
that heads out of town on the south side of the Rio Blanco. It
eventually turns into a dirt road, but we won’t go that far before
we turn around. And I am out of breath. I tried not to sprint out the
start and I swear I’m doing my normal penguin waddle, but I am
gasping for air. There is a slight uphill at this point, and just the
excitement of running with other people. I try and calm my breath.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Kind of gritty right
by the park, and I run on the yellow divider paint in the middle for
a smoother surface. I’ve been shod all winter, getting out in my
huaraches on the super gravelly roads around town, but only recently
going out for barefoot walks to start building up my soles,
especially earlier this week to prepare, which I think I overdid, so
actually still a little raw feeling to start. Plus the cold makes
bare feet more sensitive. But, I’ve run the Detroit Marathon in
November, I know cold, and know that my feet will warm up in a bit as
they get blood pumping to them. And it’s only a 5K: that’s my
thought, that no matter what, it’s only 5K, no matter what happens,
I’ll finish.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The river road does
smooth out, and straighten out, though now there is a brutal cold
headwind, coming up the river valley. The fast runners are farther
and farther ahead, staying in a group. Looking back, the walkers are
just turning the bend. So, it has finally come to this: I am the Last
Runner. Given, there’s only seven of us, but still, it’s kind of
a tough realization. Oh well. I’m twice the age of any other
runner. I still got game!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I had asked the
organizer is she’d had to coordinate with any police or anything to
close city streets and she said the city just didn’t care. So,
we’re on out own, and there is regular traffic on this road. Not a
lot, but one truck seems particularly annoyed that the front pack of
runners is taking up his whole road and honks at them. To their
credit, they don’t move and he has to go around. Any other vehicle
just seems surprised to see us. We’re not even wearing race tags or
anything—we could just be, and basically are, randos out running.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The feets are ok! A
little raw still, but now warmed up and don’t feel cold, though the
headwind persists, and my two shirts and a shell jacket feels about
right. The lead runners come back at me on the ‘back’ portion and
we wave. They look at me oddly: I think I have their respect for the
bare feet, if not the time. But, my time would be the same if I had
shoes on. I don’t feel lithe and free, but I don’t feel
encumbered either. But there is the turnaround: three women with a
truck by the side of the road, and a table with some bottled water,
which I pass on: water during this short a race would just make me
feel sloshy.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Alas, since the road
soon turn to dirt at this point, this lane of the road is much more
gritty, from all the vehicles coming into town bringing some of the
gravel in their tires. I try the middle yellow line a while, then
find a long line of crack-sealing tar and that gets me to the point
where the stray gravel starts to diminish. Over half way. My
breathing is back to normal, has been, and I’m in simple trudge
mode. Wind at my back now feels like no wind at all.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The running pack is
long gone from my sight, but now I’m passing the walkers on their
‘out’ phase. See a couple colleagues. One young woman films me on
her phone, yelling, “Woo hoo!” I guess I’ll be the conversation
later today. “Dude, there was like this crazy guy running barefoot!
I think he teaches english or something.”</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Once off the country
road, taking me home, to the place, where I belong, only now do I
realize I didn’t bring a watch, and I haven’t been timing myself.
Wow. Usually I’m pretty good about that. I guess shows my mental
state: just go and finish. And I am the lone wolf, in between the
good runners and the walkers. Back to the park, back to the gritty
road, hard to get a sprint on, back around the corner and up to the
balloon arch where some folks clap me in. The Last Runner. It’ll be
fifteen/twenty minutes before the walkers come around.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I ask to see if
anyone is keeping track of time, no clock is visible, and no, no one
is. One of the other runners whom I know, a student, says she
finished at around thirty minutes, and I’m about three minutes
behind her, so ok. There was a time when I ran a 5K in 21 minutes, I
swear. But, I’m just happy and grateful to still be out running!
Time for a banana.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTBsZIPJ8D4avPLkfs3vzr4VMX9ljcKeQXskcKmeOnp-TMboxSuwoTmWik9IWzhieKJYck0nV4N7bd_zyptqIe3D9-sDEAKGNu-_vGa9qEOtQz-qWMLwha3dkpcvg8BONVJBo7luihN_G5eub_HAIFlwxxxRFODMXjHaOeYdUsNG-0aEknFkcAv93vA/s4128/feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTBsZIPJ8D4avPLkfs3vzr4VMX9ljcKeQXskcKmeOnp-TMboxSuwoTmWik9IWzhieKJYck0nV4N7bd_zyptqIe3D9-sDEAKGNu-_vGa9qEOtQz-qWMLwha3dkpcvg8BONVJBo7luihN_G5eub_HAIFlwxxxRFODMXjHaOeYdUsNG-0aEknFkcAv93vA/s320/feet.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }</style></p>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-77266361049226575352022-01-16T19:43:00.001-08:002022-01-16T19:43:20.408-08:00The Hana by Xero Shoes<p>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Hana (leather) by Xero Shoes </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigc40YufmtJ5Nw7GB5EGyK5nblmpxOo8RDjFpCyqmnwH6pn23CXA9nmv2cY92oecvBEQvQLpoIX3N_U7mH7aiSJL1nX-e8EyMYtu4AVZCfLZUj0IaI-b0zVNFG1pIlNWbLgNCAsPUpGkhT2ikidt5TfDzfJc3f7q4dXIGdDgWE0-d456WdRtKIm3szsA=s1060" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="702" data-original-width="1060" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigc40YufmtJ5Nw7GB5EGyK5nblmpxOo8RDjFpCyqmnwH6pn23CXA9nmv2cY92oecvBEQvQLpoIX3N_U7mH7aiSJL1nX-e8EyMYtu4AVZCfLZUj0IaI-b0zVNFG1pIlNWbLgNCAsPUpGkhT2ikidt5TfDzfJc3f7q4dXIGdDgWE0-d456WdRtKIm3szsA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>The Hanas, like all
shoes from Xero, are super comfortable, with think flexible soles,
zero-drop heels, and and spacious toe box. What I was hoping to get
from Xero Shoes Hana was a moccasin-type shoe, something with the
feel and comfort of my Minnetonka Moccasins, but with a tougher sole,
so they would last longer, and be able to handle wet sidewalks, while
also being somewhat dressy for work, or out on the town. There is a
canvas version (I think? Grey, doesn’t look like leather), for a
more casual look, but I ordered the black leather version. They
could/should perhaps just be two different styles, and names.<p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The first time on,
the Hanas fit very nicely. Not too tight or snug, but not loose: no
having to break them in and stretch them out like with my
Minnetonkas. Plenty of room in the ‘toe box.’ Instant comfort!
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">These are not sport
shoes: not for running. Like with other Xero Shoes, the soles are
super thin, but made of tough materiel. You can fold these shoes in
half. </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkJ52AN_VjtlntLA294oFQ-P06mG0XHTVck0BjvxSv1RawUMUnLlKevNnyevwBbjU6PAjSVJB9RsGYNA7vpAYmbwUzNHNz8XN8ex1AzATG-8Qfju4N3ZS8Ovpxg5TkcKlZKlRwsPQ0R46WvDpHoZbQY4EXEHiQ47ddLc1kaXf6p6xLgtxjRTuqPZU3Og=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkJ52AN_VjtlntLA294oFQ-P06mG0XHTVck0BjvxSv1RawUMUnLlKevNnyevwBbjU6PAjSVJB9RsGYNA7vpAYmbwUzNHNz8XN8ex1AzATG-8Qfju4N3ZS8Ovpxg5TkcKlZKlRwsPQ0R46WvDpHoZbQY4EXEHiQ47ddLc1kaXf6p6xLgtxjRTuqPZU3Og=s320" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">These are be fine in fall and spring especially, for a little
more warmth. And one can walk over wet sidewalks and light
snow—lightly water resistant, tops and bottom. If it gets really
cold, the soles will not be too warm. But then you deploy your Xeros
boots: the Denvers!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">One of the Xero
technologies for all their running shoes is to have strap-loops
coming up around the middle of the shoe, which are looped into the
laces. This is how their shoes stay snug, but without pinching in the
toe area. The leather Hanas come with laces, and this lace system,
but they seem more for show than anything. There aren’t that many
lace holes, and the shoes have stretchy material on the sides at the
top, so that the shoes can really just be slipped on, with a little
tug from the fingers. So, I’ve ‘hacked’ the Hanas a bit, but
simply taking the laces and straps off. I’m not running in them, so
I don’t need the snugness around the middle. And, they’re fine
and comfortable without them.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Overall, a very
comfy yet dressy shoe. Suggestions: get rid of the laces. Maybe offer
a brown leather version. </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjduz5L0Ko6gp6QTHnY1mcnOhgMoD85FVGYgMICJWRiiwIV-cvW7wJ6LOOvUoLaAUZD1ZmApSNxgxNfePMknTKiaHzu78-u-w5TXfEwQxY9nrRuxivtvimWwqrVnU0UiiC45dw3n4CYn0OJaqyXkrYVYhhmVh0utGWPssdLpEKllidM4A0Yxasmx1ThYg=s4128" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="1908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjduz5L0Ko6gp6QTHnY1mcnOhgMoD85FVGYgMICJWRiiwIV-cvW7wJ6LOOvUoLaAUZD1ZmApSNxgxNfePMknTKiaHzu78-u-w5TXfEwQxY9nrRuxivtvimWwqrVnU0UiiC45dw3n4CYn0OJaqyXkrYVYhhmVh0utGWPssdLpEKllidM4A0Yxasmx1ThYg=s320" width="148" /></a></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span> </span><span> <i> The Hanas! Without laces!</i></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> </p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }</style> <br /></p>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-87157911892111344012021-09-04T18:15:00.001-07:002021-09-09T15:30:10.317-07:00Septemberfest 5K: Fast, flat and free<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Septemberfest 5K: Flat, fast and free</i></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’m amazed to have
yet another 5K race here in little ole Rangely, Colorado, two weeks
after the last one, and this is indeed as advertised: free. All one
has to do is show up here in the Elks Park parking lot before 8, sign
a form, and you’re given a ____ with a number. I’m second, so I
get 102. How or why this is happening at not cost I’m not quite
sure, but I think that the richest guy in town is sponsoring this
whole three days of festivities over Labor Day weekend, which is I
think ironic, but nobody really celebrates the labor part of Labor
day anymore anyways. In any case, there are volunteers—a cadre of
young women.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The air is chilly
this morning, here at 5,000 feet, which is nice. I’m wearing my
Xero sandals to register, and one of the young women says, with
alarm, ‘You’re not going to run in those are you?”</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">‘No. It gets
worse!’</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">‘You mean you’re
going to run barefoot???’</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">‘Yes. I’m
sorry.’</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’m not, but I’m
trying to lessen the shock for her. As the start time nears, I come
back out barefoot and feel the whole crown staring at me. There are
about maybe thirty runners, maybe including a few walkers (much less
walkers than two weeks ago, which was a fundraiser). There are some
youngsters, like under ten, and looks like most of the high school
cross-country team is here. So yeah, I’m not going to be anywhere
close to the front of the pack. A guy I know from work says that
usually there are some students from our college, like the whole
women’s basketball team, who come run this, but not this year:
there’s been some quarantining recently.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I do recognize a
couple high school students who took my writing classes last year,
though I’m not sure they recognize me, with my long hair tucked up
under a hat. And the bare feet.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We all gather and
one of the volunteers basically says, ‘Go!’ And we go.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Quick start, even a
little downhill, and I’ve winded myself. I’m feeling more in
shape this summer than in the last two years, but more in the LSD
mode—long slow distance—I’ve had two major foot injuries in
these two or three years. Not running related, but most recently, a
year and a half ago, a torn ligament. Still feeling soreness, still
taking r-x anti-inflammatories—about to run out—and it comes and
goes: Two weeks ago I felt fine. Today, here, right now, I’m
feeling a twinge of soreness. Not sharp pain though, so it’s ok.
I’ve been upping my distances recently.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Anyways, we head
west on a neighborhood road, turn left onto River Road, which does
eventually parallel the White River and turns to gravel—eep!—but
Rueben thinks it’ll stay pavement for this race, which is an
out-and-back. The pavement is relatively smooth. As long as there are
no stray goatheads, I’m good!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I slow a bit to get
my wind, but then try to get a decent pace in my brain: lifting the
feet on the beat to Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation,” while trying
to keep a lean of any sort. Has been my problem since starting to run
barefoot maybe 14 years ago: I always feel like my torso has a
tendency to lean back, especially now that my buddha belly is a
little bigger.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The cross-country
pack are of course gone, along with the one older gentleman from last
race who was one of the top three—and I think he may be older than
I. But, I do catch Rueben, who wasn’t sure he could run the whole
thing anyways, and Greg (I think?), maybe a bit younger than I, with
whom we were talking to before the race, and there is this guy Ross,
older and more rotund than all of us, who is way back there. He’s I
think an executive in what remains of the Chevron oil fields offices
here in town. Along with some of the wee sproggins (sp?) and their
moms. So yes, I’m celebrating passing 8-year-olds. But my point is,
I started at the back of the pack and I’m just gradually catching
some of the quick-starters. This looks like it though: I don’t
think I’ll catch anybody else. There’s a couple few people fifty
yards ahead but....</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The two-lane River
Road is clear so far. We pass a pair of women who seem to be out for
a regular morning constitutional, non-race-related. Sky clear, we’re
out of the pines around the park, so the sun is now on us. So, glad I
didn’t wear my running shell, but not actually warm either. Perfect
running weather. The feet feel good. Like I said, right food mildly
sore, but I don’t know if that’s just psychological at this
point. I’m really actually used to running hills and gravel roads
(in Xeros) so this long flat area feels odd. Breath is back to
somewhat normal, though I’m trying to run a wee bit faster than my
normal penguin waddle, knowing this is a shorter route.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Here come the fast
folks on their way back: One teen boy in front, then that older
gentleman, then another teen boy, then the whole pack of
cross-country folks: maybe they’re not even really trying. But
there’s Mary, one of my high school students from my college class
last spring. I point and say, ‘Hey Mary!’</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">She looks at me
blankly and is gone, but then I hear her: “Was that Mr. Yohe?!”</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Yes. Yes indeed,
that was Mr. Yohe.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Et voilà, there is
the white Jeep, the turnaround point. And there also is Lindsey, the
head maintenance person at the college, just on here way back. She’s
cool. We wave and I say, “I didn’t know that was you I was
following!” So yeah, I actually know some folks in Rangely now.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I come to the Jeep,
where one volunteer is stationed, handing out waters, though one of
the runners has stopped to chat with her. So, we’re not super
competitive around here, I guess.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I make the turn and
head back. Halfway! No one close behind me here, but I pass them all,
giving them waves. There’s Rueben, walking now, and Greg and the
wee folk with their moms, and Ross, sweating his ass off. Man, all
these out of shape older guys trying to run fast seems like a recipe
for a heart attack but oh well! Onward!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’m not going to
catch Lyndsey, but there is a young teen boy, maybe 12?, who’s
going back and forth between running and walking. I suspect this is
his first race, maybe not pacing himself. He doesn't seem to be hurt
of have a cramp or anything. But, his mom, I think, is hanging back,
giving him some encouragement. I can tell she wants to keep running,
but she stays. So, I leapfrog with them for a bit, then finally leave
them behind.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This side of the
road is a lot more grittier: from the traffic coming into town, from
the gravel road section. I keep more to the center, in the hopes that
the grit will tend to roll down to the sides, but I’m not sure
that’s really the case.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Pass the walkers.
Some traffic now, leaving town mostly, but nobody going fast. I’m
not even sure how official this race is: no cops, or signs, or nada.
But, at least now we seem to be on a slight downhill back into town.
Take the right towards the park, and pick up some speed, to look and
feel like I’m giving it my all. Don’t want to sprint though:
sprinting on pavement with bare feet always rips up the bottoms of
the feet, even with good calluses, which I don’t have.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Again, feeling the
stares from everyone as I cross the finish line, though at least some
folks clap politely. My time: 30:59. So I shaved off like 32 seconds
from two weeks ago. Ah well....</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I do hang out to
watch the rest come in. Greg come in two minutes behind me and says,
‘Man, I was trying to use you as my rabbit, you’re super-steady,
but I just had to walk a bit.’</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Well, at least I’m
something. Rueben comes in running, though perhaps walked most of it,
but all good, he did it. Ross brings up the field of older runners,
in full sweat, but shaved off four minutes from last year. ‘Too bad
I like to eat more than I like to run!’</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">And older spectator
comes up to me and says, ‘I was going to tell you out on the race
that you forgot to tie your shoes!’</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Normally I get a
little defensive about lame barefoot jokes. Like I haven’t heard
them all before. But, he’s I think sincerely just trying to chat
and curious about why I’m running barefoot. So I tell him how I got
plantar fasciitis (if I still perhaps can’t spell it) and it
wouldn’t go away for two years until I tried running barefoot on
the suggestion of my friend Jen, and how the first time I tried
barefoot running, my PF went away.
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">He looks surprised,
then surprises me by saying he had the PF too. ‘I tried all kinds
of inserts and stuff, but it didn’t ever work. Look at my ankle
now!”</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I do: his right
ankle puffed or bent or otherwise bulging out. Holy crap, that’s
from plantar fasciitis?</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Anyways, feels good
to have made conversation with someone here. His son won the race.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Now for a shower,
then the drive down to Grand Junction for drunken noodles!</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> (PS-I ended up getting 2nd in the men's category! I missed out on a free mug!) <br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf5XLMf5AQs/YTQZt2mvQQI/AAAAAAAAHf8/FaiZM8xxmVUFjJwKwdETjeaZJ_rxNxUEgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2608/Septfest%2B5k.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf5XLMf5AQs/YTQZt2mvQQI/AAAAAAAAHf8/FaiZM8xxmVUFjJwKwdETjeaZJ_rxNxUEgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Septfest%2B5k.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }</style></p>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-80332231177889691952021-08-21T08:55:00.000-07:002021-08-21T08:55:11.067-07:00Becky's Walk: 5K Run Walk Bike<p><i>Becky’s Walk 5K</i></p><p><i>Saturday August
21<sup>st</sup>, 2021</i><i> </i></p><p><i>Rangely, CO
United States</i>
<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xotyj4xV0c0/YSEgy1GzzwI/AAAAAAAAHe8/JjI0W2bvsCoXtM_9DSroY5EVCZr9WHBDACNcBGAsYHQ/s842/unnamed.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="650" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xotyj4xV0c0/YSEgy1GzzwI/AAAAAAAAHe8/JjI0W2bvsCoXtM_9DSroY5EVCZr9WHBDACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/unnamed.png" width="247" /></a></div>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This race, like most
things here in Rangely, Colorado, is not that well organized, at
least in the ‘sign up’ and ‘get the word out’ stage. But, I’m
here, on a cool overcast Saturday morning, which in August, around
here, in the high desert of Colorado, is a blessing. The ladies at
the check-in desk are all friendly, and even know my name, which
happens in a small town. Except to me: I can’t remember names at
all, to an embarrassing degree.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is a 5K
run/walk. Becky’s Walk. Third annual. Benefit for Multiple
Sclerosis. Becky was a local. I think this is put on by her
relatives. There are only only 25 folks signed up total, which seems
a shame. I know there are some runners in town who aren’t here. Ah
well. I’m first to arrive, so I get the number one bib! Ha! It’s
been a while since I’ve done any kind of run. Three main reasons:
1. being a fire lookout doesn’t allow for much exercise, period (an
excuse perhaps, but yes). 2. Poverty: Just couldn’t afford to run
those longer $200 races for a long while there. 3. Injuries: I’ve
broken my right foot two different times in the last maybe three
years and I’m still not quite one hundred percent on it. May never
be, is how it feels, even though I have been running regularly, and
hiking.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, I’m out of
shape. Gone are the days of marathon running. But, it’s a 5K. I can
do that in my sleep. The only question I have is whether the race is
going to be up in the gravel roads around town, or on pavement here
in town, and it’s the later. If it had been on the gravel, I might
have worn my huaraches, my Xero Genesis. The gravel fairies around
here are fairly liberal with their gravel, so I’ve mostly been
running minimalist this past year. Also, gotta admit, being a new
person in a small town, where I’m already an eccentric English
teacher at the community college, I confess I’ve been
self-conscious about going barefoot around here.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">But, here I am,
standing in the Elks Park parking lot, barefoot, suffering the gazes
of the locals, who all know each other. Well, time for some barefoot
pride. Represent!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">A guy gives a
pre-race speech. I think he knew Becky. But, says he checked recent
info on research into MS, and that there are four new medications
developed in the last year, and that money raised here will help go
for that. So, right on.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We line up. Yeah,
there’s maybe ten of us who are actually running. And most of them
are youngsters, probably on the junior high cross-country team. No
age categories for this one. Actually, the other two older runners
are dudes maybe around my age. So, I may be last of the runners, in
any category. Ha. So be it.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We’re off! I have
no idea where I’m going. Supposedly there are spray-painted arrows
to direct us, but maybe I can stay in sight of the youngsters. Use
them as rabbits.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I do a fairly quick
start, not a full-on sprint or anything, but it’s slightly uphill
and man, I am just winded, sucking air already. Calm, John, calm.
Breathe. This is just a local 5K run, no need to get all nervous.
Except now I have to piss too. Argh.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We head down the
short bike trail. One like five year old girl runs alongside me for a
while. Excellent!But she tires out pretty quick and goes to walking.
The youngsters are all out in front, plus one older guy, who looks
like a long-distance runner: skinny. I used to be like that. But hey!
I’m barefoot! Feels great! Why don’t I do this more often? But at
least hiking and running in the Genesis huaraches has still given me
good calluses. We cut on to a road, and there’s an empty lot with
trees. I duck in to use the boy’s room, and get passed by two
runners, the other older guy and a girl of about 13. The walkers are
not in sight. So, I’m now the last runner, as predicted.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We go past the high
school then up White Avenue? I think? I don’t even know all these
neighborhood roads. But, uphill, ugh, for a bit, then left and down
through an area I’ve never been before, tucked away, downhill. I
try to lean forward, let gravity lead me. Just lifting the feet.
Trying to maintain at least a brisk trudge. At least I don’t feel
winded anymore. But neither do I feel sleek.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We cross Main
Street, north, with a local Sheriff there to stop traffic, though
there is none. I thank him. He stares at my feet. Like he wants to
arrest me for being barefoot. Ha! If I wasn’t in a race, maybe he
would!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">We go north one
block, then cut left again, heading west, for a long straightaway.
Here, the thirteen-year-old ahead of me slows to a walk. She’s
wearing a knee brace, hope she’s not aggravating it. I give her a
wave. The second older dude is a couple block ahead of me, with the
gaggle of youngsters way out, all sticking together. Right on. We’re
all setting off the local dogs to barking. Having had some bad
experiences with dogs around here, I’m expecting Cujo to come
jumping a fence at me, but no.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This road is a bit
gritty. Couple places where I swerve to avoid potholes. One place I
can’t, just grin and bear going over the gravel. But, all good.
Again, it’s a 5K, I can survive anything. And I must be over
halfway, I think? Surely? Don’t call me Shirley!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Quiet. Only a few
folks out in their yards this morning. Oh Rangely, with your battered
down house and economy. The coal plants shutting down soon. Will
people stay? Nearest grocery store is 45 minutes/miles away in
Vernal, Utah. Or go an hour and twenty south to Grand Junction. Going
to any other races will require an overnight stay.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Anyways, another
left, back up (or, south) to Main Street, cross, wave to the police,
into the small park, past the one hotel (the other two motels out of
business). I run up on the sidewalk here: the cement way smoother and
less gritty than the pavement at this point. Out past the two
apartment buildings, which the locals call A and B. B is condemned.
Past the almost empty trailer park. I have lost sight of anybody—no
one in front, no one behind. Story of my life, somehow. But, back on
the pavement, the spray-painted arrows have been accurate and
visible. Another left et voilà, there’s Elks Park! I’m almost
there! Maybe I should increase speed, to at least look, if not be,
respectable!</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I quick trot around
the corner across the finish line at the parking lot, with a small
group of observers clapping me in. That’s nice. One of the
youngster runners looks at me and says loudly, “Wow, dude don’t
have no shoes!”</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The first three
finishers are gathering for a photo: Looks like the one in-shape
older dude made it in there with two of the youngster boys!
Excellent! They get something in an envelope, not sure what. No
medals or anything for the rest of us. Which is fine. The other older
dude I see walking it off in the parking lot. I don’t think I was
behind him <i>too much</i>. My time: 31:31. So, ten minute miles. Not
my best 5K. I think I’ve done one in 21 minutes one time. Ah well.
But yeah, I’m the last. The girl with the knee brace isn’t in
sight, and the walkers are all about halfway at this point.
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I am content. To run
barefoot again, that’s all the really matters. My feet feel fine,
great even. Time to head back to my apartment for as hot shower!</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnuRX_3FzrM/YSEhTmVo6xI/AAAAAAAAHfI/oljKzyDF1LkVCKqcrEfBktKvNyF-JnsoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s2608/20210821_074301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" height="148" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VnuRX_3FzrM/YSEhTmVo6xI/AAAAAAAAHfI/oljKzyDF1LkVCKqcrEfBktKvNyF-JnsoQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/20210821_074301.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }</style></p>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-44346786942388150442021-07-11T14:28:00.000-07:002021-07-11T14:28:03.820-07:00Genesis Sandal by Xero Shoes<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Genesis Sandal</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">by Xero Shoes</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O87Vllu_OEI/YOtf8BIKyvI/AAAAAAAAHd0/u9nqIDmLH90ta-yArUWxb1_QGNTT1kaGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2608/single%2Bsandal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O87Vllu_OEI/YOtf8BIKyvI/AAAAAAAAHd0/u9nqIDmLH90ta-yArUWxb1_QGNTT1kaGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/single%2Bsandal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I can’t believe I
took so long to order the Genesis sandal/huarache from Xero Shoes. It
is the perfect sport sandal/huarache for running, hiking <u>and
especially walking</u>. I’ve been a fan of most Xero Shoes
products, and was there when they first came out: their original
huaraches sandal, now called the Feeltrue Sandal, and still for sale
on their website, is the best sole of all the huaraches. I’ve
compared them before, but for example, the soles for Luna Sandals,
even the thinnest, the Leadville, are twice as thick as Xeros, but
softer, and therefore they somehow hurt my heels to walk around town
in them. Hiking and running are ok, especially if really rocky or
gravelly.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The Xero huarache,
or the Feeltrue, sole on the other hand, is thinner, but made of
tougher rubber, so your feet are closer to the ground, and even feel
the ‘bumps’ more (which is what you want!), but just as flexible
and light.</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZzID8rL8So/YOtfaqP6YpI/AAAAAAAAHdY/WMi32zfa1jgLZ4zA6IZ_DVVYjP_HdPXNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s2608/side%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2608" data-original-width="1205" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hZzID8rL8So/YOtfaqP6YpI/AAAAAAAAHdY/WMi32zfa1jgLZ4zA6IZ_DVVYjP_HdPXNwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/side%2Bview.jpg" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">My only negative
about the Feeltrue was/is the lace that comes with it: a simple nylon
shoe lace, which actually doesn’t work well with the traditional
huarache wrap, though Xeros came up with a different wrap, in which
the laces ‘double-up’ in back and around the ankle. That works
fine. The problem is that the shoe lace doesn’t last very long, and
it will inevitably break at the thong section between the toes, and
since it’s nylon, will fray (in the middle of a run or hike) and
feeding it back through the toe hole is almost impossible without a
lighter to melt the frayed ends together.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">This is breaking off
at the toe hole is true of any huarache with the thong through the
toes design, which is why I like/d the traditional leather lace from
Luna: it’s tough and strong, and if it breaks, very easy to feed
through and tie off and get moving again. </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgs9NTzLrmA/YOtfzctipoI/AAAAAAAAHdo/iNFxt3B9mfwe2jk-Z4elKWq61MzbtzaqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2608/folded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rgs9NTzLrmA/YOtfzctipoI/AAAAAAAAHdo/iNFxt3B9mfwe2jk-Z4elKWq61MzbtzaqgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/folded.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I had tried the Luna
Sandal ‘sport lace’ with their Leadvilles, and like it: slips on
well, looks sporty, and still stays snug to your feet. But again, I
can not walk around in them, especially on pavement, without my heels
hurting. This doesn’t affect everybody, but does affect some folks,
from what I’ve heard.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">So, again, I don’t
know why I ignored the Genesis so long, since it’s all about the
Xeros Shoes ‘sport lace.’ I guess I liked modifying my Feeltrue
sandals: using leather boot laces, which are narrow enough to fit in
the Sole holes, and going with the traditional wrap, and look. though
those leather laces tend to break off fast. An easy fix, but the
laces wear down fast, and it becomes harder and harder to find
leather boot laces, for some reason.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">When buying a pair
of Xero Shoes recently (look for that review!) I finally decided to
try a pair of Genesis sandals. The ‘sport lace’ system is
different from Luna’s: each section of the lace is made of soft
doubled tube-like material. Not a shoe lace: thicker and rounder. It
also has two places to adjust the tightness, which rest on each side
of the ankle but do not get in the way or rub or anything. Very easy
to work and adjust. Just felt so good and comfortable from the first
try.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I’ve now been
hiking and running in them, in dry sandy and rocky terrain. Mud and
water doesn’t work well with most huaraches anyways, but these I
think will be ok, better than the Feeltrue, because the sport lace is
more snug. (For super muddy or wet terrain, I’d recommend the old
VFFs!)</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhv1pG_nWMk/YOtfoM8KEWI/AAAAAAAAHdk/aSIaoDE3ZpUI-BD9Ur_Pz-DSao_ckX7jgCNcBGAsYHQ/s2608/top%2Bview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uhv1pG_nWMk/YOtfoM8KEWI/AAAAAAAAHdk/aSIaoDE3ZpUI-BD9Ur_Pz-DSao_ckX7jgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/top%2Bview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">The only thing to
worry about, and I hope not for a couple years, is when the thong
section between the toes will break, as they must inevitably do. The
sport lace at least has enough material that I think one could rig it
up to feed it through the hole and get back home, which I could not
do with Lunas, when it happened. I only say this about breakage
because there <i>is</i> one Xero Shoes product that I didn’t
like—the Z-Trail, which had some plastic clips at the ankle straps,
on both pairs of sandals, break within days of each other on a hike
in Grand Gulch (see link to review below).</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">By the way, I know
there are still people who think they don’t like the thong between
the toes, on any sandal. I used to be like that, but finally tried
it, years ago, when trying huaraches. And, you get used to it so
quickly. But the Z-Trail was the first of several models of sandal
Xero now has, which don’t have a thong, but instead a strap over
all the toes, like their new Z-Trek and Naboso (neither of which I
have tried). I strongly urge readers to consider saving money and
just getting the Genesis. $20 cheaper than the Z-Trek, and $50
cheaper than the Naboso (!). They have thicker and stiffer soles
anyways.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">I also, again,
highly recommend the Genesis over any other basic huarache or sport
sandal: you don’t want thicker soles, and you don’t need fancier
straps, and you don’t need to spend more money. And the Genesis
looks fairly sporty, if I say so myself.</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">Order Xero Shoes and
sandals here: <a href="https://xeroshoes.com/">https://xeroshoes.com/</a></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Link to my review
of the Z-Trail <a href="https://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/2019/05/z-trail-sandal-by-xero-shoes-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Link to my
previous comparison between Xeros and Lunas <a href="https://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/2012/12/ive-now-spent-enough-time-with-two.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Link to my review
of the Xero Prio running shoe <a href="https://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/2018/06/the-prio-by-xero-shoes.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</i>
</p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>Link to my re-review of Xero huaraches (the Feeltrues) <a href="https://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/xero-shoes-rereview.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </i>
</p><p><style type="text/css">p { margin-bottom: 0.1in; line-height: 115%; background: transparent }</style></p>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-29883285976584894142019-05-16T14:51:00.000-07:002019-05-16T14:51:05.009-07:00Z-Trail sandal by Xero Shoes: A Review
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Z-Trail sandal by Xero Shoes</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Lowdown: surprisingly disappointing</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After owning my Xero Shoes Z-Trail
sandals for less than a month, I had both of them blow out on a
recent backpacking trip in Grand Gulch, the left foot on Day Two, the
right on Day Four. The same thing happened to both: a small metal
'clip' thingy that attaches the main strap to the back velcro heel
strap simply snapped off. I was able to adapt: the main strap was
long enough that I could run it around my heel in kind of an
old-school huarache wrap, though it was not at all sturdy or tight.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was excited to see Xeros being
stocked at REI, and though the price there was about $20 more than at
the Xero website, I bought them. They look good: Xero's answer to
sport sandals like Tevas and Chacos, with a way-thinner sole—still
flexible like a huarache, but made of tougher material than their
huaraches: Still bendable, but you can't, for example, roll them up.
Very comfortable for walking around town and looking stylish.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I ran in them, both pavement and trail.
I would be careful running in them on pavement, and if you're running
on pavement you'd be better off just running barefoot anyways, but
the toughness/hardness of the sole made them a little clunky: the
first time I ran on pavement my heels hurt a bit after, but the
second time I really concentrated on not heel-striking. For trail
running they were good: the toucher sole makes them better for
gravel, where even the Xero huaraches can leave my feet a little
battered-feeling.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Xero claim for the Z-Trail is
“Adventure Everywhere”, and I was hoping they'd be both a running
sandal and something I could take backpacking. So, I took them on a
four-day hike in Canyonlands National Park, then a week later on a
five-day in Grand Gulch, where they blew out—again, after less than
a month.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the main ideas for the Z-Trail
seems to be to get away from the 'thong' of the huarache: instead of
a strap or lace between the big toe and the second toe, this new
design instead runs a wider canvas strap across the toes, then
flipping around to go across the top of the foot. I know some people
hate the huarache thong, so they may like that (though I will say I
used to be one of those people, but you get used to the thong, I
swear). I will say that, at least at first, the sandals felt snug and
comfortable, more than the Xero huaraches, though one problem with
the strap across the toes, for my feet at least, was that my little
toes got scrunched and irritated, though this happened more after I
had to adapt the sandals after the blow out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Another new thing Xero has introduced
is a sort of 'heel cup'. I'm not sure why: if your heel hangs off
your huarache, you should be wearing a bigger size. Maybe it's purely
for looks, to make them look more like a sandal? In any case, what
the 'heel cup' really does is catch pebbles and sand really well, and
make sweeping them out harder.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So if you just want a thin-soled sandal
you can wear around town this summer, with zero-drop and no toe
thong, the Z-Trail is way better than Chacos or Tevas, and even more
comfortable than a Luna sandal (which hurt my heels if I just walk in
them on pavement). But I would not guarantee them to handle any kind
of trailwork. Or to last long. I've been a fan of Xero, and would
still recommend their minimalist running shoes over anybody's, but
the same thing happening to both sandals within two days shows a lack
of quality care.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3T2aHey8jI/XN3aq95choI/AAAAAAAAGM8/Gxcea3LsFKwme4KrH19EoQq4Dvb0Mr1OACLcBGAs/s1600/Xeros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="734" data-original-width="550" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I3T2aHey8jI/XN3aq95choI/AAAAAAAAGM8/Gxcea3LsFKwme4KrH19EoQq4Dvb0Mr1OACLcBGAs/s320/Xeros.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<i>(Sandals post-blowout, with main strap running around back to hold heel)</i><br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-53781146980777017892019-03-16T14:21:00.001-07:002019-03-20T12:51:20.602-07:00Salem Paddy Pint 10K<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eO3ovLvQ1XU/XI1ojHrEzDI/AAAAAAAAGH0/f_mOoujEE3EOUjUhDojMUVh6O_-yxK4KwCLcBGAs/s1600/paddy%2Bsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eO3ovLvQ1XU/XI1ojHrEzDI/AAAAAAAAGH0/f_mOoujEE3EOUjUhDojMUVh6O_-yxK4KwCLcBGAs/s320/paddy%2Bsign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Top o' the morning to ye! A fine sunny day to run a 10K, and at the reasonable hour of 10am! Instead of paying $100 for a St.
Patrick's Day race in Portland tomorrow, I've opted for a cheaper one, $40 (and
that was because I registered last minute) down in Salem today, where the money
goes to a charity. I guess I'm less enthused about races in general, especially
at the shorter end or 5K and 10K, distances I might coneiveably run anyway, but
being with a pack does motivate me to push myself, run faster, though would be
more fun with a friend or two. Or at least a fellow barefooter. Alas, I have
neither.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The route starts in Riverfront Park, and loops around Minto
Park, areas I've run before on my own. The 5Kers have a different start and
will go directly to Minto, while us 10Kers will first go over the footbridge to
West Salem and run around the baseball fields. I'd say the 5Kers double the
10Kers in number, and few of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">us</i> even
want to start near the START line (a chalk line on the sidewalk) thinking, like
I am, that there's no way I'm doing this fast. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Air cool enough that I have running pants and sweatshirt on,
though some folks are in shorts. They have shoes to help keep them warm. I'm
not worried about whether the feets will make it, I'm just kind of out of
shape, having spent the last month in Europe, walking on cobblestones a lot,
with two hour-long runs since I've been back. Still, a 10K is doable. More a
question of what kind of shape I'll be in afterwards. And, I can always walk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pretty low-key at this event: The countdown comes from a
dude over at the rotunda on a PA, for both sets of racers, and we're released!
Following one of the organizers on his bike, though there are volunteers at
each of the major turns. He may actually be here to warn the normal pedestrians
out here on a Saturday morning, of which there are many, looking at us like
we're all crazy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We go north and take a left over the Willametter River on
the pedestrian bridge. So far no whispers behind my back about the bare feet.
Maybe I'm just another Oregon crazy. Also, maybe my pants, which are loose,
cover them up a bit. But feels good! Bare sole to pavement! I've missed this,
what with traveling and cold weather.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am going slow. I was at the back to begin with, and getting
passed, resisting that urge to start fast in a race, hopefully to avoid the
burnout halfway through. Or maybe I'll just come in last. We cross the bridge,
take a sharp right down to the baseball fields and a large road loop, the pack
starting to spread out. I get stuck behind this group of college kids, or that
age anyways, all of the young women clustering around this one young man, it's
'his' group, as he regals them with a long joke. I don't know, I guess this is
what extroverts do when they run.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right in front of them is some guy running with a backpack,
attached to which is some kind of speaker or Alexa-thing blaring really insipid
fizzy techno music, loudly. Like, 1) Did you ask anyone if they wanted to
listen to your music? 2) You couldn't wear earbuds? and 3) <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">That's</i> what fires you up to run?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That combined with all the people and their beeping ant
twirping watches feels like I'm running in a video game. Well, so, I can either
slow down and let them all get ahead, or, use this as an opportunity to pick up
the pace for a little bit, just enough to get me far ahead of them. So, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adelante</i>! And I do pass them, or at
least some of the beepers and Techno Blaster Dude. Unfortnately, the Cult of
Personality group also picks up the pace after me, coming up right behind, and
the joke is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">still</i> ongoing. And it's
not even being told well! We've gotten on a bike trail, and I step off, so I at
least don't have the guy yelling right at my back, which one young woman
mistakes for me just getting out of their way because they're taking up the
whole bike path. She says thank you. I don't know, I guess I'm just jealous
that the young women are clustering around him and not me. But why would they
cluster around me? They never have in my whole life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But running! Yes! Body in motion in the sun and, DOH!, I
stub my toe. This happens to me, and somehow the more it happens to more it
seems I'm likely to do it. Nothing major, or doesn't hurt, just scrapes the tip
of my right big toe, but I know immediately what's happened: just a little
scrape rips open a flap of skin. I look down: blood covers my toe. Argh! Again,
no pain, and I'll finish the race, won't even slow me down, but it's the optics
of the thing: I want people to see how easy barefoot running is. This will not
convince anyone, this will kill all curiosity, this will horrify. I'm the worst
barefoot running ambassador.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grr, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">adelante</i>....Up
back across the pedestrian bridge, back through Riverfront Park, where the
5Kers are already returning. That was quick! Have we gone halfway already? Must
be. Up over the Taco Bridge into Minto Park. This is a new bike path, just
completed last year, connecting to 20 miles of trails overall, including along
the Willamette, though we're crossing a 'slough' at this point out into a
marshy area, still on bike path, and while the route so far has been smooth, at
this section the path gets a lot of pebbles on is, so I have to pay a bit more
attention to where I'm stepping, even then still getting the occasional rogue
pebble. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Along a pine forest/old plantation, still on paved bike
path. We take a right towards the Willamette, and I'm hoping/thinking that we'll
go along the river, but no, I can see runners in green turning left: onto the
gravel road. Gravel: my nemesis. And it ain't gravel fines either. Fortunately
there's a thin section of grass to the left, but that soon gets into a section
of blackberry brambles, which has been cut back from the road, but that has
left some smaller sections of blackberry twigs. Which have thorns. Argh! Please
no splinters please no splinters! Gotta shift the gravel! Argh! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I slow <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">way</i> down,
and who should catch up to me but Techno Blaster and his girlfriend. A whole
bunch of people pass me here. But it doesn't last long. We hang a left across
some grass and back on bike path, where my pace picks right back up and I
proceed to pass everyone who just passed me. Including Techno Blaster. And,
he's just cranking it, with some kind of computerized pacer thingy that
interrrupts the music to announce his pace and distance. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He's got some other folks behind him, and his speaker is
facing them, not even himself. I pass him, but I can't help myself, and as I do
I turn to him and say, 'Hey man, could you turn the volume down a little bit?'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He's shocked, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">shocked</i>,
then disgusted. He sneers. 'No man, I'm good.'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, I tried. Not gonna press it. Maybe if someone else says
something he'll get it. I'm actually at a good pace, and I pull away. I hear
his girlfriend ask what I said, then the music seems to get louder, and I
think, Oh wow, he just turned it up to spite me. But then it stops! I do
believe his girlfreind got him to turn it off! Bless all girlfriends of asshole
dudes!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Loop back around past the pine trees, back over the rogue
pebbles, passing all the walkers now (which, as a side note, how crazy is that
to pay money to walk in a park you could walk in anyways? How crazy are we
all?) and back over Taco Bridge. Home stretch! One little loop-de-loop, clogged
a little at the kids' playground and the 5K walkers and their strollers, none
of whom see aware that the 10K runners are coming behind them. 'Make a hole!'</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I put on the sprint. I always push it at the end. Maybe only
gets me five seconds on the time clock, but it's a matter of personal pride. One
guy I pass gets inspired and starts to sprint too, and this is the benefit of
running a race, we inspire each other. A guy ahead of me I guess hears my feets
slapping, or my labored breathing, and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">he</i>
starts to sprint. I yell out, 'I'm coming for ya!' but he's got it. We all get
some claps at the finish line for the extra effort, which, the appreciation is
nice, and we're done!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, crickets. I look down at my feet. Oh wow, that's bad.
Somehow the blood has sprayed everywhere and my left foot is covered too. Damn,
this is embarrassing. Well, my work is done here, results will be posted online
later. I have a mild curiosity, now that I'm 50, if I'm decent in my age class,
but I'll find out. Not with a bang, but a sore limpy body do I make my way to my
truck...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLvTBEo9pIg/XI1oeoABGnI/AAAAAAAAGHw/-zGFT9dHMi8Fngcyb-b7YJ4dxhRCoOP7wCLcBGAs/s1600/bloody%2Bfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YLvTBEo9pIg/XI1oeoABGnI/AAAAAAAAGHw/-zGFT9dHMi8Fngcyb-b7YJ4dxhRCoOP7wCLcBGAs/s320/bloody%2Bfeet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
PS-Placed 62nd overall (our of 114, so halfway), 57:42 tra la la....<br />
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-->John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-13493416253573109842018-11-23T10:30:00.001-08:002018-12-11T16:50:39.488-08:00Turkey Trot 2018, Boulder, CO<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewxBC-M72GA/W_hG3gq2ldI/AAAAAAAAF_0/fptGKIjP23wkeAqyh3CblaNCIsqOvEXbgCLcBGAs/s1600/Thanksgiving%252BDay%252B5k_Flatirons1-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="636" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ewxBC-M72GA/W_hG3gq2ldI/AAAAAAAAF_0/fptGKIjP23wkeAqyh3CblaNCIsqOvEXbgCLcBGAs/s320/Thanksgiving%252BDay%252B5k_Flatirons1-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are arguments against running a Turkey Trot on t-day,
not least being paying $30 to a company that organizes races all year round, so
that I feel my money is going to them rather than the non-profit they are
supposedly donating to. But they are, and here in Boulder, where I am visiting,
it's to a non-religious organization that feeds the hungry without any <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">proselytizing</span>,
and people are bringing cans of food to donate too, so that's ok. The actual organization
of this particular race is a little disorganized: I've run Turkey Trots run by
volunteers that are done better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not to mention that with a full free day, most 'serious'
runners might rather run a longer distance on their own, with the streets
mostly quiet and car-less, which I would have been tempted to do, if alone, but
I'm not, I'm with friends and that counts for a lot. Plus we've biked to the
race—it's Boulder, with bike trails everywhere—and will bike home, so we'll get
a little extra calorie burning before the later feasting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is a wee bit cool this morning. Supposed to have gotten
to 48 by the start of the race, but that's not happening so far. The sky is
slightly overcast, which at this altitude can change the temp ten degrees. I
have some layers on, and a wool watch cap, and I've pedaled over in my
moccasins, but take them off as the start approaches, and the cold pavement is,
well, cold. If I could just get running I'd be ok, but it's the waiting around.
Shoulda/coulda worn some throw-away socks, which I've done before, but I keep
thinking, it's just a 5K, any suffering won't last long.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are running on pavement, on road, starting right outside
the race company's building. Yes, they have a building. And four vehicles. But
they couldn't get a permit in time to go on a path on a green belt, so we're
doing a little loop around an industrial 'park' area of side streets. Perfectly
fine, though we have to do the loop twice which, when the organizer explains it
in his australian accent, just sounds confusing, but apparently there are some
Serious Runners here who will do this fast, since this is a qualifier for the
famous Bolder Boulder 10K in the summer. First I've ever heard you need to
qualify for a 10K, but I guess it's huge and you can get placed into time
sections. Anyways, we have make sure to run on the right side (or left? or
something...) so that when the sprinters come through we don't get in their way
on the loop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whatever, I'm just here to chew bubblegum and run barefoot,
and I'm all out of bubblegum. I'm getting some looks from folks as we wait to
start. No other barefooters, which in Boulder I'd have thought there might be.
Not even really any minimalists, except some zero-drop Merrill's here and there.
Oh people, those thick soles will hurt you in the long wrong. But who am I,
just some strange barefoot dude.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We're off! Over the time pad. I remember when the time chips
used to be these big clunky things you tied onto your shoes. Now they're slim
strips of metal on the bibs. Easy peasy. One friend and I positioned ourselves
2/3s of the way up, so as to avoid all the slow people, but the downside of
that is that I'm with fast runners, so have to run fast, and immediately,
though the mob thins out quickly, people are passing me, which is bad for
morale. Mine, that is. Ah well. But now I'm hearing some comments: "Wow,
no shoes!" and "Oh my god!" Not to me, just talking behind my
back. But that's fine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A woman and her daughter, like 12, seem to be running about
my pace, and I hear the mom point me out. She comes up next to me at a curve.
"We really admire you for running barefoot!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oy. Well, be gracious. "Thank you."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You must have tough feet."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I want to say, well, we all have tough feet, and you could
do this too, but I'm kind of sucking air, and don't want to be some
mansplainer, so I just smile and shrug and say, "Eh." I hope that isn't
taken as rude. Probably is, now that I think of it. I'm a horrible barefoot
ambassador.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I've left one friend behind, but another passes me speedily.
We exchange ça va?'s and she's off. I'm just in a steady stream of people
passing me. Merde. But, the feets are good. Warming up a little, though I felt,
at first, that I was really running 'clunky', really slamming my heels down.
Not sure if that's an illusion or just because of the cold, but gradually I'm
feeling more normal. A more than normal pace, of course, which is the advantage
of running a 5K, versus running on your own for longer: a good sprint practice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We come to a sharp right turn around some cones, then
another turn and a long straight-away back to the start, where we can see the
Serious Runners already coming back on the second loop, some of them in a
full-on sprint. And then I too am making a sharp right around a cone and into
loop two. Et voila, le soleil, the sun comes out and warms everything and
everyone. Now a perfect running day, though may not last. We come into the last
straight-away, but do a hairpin turn for the second loop.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A guy comes at from the side, almost as if he wasn't quite
running in the race? Not sure? He's older. Or, older than I. "How's that
barefoot running going?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Uh oh, he sounds like he's getting ready to run the rest of
the race with me. "Um, going fine!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Do you run with ____'s group?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So apparently there's a Boulder barefoot running group?
Cool. "Um nope. I'm from out of town."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Do you know Barefoot Ted?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whoah, random. I didn't even tell him I'm from the
northwest. "Um, I've met him."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"How long have you been running barefoot?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have to think. "Um...since 2009?"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"No s**t? Wow that's amazing. You know, that's when
barefoot running was really a fad. There's was this book that came out that
year, really made it a fad. Barefoot Ted was featured in it."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He is of course referring to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Born To Run</i>, which everyone always thinks of as the barefoot
running book, though it's not. It just has Barefoot Ted as one of the featured
runners, but is really about long-distance running. As anyone reading this will
know. Or, I guess not. But somehow people who see me in races seem to think
I'll have never heard of it. I don't know, I just want to run alone, dude. I
don't need your passive-aggressive "fad". So I say, "Have a good
race!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He gets the clue and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>goes off to talk to someone else. Then I get passed by a big group of
folks, I'm not sure if they all know each other, seems like some kind of pace
group? But for a 5K? I don't know, but man, I've just been passed the whole
race, though I don't feel I've really slowed down that much. Well, maybe a
little. Still sucking air, feeling that altitude, and the coldness of it too.
I'll be coughing all day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then we're in the final straight-away, for the second
final time, though looks like some of the Serious Runners are even going around
for a third lap? Why not? I try for my usual last-minute sprint, which works a
little, and I pass maybe one person. The thing with 5Ks is that everyone else
still has a reserve too. Sprinting barefoot on pavement, this will actually be
the most sandpapery part of the race. But! I cross!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
28:13. Shaved off almost two minutes from my Monster Dash 5K
of a month ago, though slower than my glory days of, like, five years ago.
About halfway among total finishers and halfway in my men's age category. Can't
complain. A fun morning. Time to find my friends and go on to eating lots of
food.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR2NJLyoybY/W_hHIH8GUUI/AAAAAAAAF_8/_5Tw4_eaR-MlXvVjBwxAkNs7s_NXqTkTQCLcBGAs/s1600/medal%2Bpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="678" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xR2NJLyoybY/W_hHIH8GUUI/AAAAAAAAF_8/_5Tw4_eaR-MlXvVjBwxAkNs7s_NXqTkTQCLcBGAs/s320/medal%2Bpic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhm4hfFIYb0/W_hHMF9qxvI/AAAAAAAAGAA/2tfgRT5_8FccvonxOl7awnNY1Kr5seaTgCLcBGAs/s1600/john%2Band%2Bturk.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lhm4hfFIYb0/W_hHMF9qxvI/AAAAAAAAGAA/2tfgRT5_8FccvonxOl7awnNY1Kr5seaTgCLcBGAs/s320/john%2Band%2Bturk.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
PS: The Race Director wrote me, to clarify some points I misunderstood: Voila:<br />
<br />
Hi John,<br />
I just read your post that was sent along to me: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/turkey-trot-2018-boulder-co.html&source=gmail&ust=1544662011799000&usg=AFQjCNGmRwLJDKRv5n52gLLkVxzo_n00ng" href="http://johnsbarefootrunningblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/turkey-trot-2018-boulder-co.html" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>johnsbarefootrunningblog.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com/2018/11/turkey-<wbr></wbr>trot-2018-boulder-co.html</a><br />
Thank you for being a part of the event. I just wanted you to know that
even though we used the Bolder Boulder parking lot, they did not put on
the event, I did. The offices are certainly Bolder Boulder's, and not
mine. We just used the space for number pick up etc..<br />
The only permit we did not have was the alcohol permit. We had all road
permits and we are NOT allowed to use bike path or trails here in
Boulder, so hence why we were confined to the Flatiron Park industrial
area.<br />
The event donated 664 Lbs of food and it will also donate roughly $3,000 to the Harvest of Hope Food pantry.<br />
We have not had a Thanksgiving Day event in Boulder for 3 years, so we
were delighted to finally get the City of Boulder's approval to stage an
event.<br />
We have already started working with the City to hopefully have 1 big 5K
loop and not 2 x 2.5K. I know a looped course like this is not ideal,
but for our first year, that is all the City would give us. The event
had numerous volunteers on the day but we were around 10 volunteers
short for what we needed, but I was happy with how hard they all worked
to make the event as safe as possible.<br />
Thank you for being a part of this event and I hope you had a great
Thanksgiving Day. I hope we see you next year with a lot more things to
be added, that I am sure you will enjoy.<br /><br />
Cheers<br />
Lee <br />
Race Director</div>
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-->John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-57167274156156296522018-10-29T14:39:00.000-07:002018-10-29T14:39:13.388-07:00Louisville Monster Dash 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ur1qgtZHShk/W9d9kEv0JoI/AAAAAAAAF90/U1Wd8ArLA1QBtca0EnsaZP82BM03iQ-owCLcBGAs/s1600/monsterdash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="888" height="140" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ur1qgtZHShk/W9d9kEv0JoI/AAAAAAAAF90/U1Wd8ArLA1QBtca0EnsaZP82BM03iQ-owCLcBGAs/s320/monsterdash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm baaaaack!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Actually, I never quite left the barefoot running scene,
just haven't been that visible. Not running races because basically I'm poor.
Also, being a fire lookout doesn't lend itself to running: this last summer I
'ran' but it was basically run downhill, then hike back up. Which is not
nothing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also too, I suffered a non-running related injury that I've
been working through this last year. I could go into the details about how once
again doctors were useless and I had to heal myself, but you probably already
know that. So, I've been nursing myself, doing short runs. I would like to get
back to marathon mode, but it's been some years, and right now, a 5K sounds
good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I usually don't do many short races—paying $30 to run a
distance I'd usually do on my own seems a waste. Except when it's fun, and I'm
with a friend, and it's not really a race but a fun run anyways: The Louisville
Monster Dash for upcoming Halloween. And note: this is Louisville, Colorado,
outside of Boulder, where I'm enjoying a post fire season R&R. Gotta rest
and recreate after sitting on top of a mountain all summer. Also, this town
pronounces the 'S', Louis-ville.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a 10K as well, and a friend of my friend is running
that, and I am tempted to try it, but I just have not been running anywhere
close to that distance in a long time. I could probably power through, but I'll
just have fun. Plus, there may be the problem that some of the course is on
gravel trails. When I quiz my two compatriots, locals, they don't think it's <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">gravel</i> gravel, but what is called
"crushed fines" which I'm sure I can handle. But if the gravel
fairies have been around, then<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>10K would
be pretty brutal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So 5K it is! And since it's Halloween, the costumes abound
on this warm sunny day. We three are not costumed, and not everyone is, but
here is a woman dressed as Pac Man, with her boyfriend as one of those blue
monsters. Whether that says anything about their relationship dynamic I don't
know. And here is a bumble bee woman. And here is a Frankenstein's Monster (the
'theme' of the race this year is Frankenstein) and his bride. And here is a
young girls as Bride of Frankenstein. Because yes, this is a child-friendly
event, there will be three children's races after the adults have their fun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are led thru a pre-race stretch from a member of the
local yoga place. Which is actually not a stretch, which I don't recommend
before running, so much as a loosening up. Surprisingly, everyone joins in.
This is Boulder after all.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The 10Kers line up first, maybe fifty strong. This is not a
high stakes race, though we have 'chips' or whatever they're called now that
their super light. And they're off! We 5Kers line up. Maybe a little more of
us. 70? I position myself mid-way in the pack. I don't think I'm going to be
doing any feats of speed today, but I'm feeling pepped up. I'm still not quite
sure what to expect on the trail, but I can do 3.5 miles of anything barefoot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Btw, I am definitely the only barefoot runner. In fact, I
couldn't help feeling that I was more of a gawking attraction around the area
than the various costumed folks. I would have though maybe in Boulder there'd
be some fellow barefooters, but no. I wonder. Did I miss the peak while out of
action? Ah well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We're off! Everyone surges. A monarch butterfly woman in
front of me spreads her wings to start, which is get, but a few of us are
trying to get around her. I don't know why everything is so urgent, but I
figure at 49 I might be one of the few in my age group and might actually
place. Ha! I've already gone to "I wonder if I'll survive" to
"Get out of my way!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are soon on the trail part of this park, and yes, it is
indeed composed of crushed fines: basically gritty sand with small round
pebbles. Totally doable. As the pack spreads out, I pass some folks, though am
also passed. The big surprise is the altitude. I've been in Portland for the
last few weeks, kind of a flatlander. I'm gasping for air. Gotta tone down my
'dash' and go for my penguin waddle. But, I'm running! In a race! I'm back! My
heel if fine. My feet feel great! They are thanking me for running barefoot
again. It is a good day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alas, the odd race dynamics which sometimes happen, happen:
I am sort of running pace with this Mom From Hell, who is running with her
young son, which is cool, or could be cool, or would be cool, if she were not
yelling at him non-stop. This young guy is doing his best, he's doing a slow
jog, he's running, but she's wanting to go faster, and his little legs are just
not going to go any faster than what he's doing. Which is not bad, but not good
enough for her. "Come on! You need to run!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"I am running!"<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"You're not running! You're walking! Give me your hand!
If you can't run on your own, you run with me."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The boy is crying. But he's not stopping. He just wants to
go slower. "I can't!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
"Yes you can! Hold your arms up if you're cramping.
Come on!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can't stand to be around this, so I put on a little more
energy to get away from them. Alas, I need to urinate, so pull off behind a
tree. When I get back out, they've caught up to me. And she's still going. He
is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">not</i> going to grow up to like
running. Nor, as my friend points out, is he going to grow up to like his
mother.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are a surprising amount of children running this 5K.
Hard to judge ages, but I'd swear like seven to ten year olds, boys and girls.
Some of whom are beating me. Ouch. But the pack has thinned out now, and
everyone basically has settled into their pace. I learn that we're doing sort
of an out-and-back, with a small loop, because here comes the leader, a fit,
serious-looking dude just sprinting his ass off. And he might be in my age
category. Ah well....</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The trail changes to bike path for the loop, which allows me
a little bit more oomph. The crushed fines have been fine, but the smooth
pavement let's me not worry about the stray sharp pebble, maybe a longer
stride. I come across people who are walking, exhausted, either didn't pace
themselves and/or maybe don't just run that much, which I think happened in
short races like this. Not a bad thing, I understand the urge to think one can
sprint the whole thing. But you can't. It's still 3.5 miles.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the loop is looped. I realize we had been going uphill
slightly the whole time, so that's nice to have a little downhill here for the
end. Back on the crushed fines. Still ok. I suspect my feets will be a little
sore from it later, or tomorrow, but maybe not. It just feels great to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">feel</i> something on the soles. I'm not
saying it's like a foot massage, but I feel alive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Though still gasping for air this whole time. I'm right on
the edge of out of breathness. Just cannot get enough oxygen, so almost
wheezing, though I have my pace, and I'm doing ok, passing some folks still,
though once in a while some person zooms by. Not sure if they registered late
or what, but amazing they can still zoom at this point.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hear someone coming up behind me, and suddenly some dude
is leaving over yelling into my left ear. "Hey! Have you every read the
book Born To Run?!"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Startled the heck out of me. I just cannot recover and make
friendly, and say how much I liked that book. I instead hiss out a yes. Which
is hissy enough for him to realize he's angered me. That or he just thinks I'm
a jerk. Which I probably am. Either way, he backs off. "Seeing you
barefoot just made me think of it." He backs off and I don't say anything
else. I'm a horrible barefoot running ambassador.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But here's the finish line! I've done it! My feet survived!
I give it all I can at the end, a sprint, passing a couple people (who aren't
in my age category so it doesn't really matter)(But the overall category! Gotta
remember the overall!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the finish line, one of the women handing out the medals
says, "Oh my god! You're barefoot!" as she hands one to me. And
then....I'm done. Time, 30:04. I finish 10th in my age category, and 32nd in
men overall, and 69th in everybody overall. I will take all of that. Numero uno
in the barefoot category!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-se_w_3yvQ3w/W9d9sceK9gI/AAAAAAAAF94/_dhQEwQh1YQq7-ZqHa7HoHthrljl_LutwCLcBGAs/s1600/finish.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-se_w_3yvQ3w/W9d9sceK9gI/AAAAAAAAF94/_dhQEwQh1YQq7-ZqHa7HoHthrljl_LutwCLcBGAs/s320/finish.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDPD9qYaKqk/W9d9zkChjXI/AAAAAAAAF-A/zmM59DyTcRYhPcK6lFsDV3PSEDzJy1CpACLcBGAs/s1600/380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nDPD9qYaKqk/W9d9zkChjXI/AAAAAAAAF-A/zmM59DyTcRYhPcK6lFsDV3PSEDzJy1CpACLcBGAs/s320/380.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</style>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-41435309361711960642018-06-23T17:17:00.003-07:002018-07-03T09:51:04.143-07:00The Prio by Xero Shoes<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Prio</div>
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Xero Shoes</div>
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<i>The lowdown: best minimalist running
shoe on the market</i></div>
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With Merrill Shoes getting out of the
minimalist running shoe business, amazingly, you're best bet for an
actual shoe, and not, say, a huarache sandal, is the Prio from Xero
Shoes. They offer zero-drop heels, and with a thin, bendable sole,
though thick enough to offer some protection from heavy gravel.</div>
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Unlike Merrills, and especially
'normal' running shoes, Xeros are not sleek. They're not meant to be.
And that's a good thing. Sleek implies narrow and thin, and you don't
want that in a running shoe: you want a large 'toe box' for plenty of
room for toes and feet to spread out, with any narrowness coming in
the middle of the foot, where the laces come in. This is exactly what
Xeros have, with a good addition: their laces actually loop down
through side loops attached to the sole, which helps snug in the foot
under the arch, though that does <i>not</i> mean any arch support.
Remember: arch support is not your friend. It may feel good in the
short term, but long-term it weakens your fascia, and your foot in
general.</div>
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I have had my Xeros for about six
months now, and they have served me well for running in the colder,
wetter temps of Oregon winters, when barefoot running can be a wee
bit miserable (though for the record, I did run barefoot one winter
in Michigan <b>[insert link]</b>). They also served me on a multi-day
backpacking trip in Big Bend National Park, up through the mountains
and across a desert slog. And they've just been a casual sportwear
shoe for around town. Most especially, when I received a non-running
injury to my heel, they ended up being the most comfortable of all my
footwear to wear while recovering.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDzEWspcc5k/WzupYFwkNHI/AAAAAAAAF5k/KLmT7CzKN6IxWlBzAxFH0c2LpAgOypOzACEwYBhgL/s1600/xeros%2Bfold.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rDzEWspcc5k/WzupYFwkNHI/AAAAAAAAF5k/KLmT7CzKN6IxWlBzAxFH0c2LpAgOypOzACEwYBhgL/s320/xeros%2Bfold.png" width="180" /></a></div>
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One that note: when I last tried to buy
some Merrill shoes in an actual shoe store, a salesperson told me
they'd stopped carrying the minimalist kinds, because they were
getting too many people returning them, having, supposedly, injured
themselves running in them. So, a gentle reminder Gentle Reader: the
best way to learn how to run in minimalist (or so-called barefoot)
shoes is to actually run barefoot for a while first. Which is
actually, or should be, your goal. Minimalist shoes are just for
occasions when running barefoot isn't quite comfortable, like in snow
and heavy gravel. 'Normal' shoes incline us to heel strike: a no-no
anyways, and even worse if you do it in minimalist shoes. Go easy at
first. Trot. Jog. Trail-running preferred.</div>
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Order the Prio from Xero Shoes here:<br />
<a href="https://xeroshoes.com/shop/activity/performance/prio-men/">https://xeroshoes.com/shop/activity/performance/prio-men/</a><a href="https://xeroshoes.com/shop/activity/performance/prio-men/" target="_blank">https://xeroshoes.com/shop/activity/performance/prio-men/</a><br />
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-2574850519427672792016-09-04T10:21:00.001-07:002018-04-26T10:09:15.564-07:00Goodbye mountain homeAdios, mi cerro pelado!<br />
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<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-85126465634229669872016-06-29T09:27:00.001-07:002018-04-26T10:11:22.671-07:00pics from the officeSome more pics from my office....<br />
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<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-55766985647540850522016-05-11T11:06:00.000-07:002018-04-26T10:14:59.920-07:00Barefoot Heaven for the SummerAt my new lookout tower, for a summer of barefoot Heaven...that is, when it warms up!<br />
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<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-562741449989567842016-02-07T17:39:00.000-08:002016-02-07T17:39:01.298-08:00ZENA 15K<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
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I'm back, female dogs!</div>
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I haven't run a race in about...oh,
close to two years now. I just reached a point, economically (as in I
didn't have a job) where I could not justify spending up to a hundred
dollars or more on a marathon or a half, and the thought of running a
10K, and spending $50 on it, seemed silly. So, I stopped. I do think
races are a great way to stay motivated, and to challenge oneself,
and if I ever get a decent job again (ha) I'd spend at least some of
my disposable income on races. But for a while, I've just tapered
off. I still run, and barefoot at that, but under the radar, for half
hour or at the most hour chunks.</div>
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Until now. Because the Zena Road 15K
here in Salem, OR is only a mere $15 for early sign up. Can't turn
that down. Because I'm american, I'm not quite clear on how long 15K
actually is, but seems like a short half-marathon. So ok. There is
also a 3M run/walk, and a 6M run, neither of which actually goes on
Zena Road, but we're all out in the West Salem area, across the
Willamette (pronounced will-AM-it here in Orygun) up in wine country
(and some hops fields). Nice forested hills. Quiet, except for this
running mob.<br />
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I gotta say, the Zena folks know how to
do a race, because we're actually starting at a sane time: 11AM.
Unheard of, but blessed be. So nice to get up normally, lazily, have
breakfast like normal, and some green tea, like normal, waiting for
the fog to lift (which is isn't) for the predicted sunny warm day.
And it is a casual affair. There is a parking lot up the road, with a
bus shuttle, but most folks are parking on the side of the road
nearby. No cops. No roads closed off. I'm not even sure any officials
anywhere know or care this is going on.</div>
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The 3M and 6M are out-and-backs,
heading south. Us 15Kers will head north, loop around, and come back
on the same road the lesser beings, the weaklings, are running. And
whoah, we'll head up the biggest hill in the area, right from the
beginning. Ok...We all line up together, just facing in opposite
directions, everyone starting at the same time. After the obligatory
singing of the Star Spangled Banner (the first verse anyway, before
it gets political) some dude with a microphone gives us the ready,
go!</div>
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And we go!</div>
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Straight up hill. Fortunately for my
ego, I've started in the back, so as not to get passed too much. I
know I will finish this thing, just have no idea in what time, nor,
again, what distance it actually is. Ten miles? Eleven? Nine? But I
haven't run this long in a long time. Still, I have the mental
experience. But man, this hill. It's a 300 feet gain in the first
mile, is what I hear. The road here is nice and smooth. I'm wearing
my VFFs, having been warned that there are gravel roads on this loop.<br />
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Because of the hill, the pack stays
fairly grouped together, unfortunately, because, voilà: another
reason I don't like races. Here's a person cranking her iPhone with
her favorite americana oh-so-profound singer, and she's sharing it
with all of us. In the spirit of do-unto-others, I think I'll start
carrying my own phone, and when someone does this, I'll crank up
Slayer and run right next to them for a mile. But, she's faster than
I, and soon leaves me behind, to the quiet streams and birds and
huffing runners.</div>
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Still on the uphill, we do indeed hit
the gravel road. And it's the worse kind of gravel: like with a hard
packed dirt and stones, almost pavement (there's probably an ODOT
term for this) with gravel on top of it, so there's no give when you
step on a stone. Even the shod runners don't like this stuff. Well, I
was forewarned. And with VFFs, the gravel is like a foot massage,
right? Right?</div>
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One other minor annoyance about races:
when a group or duo lock in behind you, and then talk a lot, and
loud. Ok, well, a good opportunity to stop and take off my
sweatshirt. Sun starting to break through up at this elevation, and
that hill warmed me up. And a bigger good point about races is
in-shape women in tight black running pants. So the pluses outweigh
the minuses.</div>
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We peak up on top of the hill, and the
road becomes more mild hilly-like. I'm feeling good, I actually ran
up the hill, didn't walk, and am trying to pace myself. Have been
passed, and most of the pack is ahead of me. Sigh. The loneliness of
the long distance runner. But, it's good. It's good to be in a race
again. I won't 'win,' it's just more of a mutual inspiring, we're all
in this together. And, it's an ancient, primal, reenactment of the
great mammoth hunts, when the whole tribe would get out and run.</div>
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Mercifully, the gravel stops, and we
hit some really nice smooth pavement. Can this be the end of all the
gravel? This soon? I think it is. Time to stop and free my soles. And
even now, after years of barefoot running, in races even, there's a
hesitation, a feeling of, 'oh, everyone's going to think I'm weird
now. I should just keep my VFFs and run the whole run this way.'
Like, why do I care? And it's not even about being weird: what is
best for me and my feet? Being barefoot, obviously. So bam, off with
the shoes!</div>
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So nice. I love my VFFs, they've served
me well, but running on pavement in them can cause a little soreness
in the heel. I just can't feel anything, so my feet start to go Sarah
Palin on me. Bare, I keep in a healthy stride, nice and short.</div>
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We've peaked the hill, and begin a
steep downhill. I do my best Barefoot Ken Bob and let gravity take
me, but don't pass anyone. In fact, a couple lurkers, those who start
way way at the back and reel people in, reel me in.</div>
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Down down down, to the intersection
with the actual Zena Road, where cowbell-ringing volunteers direct us
to the left. And, aw, Zena Road is not smooth. Like, at all. The ole
dreaded chip seal. A brief thought (my inner self-doubting Loch Ness
Monster) appears, like, maybe I should just put the VFFs back on. But
I say no Loch Ness Monster! Ye shall not conquer me! It's a matter of
pride. And weirdness. I shall finish the rest of this thing barefoot!
Gotta represent!</div>
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Still a mild downhill here. Again, road
not closed off at all. And all the winery visitors are coming out.
Some runners ahead of me accommodate them be running on the road
should, but I say nay, I shall not: The cars must accommodate me!
Schweinhunds!</div>
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I am starting to feel 'it.' I'm sore,
though it might be coming more from the tensing up I do during a
race. If I were on my own I'd be all relaxed. There have been mileage
signs, I'm at like Mile 5, or 6, or something, but I'm not sure what
that means. If they do the race in Ks, they should give the mileage
in Ks!</div>
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We reach the next intersection, off of
Zena Road. This is where the 6 Milers did their turn around. There's
a water table, and oh yeah, another mild experiment I'm trying, based
on something I read in Christopher MacDougall's last book <i>Natural
Born Heroes</i>: just not drinking water. Or, drinking only if really
thirsty, which I'm not. The idea being that we actually drown
ourselves in water during races, with that whole brainwashing thing
of 'stay hydrated!' which leaves us sloshing. So far, I'm fine. I
didn't drink a lot of water this morning either. So I think this is
an affirmative on that theory.</div>
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Ok, so, there must be three more miles
to go. So...I was at six last I saw. Does that mean 15K is only nine
miles?! Is that right?! Well ok. I'm gonna do this.
</div>
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<br /></div>
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Except, gosh darn it, this road is even
more chip seal-y than Zena. Argh. Again, the VFF angel briefly lands
on my shoulder and says, 'John, why not put them on? Why suffer for
pride?' But I throw him to my Loch Ness Monster. I do have to admit
though that the road is bad enough to be cutting into my speed. I try
running on the middle line, which helps a little, but the road isn't
closed off, so there are cars, and the road seems to hurt more after
I've been on the paint line, so just staying on it, I get more used
to it. Or, numb to the pain. Something. Grin and bear it. Or, bare
it. Ha ha. Thank you, thank you, I'll be here all week!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Also a mild rolling uphill here. And
yeah, I'm feeling it. I'm a little sore and tight. But....not down
and out. Challenging, but not impossible, and in fact in a weird way
this feels good! Good to be pushing my body. I do miss races, this
feeling, the pushing beyond what we think we can do. We all need this
in our lives, whether physically, or even mentally.</div>
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I hear the cowbells: must be close. And
yes, there it is, the finish! I do my usual sprint(ish), pumping up
the arms and finishing strong. Yes, even on the chip seal. Just grr
over it, the pain won't last, and in fact the pain goes away with the
adrenaline. People cheering, even my fellow 3M running companions who
have been patiently waiting for me to finish. I actually have to
zigzag around a couple of 3M walkers who are just finishing. Wow.<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bam. Done. Did it! 1:35. I have no idea
if that is good or slow. I suspect slow. But ok, I'm good with that.
And I even built some weird cred with the crowd by finishing bare. As
in, 'that dude's crazy!' As far as I can tell, I'm the only one who
even wore minimalist footwear.<br />
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Zena 15K: good race! We need more of
these cheaper races!</div>
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(photos of me running courtesy of Alex P. Thanks Alex!) </div>
John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-2455137674433822392015-09-09T10:57:00.001-07:002015-09-09T10:57:25.259-07:00Blizzard at the TowerA blizzard at the tower makes going barefoot a little difficult. But! An opportunity to play with fi-ya!<br />
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<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-46660340319192948252015-07-16T12:14:00.000-07:002015-07-16T12:14:06.418-07:00Clouds and waterdogs....A rainy week at the tower....<br />
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<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-6225722740880323112015-06-09T15:34:00.000-07:002015-06-09T15:34:06.289-07:00My new homeMy new home and office for the summer, where I'll be barefoot and writing! Hiked in barefoot on nice soft trail.<br />
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<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-90791379559900308552015-05-25T18:12:00.000-07:002015-05-25T18:23:14.654-07:00Kanab Creek to Grand Canyon 2015<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
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<b>Monday May 17</b><sup><b>th</b></sup></div>
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Now! At Sowats Point, on the North Rim,
Kaibab National Forest, west of the actual Grand Canyon National
Park, at Sowats Point, after a somwhat sketchy drive in on a muddy
road, looking down into (only!) the side canyon we'll be going down
into, a kind of bowl.readroack table area, a nesting of smaller
canyons feeding into Kananb Creek drainage and on, eventually to <i>the</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
Canyon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">Sowats
Point is actually down in the P/J and sage—my friend Rick and I
were joking alst night tha thte road was going down into the Canyon
istslef, far away from the pnoderosas forest of the Park North Rim,
and/or we'd end up at Lake Mead, since we're way far west of the Park
Visitor Center, so actually not that cold last night, maybe 5,000'
here, but I'm bringing my warm sleeping bag, just en cas.</span></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">Trying
to go lighter,—no tent, a somewhat usual thing for me in Arizona
where there's no bugs, usually—and less water to start, since we'll
be at at for-sure spring tonight—also less food maybe—no Fig
Newtons (they have corn syrup! ugh!) nor cereal—I won't die or
starve but ight get slim at the end of the trip, which is ok—will
make that pizza I eat in Kanab that much more succulent whent I get
out. Six nights though!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1VKlQs3NKk/VWPDZ6NWZtI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/66x68L2_mt8/s1600/Xeros.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E1VKlQs3NKk/VWPDZ6NWZtI/AAAAAAAAD8Y/66x68L2_mt8/s320/Xeros.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-style: normal;">For
footwear I'm wearing my Xeros, huaraches that are perhaps a little
less rugged than my Lunas, which I took in my last two GC trips. They
finally died, and I can't bring myself to buy new ones due to price,
so am trying Xeros, which are thinner, at least this brand that I
have, and not so strong a lace. But, I'm bringing my Merrills, now
beater running shoes, because we may be getting into a lot of river
crossing in some Narrows, and huaraches, any kind, just don't do well
when wet.</span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Our
trail is Jumpup Nail, a totally awkward name, though we're thinking
of it as the Sowats Trail. But we'll eventually find our way down
into Jump Up Creek/Hollow, which feeds into Kanab Creek, which feeds
into the Colorado River eventually. This whole valley/bowl is just a
bunch of side-side canyons all feeding into Kanab Creek, none of
which are official 'trails' but rather 'routes'—a big distinction
among GC hikers.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CDJbifLFpU0/VWPDwZC4QsI/AAAAAAAAD8w/ERsla2v1OVs/s1600/above%2Besplanade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CDJbifLFpU0/VWPDwZC4QsI/AAAAAAAAD8w/ERsla2v1OVs/s320/above%2Besplanade.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
start off, early Monday morning, earlier than planned even, since
we'd thought we'd be camping back in the Park, but instead came out
here. Down into the Kaibab Wilderness. We'll be on Forest Service
land for the first two days actually. The trail goes down away from
the sage scrub in the Esplanade, the rounded redrock area with all
kinds of Mars-like rock formations. So far so good, no precipitous
descents, and—yarg! a snakey snake! But it's not a rattler, and
just lying rather torpid across the trail, seemingly uncaring about
us.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZb2lKOrxZs/VWPD4XRk4YI/AAAAAAAAD84/ckp45AzpLLI/s1600/snakey%2Bsnake.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PZb2lKOrxZs/VWPD4XRk4YI/AAAAAAAAD84/ckp45AzpLLI/s320/snakey%2Bsnake.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
cross the Esplanade, heading norther, oddly, because these side
canyons are all meander-y. Btw, the side-side canyons are called
'hollows' which to me sounds like something from backwoods Kentucky,
and sometimes people say 'creek', but mostly hollow. But I may vary
my terms from here on. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q17D-mFWMdA/VWPED5U8HvI/AAAAAAAAD9E/r1imYnNcFRE/s1600/weird%2Besplanade%2Brock.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q17D-mFWMdA/VWPED5U8HvI/AAAAAAAAD9E/r1imYnNcFRE/s320/weird%2Besplanade%2Brock.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkQwG-sZt1M/VWPEDeqtsrI/AAAAAAAAD9A/ZYO8sAEOEWw/s1600/Weird%2Brock%2Bon%2BEsplanade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gkQwG-sZt1M/VWPEDeqtsrI/AAAAAAAAD9A/ZYO8sAEOEWw/s320/Weird%2Brock%2Bon%2BEsplanade.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Down
into Sowats Hollow. The trail continues up the other side and further
west. We take a left and head off trail! Off trail in the Grand
Canyon. Walking over dry creek bed: lots o' rocks. The Xeros are just
no enough here. Very uncomfortable. So, footwear change, to the
Merrills. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_6XVOzA3XM/VWPE8Ha5ijI/AAAAAAAAD9g/yMG-nxkt5No/s1600/Merrills.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g_6XVOzA3XM/VWPE8Ha5ijI/AAAAAAAAD9g/yMG-nxkt5No/s320/Merrills.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Much better, though still, their soles are built to be
rubbery and soft-ish. I hate to admit it, but a super stiff sole
would be best here, something like the new Keen sandals like Rick
just bought, or, say, boots, but I wouldn't want to walk anywhere
else with them. So, a little bit slow going for me, while Rick takes
the lead, perhaps wondering why I'm being a slowpoke.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Sun
came out, it's been cloudy, and immediately the rock walls start to
radiate heat—might be brutal hot hike out, though so far sky still
partly cloudy.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-t7NQ_99AM/VWPEOuBdBvI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/DDpCix2sSx8/s1600/First%2BWater%2Bin%2BKanab%2BCreek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j-t7NQ_99AM/VWPEOuBdBvI/AAAAAAAAD9Q/DDpCix2sSx8/s320/First%2BWater%2Bin%2BKanab%2BCreek.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Half
mile/mile down and bam, the sound of running water! Like, a lot of
running water. Et voilà:, past a slickrock area there it is, a
spring pouring rough of the side of the rock, Mountain Sheep Spring,
with pools of clear water, one big enough o dunk oneself into, so
brisk and good. I hesitate, I always do, but then I look and think,
'John, you're in a desert—it is a moral imperative to skinny-dip if
one finds a pool.' And yeah, brisk.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Mid-afternoon,
destination reached, way ahead of schedule with our early start and
so now it is time to rest nder the shade of a small cottonwood and
read and nap tot eh sound of flowing water. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Back
in Arizona.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Rick
discovers some petroglyphs in the south wall, a bunch of them under
some cliffs. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVeA39El1P8/VWPFegFG4uI/AAAAAAAAD9w/GkjSwBi3hCk/s1600/Petroglyph%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HVeA39El1P8/VWPFegFG4uI/AAAAAAAAD9w/GkjSwBi3hCk/s320/Petroglyph%2B2.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwXG0RuAXX8/VWPFO2w_YnI/AAAAAAAAD9o/BEhROTbNDnk/s1600/Petroglyph.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pwXG0RuAXX8/VWPFO2w_YnI/AAAAAAAAD9o/BEhROTbNDnk/s320/Petroglyph.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">And
rain! I hide out on a rock table under an overhang. Dinner there and
just talk, watching the redrock get wet—thunder—grey clouds but
also patches of sun way behind us—feeling like rainbow weather and
yes! A rainbow! This augers well!</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Rick
has a tent but still pitches it in the soft dirt under the cliff. I
set up camp and fall asleep pretty quickly, still just exhausted from
the drive down. But, after dark Im' awakened by skittering around my
pack: Mice. Damn. I try to scare them off with my flashlight, but no
go, the next time around on even crawls on me. So ok you little
bastards. I grab all my stuff and go out on the slickrock. If they
want to come after my food, then they'll have to come out into owl
territory. Then don't, and I can fall asleep looking at the now clear
sky, and the millions of stars. How many times have I been blessed
with seeing the full glory of stars.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">Tuesday</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rncqc6z6vyE/VWPFt2ZBoLI/AAAAAAAAD94/1jPK_I7eX9w/s1600/The%2BNarrows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rncqc6z6vyE/VWPFt2ZBoLI/AAAAAAAAD94/1jPK_I7eX9w/s320/The%2BNarrows.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Bleah—just
not feeling inspired on this trip, though it's the most amazing
</span><i>looking</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> place—you
wouldn't think it from up top and all that PJ scrub, but Sowats
Hollow now leads into Jumpup Hollow, which leads into The Narrows,
where the Red Wall walls squeeze in. Still dry creek bed, and if
anything the rocks get even more uncomfortable to walk on here. So,
usually there's 'Red Wall Descent' of every GC trip, where you slip
down quickly. Here though, it's gradual.</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DSupEhuZRk/VWPF9-Lg0bI/AAAAAAAAD-I/-jh0f-J0u9c/s1600/MOre%2BRick%2Bin%2BMore%2BNarrows.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6DSupEhuZRk/VWPF9-Lg0bI/AAAAAAAAD-I/-jh0f-J0u9c/s320/MOre%2BRick%2Bin%2BMore%2BNarrows.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Down
into Kanab Creek. Not what I expected. Still dry. This is the same
Kanab Creek drainage that starts as a creek up north in Kanab Utah.
I'm not sure what happens between here and there, if there's a dam,
or if it naturally dries out in this section. But after a few miles
down we eventually hit another spring, Pencil Spring, where we may
spend the night on our return. But, </span><i>water</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
In the desert. From here on out. So much easier, not having to carry
all that water weight.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">So now
officially on NPS land. Still cloudy, and even if sunny, lots o'
shade because of, well, being in a canyon with high narrow walls. I'm
still feeling a little muddled, just sleep-deprived, from the mice
now too, and waking up ealier than I'm used to because of those damn
birds chirping. Damn them.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57oO0xrEi5Y/VWPGIr8aH6I/AAAAAAAAD-Q/rA_DiEbieQk/s1600/Shower%2BBath%2BSpring.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-57oO0xrEi5Y/VWPGIr8aH6I/AAAAAAAAD-Q/rA_DiEbieQk/s320/Shower%2BBath%2BSpring.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Very
soon, we come to Shower Bath Spring, which is kind of exactly what it
sounds like, with a big bathing pool, but also a lush outcropping
that creates multiples streams of thin water from a cliff overhang.
It's amazing, though at this point actually I little cool to be
dipping. Feeling I could just fall asleep on my feet, I say goodnight
and find a little place right by some rapids. Eat some chease and
crackers and fall asleep watching my friends the bats come out to bug
hunt.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">Wednesday</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Much</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
better after maybe eleven hours of sleep. We're not in a hurry, so I
even lounge around while Rick gets ready and take a nap. </span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQzBxaYWOFs/VWPGQvfcGDI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/leABGZNIjCY/s1600/Kanab%2BCreek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQzBxaYWOFs/VWPGQvfcGDI/AAAAAAAAD-Y/leABGZNIjCY/s320/Kanab%2BCreek.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Kanab
Creek is now a full-on creek, and I'm in slosh mode, crossing every
100' or so, for which the Merrills are perfect, though Rick still
keeps his boots on. He takes pride and fun in 'walking on water' and
find rocks to step across on, though in my humble opinion he's
completely missing out on the pleasure of getting one's feet week in
the cool water.</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8atm1m6ihU/VWPGVzkLlxI/AAAAAAAAD-g/g4WSVqxA-ys/s1600/Kanab%2BCreek%2Bampitheatre.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w8atm1m6ihU/VWPGVzkLlxI/AAAAAAAAD-g/g4WSVqxA-ys/s320/Kanab%2BCreek%2Bampitheatre.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
meet actual humans: a German couple coming upstream, doing a big
loop, starting from Thunder River (which I haven't been to) walking
along the Colorado itself, and coming up Kanab, to take Indian Hollow
(in the Narrows) to a route (again, not a trail) across the Esplanade
that gets them up to within two hours by FS road to the TR trailhead.
An epic hike, and one they did 19 years ago together. How awesome is
that?</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Soon
after parting ways with them, we come to Scotty's Hollow off to the
right. Rick's been here before, and five minutes up there's a lovely
waterfall, where we hang out for a while.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0wXmjBFhqE/VWPGhNGewzI/AAAAAAAAD-s/l4UbfWJT0VA/s1600/goofing%2Bat%2BScottys%2BHollow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E0wXmjBFhqE/VWPGhNGewzI/AAAAAAAAD-s/l4UbfWJT0VA/s320/goofing%2Bat%2BScottys%2BHollow.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9pOhPqB-x8/VWPGg2x6lmI/AAAAAAAAD-o/15koZCz3ZuI/s1600/Scotty%2527s%2BHollow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F9pOhPqB-x8/VWPGg2x6lmI/AAAAAAAAD-o/15koZCz3ZuI/s320/Scotty%2527s%2BHollow.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">And,
speaking of humans, we come on the tents of an official guided group,
who's itinerary Rick actually stole (they posted it online). They're
a day ahead of us in everything, but we've overtaken them, both of us
thinking we'd get a little farther, to Whispering Springs, but they
didn't make it, and we won't either, looking at the map. Though the
map is weird, and just getting a handle on how long and far one is
going is kind of hard, since the canyons loopty-loo all over the
place.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We are
now doing some glorious boulder hopping. there are huge boulders
blocking most of the canyon all over the place, forcing one to either
get really wet and hike waist deep in the main creek, or climb up and
around up on desert benches filled with cacti.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wm1HfNcK2GU/VWPGrUKWoBI/AAAAAAAAD-4/yLz5hMATJF8/s1600/bloomin%2Bcactus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wm1HfNcK2GU/VWPGrUKWoBI/AAAAAAAAD-4/yLz5hMATJF8/s320/bloomin%2Bcactus.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
finally meet the guided group coming back from their day hike to the
Colorado, and I hate to admit this, but it's an odd group. The guide
is a young woman, maybe late 20s, guiding three fairly in-shape men
in their mid-30s. I'm not sure one even would have seen that even ten
years ago, but...the guide knows her stuff and helps us figure out
where Whispering Springs is. I don't know, just seems weird all
around. First just because I kind of feel guided trips are a scam
and/or lame. I mean, if you want to backpack, just go for it. you
don't need a guide to experience the Grand Canyon. And these guys are
all in shape. So, why? Well, they must have money, since getting a
guide for a week is costing them each at least $1,000. But, the
lamest part of having a guide is that the guide has to (or, does)
cook all the (almost gormet) meals, and some guides have to carry all
the food for the people. I hope this woman isn't doing that, she
looks half the weight of any of us.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">But,
oh well. Maybe i'm just jealous and want to be paid to hike in the
Grand Canyon. But no, I couldn't be a guide. I don't suffer fools
very well. Only if it was some sort of teaching gig, where people
cook their own shit, and I'm more of a model, teaching people how to
backpack. Maybe. But even then, just learn on your own. That's what I
did.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
hike downstream a little bit to give them, and ourselves, privacy,
but we're tired and don't get to Whispering Springs, which might be
miles still. But, there are all kinds of sandy benches everywhere.
the temp is a little hotter, and my warm sleeping bag is not a little
too warm, so I don't quite sleep as well, though get to see more
stars and bats.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3IG5RnnGS0/VWPG0MSu-YI/AAAAAAAAD_A/qmp567M3QC8/s1600/Scruffy%2BSelfie%2Bin%2BKanab%2BCreek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P3IG5RnnGS0/VWPG0MSu-YI/AAAAAAAAD_A/qmp567M3QC8/s320/Scruffy%2BSelfie%2Bin%2BKanab%2BCreek.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">Thursday</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We'll
camp two nights here, and go down to the Colorado with just day
packs. I leave my backpack out on a big rock in the river, wrapped in
a tarp, hopefully away from any casual rodent looking to get my
cheese. Though the ravens here can be pretty damn smart. I'll hope
for the best.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">In the
meantime, feeling lighter and freer with just a day pack. I don't
even carry a full water bottle, just scooping handfuls of creek water
whenever thirsty. More bouldering, which is fun, though Rick's knee
has been bothering him, so we go somewhat slow. Gotta confess that
one of my knees is kind of tweeky. Just all the walking on rocks and
jumping boulders puts a strain on the joints, with any kind of
footwear.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">So,
we're not really just how much time we'll have at the Colorado,
expecting a fairly long hike down, but then begin to hear a roar of
water. Whispering Springs? But the guide said it was dry? Holy carp,
it's the Colorado! Waaaaayyy earlier than expected. Well, if you're
going to be wrong about reading a map, better it be this way.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKkklZBaqUA/VWPHB7cufvI/AAAAAAAAD_I/OEMzq2bQACA/s1600/Colorado%2BR%2Bdownstream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pKkklZBaqUA/VWPHB7cufvI/AAAAAAAAD_I/OEMzq2bQACA/s320/Colorado%2BR%2Bdownstream.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siiAqhnJs5s/VWPHCAYIcnI/AAAAAAAAD_M/Aghx3qmxUb8/s1600/Colorado%2BR%2Bkanab%2Brapids.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-siiAqhnJs5s/VWPHCAYIcnI/AAAAAAAAD_M/Aghx3qmxUb8/s320/Colorado%2BR%2Bkanab%2Brapids.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Kanab
Creek widens and feeds righ out into the rushing-wide brownish green
Colorado. There are some rapids just downstream, as there are at any
point where a stream feeds in. Unfortunately, my ritual of jumping
into the freezing-ass river just does not sound good, since it's been
cloudy all day, and the air temp is actually on the cool side.
Instead, all I want to do is find a big flat rock next to the rapids
and take a nap. Which I do.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">At
some point Rick calls to me to point out that some rafters are about
to pass through, but I don't even care. I am just in sleep mode. I
have found my happy place, and all of the stress and exhaustion and
worry and everything just leaves and I totally relax. And sleep
almost three hours. By then, Rick finds me, and we kinda have to get
going. So I hiked all that way just to sleep. But? Worth it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The
rafts were the new industrial-size kind, huge ones, busses, carrying
20 people, who don't even paddly, the guide just uses and outboard
motor. That's lame. Plus, these rafts had big fins off the sides, so
that the people wouldn't get wet. Because heave forbid one gets wet
while rafting the Colorado. Where's the fun? Don't get me started....</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">The
hike back becomes a slog for some reason. Long day. Though we do stop
at a nice swim hole and swim. Much nicer than the cold Colorado! When
we get back to base camp, it's like 5, but both of us are like, Ok
see you tomorrow. I collapse on my sleeping pad, but can't quite
sleep yet, so read. David Markson's This Is Not A Novel, and Richard
Hugo's The Triggering Town. Both finished, and 2.5 days to go! Which
seems impossible. I feel like I've run a marathon. Just, sore. Sore
just laying there.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Bats.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Stars.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">A hawk
catches some kind of rodent and circles in the canyon for a while
with is in its claws.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Some
springs with so much mineral build-up from the water that they look
like faces of old men jutting out of the rock, with green-leaved
beards. I wouldn't doubt that they were considered living
creatures—gods—and who's to say they aren't?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">A
light sprinkle. Hm, the weather forecast hadn't said rain at this
point, but a lot can change in a week for a 10-day forecast. Still,
if rain continues, the road out might be muddier than it was. Eep.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">Friday</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Get up
and start hiking upstream. Long day ahead. And btw, Kanab Creek looks
completely different. One might think that the trip is now 'over' and
merely becomes the hike out. But it's a whole 'nother adventure, or a
continuation. our little routes and scrambles over boulders are
completely different this time—easier now that Rick has decided to
hike in his Keen sandals. We can now slosh right through water
instead of climbing up and around. Partly, he says, his boots seemed
to be aggravating his bad knee. Which is probably true. But then in
the afternoon his takes a fall on a boulder, and even though he says
it's not the fault of the sandals, he switches back to his boots.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PODJZ7e-T08/VWPHTAJBBOI/AAAAAAAAD_g/vJQ7VH_6Ki4/s1600/More%2BKanab%2BCreek.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PODJZ7e-T08/VWPHTAJBBOI/AAAAAAAAD_g/vJQ7VH_6Ki4/s320/More%2BKanab%2BCreek.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">And,
rain. We hole up under some overhangs and just sit and watch it,
talking about The Sutra of Hui-Neng, and Kant's Categorical
Imperative and light-hearted stuff like that. Talking helps pass the
hiking too, especially when Rick and I get into the philosophical
stuff. Good to have someone into that.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
stop for the day at the last water, Pencil Spring. It's only 4:30,
but better to load up on water tomorrow rather than use up some of it
tonight, if that makes sense. But, more rain. Rick pitches his tent
on a sand bar, but I have to go upstream a bit and climb up to a
cave/indentation, a mini-ampitheatre, which is dry, but there's some
old cow dung? Something. And it feels a little creepy for some
reason, not sure why. But also rocky, not the most comfortable. But,
dry. And buzzed by bats, like right over my face. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Rains
a good part of the night too. Not utter downpour, a light misting.
But still, thinking about getting out of here on Monday. Eep.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">Saturday</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Our
plan is to hike all day, arriving at the Esplanade, using a different
route, Kuagan's Hollow, which seems to actually be a short cut on the
map, cutting off from Kanab Creek earlier than Sowats Hollow.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We say
goodbye to the water, I'm at full load (meaning a gallon). Or do we?
Because after some dry creek bed hiking, we hear flowing water! Which
is actually scary, both of us thinking: Flash flood? But the rain
still isn't downpour-y, just intermittent misting. Still. And around
the next bend we get to see something I've never seen before: water
actually flowing towards us over the dry rocks. Not fast, but it's
the the actually beginning of a creek. Which, um, is this the
beginning of a flash flood? Is this how they start? We head for
higher ground for a while, and just watch, but it never builds beyond
a small creek. So we press on, keeping eyes out for high benches just
in case.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">But,
looks like we have water again.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">And
because we're a little amped about flash floods, we hike faster, and
don't take long breaks, and so make really good time. Back into the
Narrows, which seems like a 'danger Will Robinson' but it's not,
still just a little creek, and actually, strangely, when we get to
Indian Hollow, the small offshoot, all the water is coming from
there, and Kanab becomes dray again. Which I don't understand, except
that the rain up above isn't covering the whole area, just sections.
Meaning that the road might not be as muddy as we fear. Hope hope
hope....</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYOWKy3MUCk/VWPHgAHvUBI/AAAAAAAAD_o/FIUvMwhtNYk/s1600/Kwagant%2BHollow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYOWKy3MUCk/VWPHgAHvUBI/AAAAAAAAD_o/FIUvMwhtNYk/s320/Kwagant%2BHollow.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIvJQQkqthM/VWPHneklRcI/AAAAAAAAD_w/xNyjTnVWGkQ/s1600/mas%2Besplanade.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIvJQQkqthM/VWPHneklRcI/AAAAAAAAD_w/xNyjTnVWGkQ/s320/mas%2Besplanade.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Soon,
very soon, we reach Kuagants Hollow (excuse the spelling, I never
actually saw how it's spelled on the map) making very good time,
still morning, such that we begin to discuss the possibility of just
hiking out to the trailhead today.</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYOWKy3MUCk/VWPHgAHvUBI/AAAAAAAAD_o/FIUvMwhtNYk/s1600/Kwagant%2BHollow.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PYOWKy3MUCk/VWPHgAHvUBI/AAAAAAAAD_o/FIUvMwhtNYk/s320/Kwagant%2BHollow.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">This
side-side canyon opens immediately. Gone are the huge vertical Red
Walls, and we're in more Esplanade-y red rock. there is no trail, but
it's a lot of slickrock. Some boulder climbing, but nothing compared
to what we've already done. The hardest part is that there are some
big drop offs, cliffs, but at these parts there are some unofficial
trails that lead us up and around them. But meanwhile, with all this
rain, we are getting a rare opportunity: there are waterfalls
spraying off all of the cliffs on either side. A symphony of water,
echoing off the rocks. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">When
the rain increases we duck under cliffs, but with light rain we carry
on. WE see on big wall of rain coming in behind us and have to wait
that one out, but again, it passes. This is indeed a shortcut, and I
think also we're both amped to just get out, to just have done with
the hike, even though we're in the most gorgeous rare place.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3v6-p2Z91lc/VWPH256qriI/AAAAAAAAD_4/9iwURGF_Oyo/s1600/esplanade%2Bmushrooms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3v6-p2Z91lc/VWPH256qriI/AAAAAAAAD_4/9iwURGF_Oyo/s320/esplanade%2Bmushrooms.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">By
early afternoon we're up and out of the hollow, in the Esplanade, and
both agree to just push on up to the trailhead. Looks a little far,
looking up at the cliffs, but we're both good hikers, and soon we are
up on the lower cliffs—again, this all seems new, a completely new
adventure, until we get to the Wilderness, where my phone decides to
not work and a can't take any more pics.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">But
then, up up, and over over, and out! There's my truck! Done!
Survived! Epic!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">We
drive out back to Sowats point to camp, and that's nice, because we
get the view of everything that we hiked through, all the hollows and
Kanab Creek canyon in the distance. We can't even see the main Canyon
from here. We hiked a long ways. The human body is capable of so much
more than we think.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">Sunday</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Unfortunately,
the adventure isn't quite over, because we still have to drive out of
here, in my two-wheel drive truck, and I think it's going to be
muddy. But, Rick has cell service on the point here, and the weather
forecast is for even more rain tomorrow and the day after, meaning if
we don't go now, we'll have to wait days. And we don't have that much
food or water. We have to try.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHpzt8y_AQg/VWPH9Q5GrxI/AAAAAAAAEAA/Jfh6JKSYPps/s1600/the%2Broad%2Bin.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HHpzt8y_AQg/VWPH9Q5GrxI/AAAAAAAAEAA/Jfh6JKSYPps/s320/the%2Broad%2Bin.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">At
first, near the Rim, the road is nice and rocky, but as we climb, it
gets progressively muddier. Like, way more muddier than when we came
in. And then we become committed. No turning back. There is the very
real danger that we could end up axle-deep in mud, no cell service
here, and if we can get a tow truck, no guarrantee that he'll even
want to drive out this road to get us. We have to get out.</span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">I
floor it. It's my strategy for getting through mud and snow. Get some
speed and momentum to help. I also try to drive with half the truck
up in the grass and sage when possible, looking for any kind of
traction.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">It
gets bad. The road is rutty too, but sometimes the ruts actually go
down to rock. But sometimes the road it complete mud. So, I adapt,
and just drive off road. Or sometimes floor it through mud,
fishtailing almost sideways sometimes. Rick is good, murmuring
encouragement, though I think he's about to have a heart attack. My
mouth is dry, thinking at any moment we are just going to stop and
sink up to the axle and be truly fucked. I am making decisions by the
split second. Never have I driven like this. Wild, yet totally
focused, mud spraying everywhere.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">Amazingly,
it seems to be working. Which puts us more and more into committing
to the next mudhole. And the mudholes just keep going. The whole 6
miles of road seems to be mud. I stay in first gear, RPMs up at
5,000, just going as fast as I can, praying I don't run over a big
rock and totally fuck my tires or crack the gas tank or who knows
what.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">And
just finally, finally, we get past the worst, up higher now, in the
pondos, and I stop and get out to check the damage. Amazingly, there
is none. I don't know what. That was Mr. Toad's Wild Ride. I have
totally amazed Rick. “I wouldn't have been able to do that with my
four wheel drive SUV! That was amazing.”</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-style: normal;">And
it's only 7:30 in the morning. But, we're out. The rest of the way is
nothing. On to breakfast at Kaibab Lodge.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EG0ZXX6hNyo/VWPEhoi_hoI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/szFbLlWCAnw/s1600/first%2Bnight%2Bscriffiness.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EG0ZXX6hNyo/VWPEhoi_hoI/AAAAAAAAD9Y/szFbLlWCAnw/s320/first%2Bnight%2Bscriffiness.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
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John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-5934183621663914872015-03-09T16:06:00.000-07:002015-03-09T16:06:48.484-07:00Come visit my website, and other blog!Did you know I have a website? Yes, it's true, and it's lonely, you should visit. Lots o' links to published writing of all kinds, and cool pictures and stuff: <br />
<a href="http://www.johnyohe.com/">www.johnyohe.com</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Also lonely is my other, writing-based, blog:<br />
<a href="http://johnyoheblog.blogspot.com/">johnyoheblog.blogspot.com</a><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQXPqAkrqGA/VP4nErITgsI/AAAAAAAADwE/xV5PavERyLM/s1600/John%2Bon%2BH2C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQXPqAkrqGA/VP4nErITgsI/AAAAAAAADwE/xV5PavERyLM/s1600/John%2Bon%2BH2C.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-40490654653809942912015-03-03T10:11:00.000-08:002015-03-03T10:11:26.014-08:00Huaraches on Table Mountain<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJrenkbBuN0/VPX4hhVx4nI/AAAAAAAADt8/M9qFq3yq2O8/s1600/huaraches%2Bon%2Btable%2Bmountain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zJrenkbBuN0/VPX4hhVx4nI/AAAAAAAADt8/M9qFq3yq2O8/s1600/huaraches%2Bon%2Btable%2Bmountain.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
A shot from on top of Table Mountain, on the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge. I'm wearing Luna Sandals, which actually blew out, finally, on this trip. I'm undecided as to whether I should get a new pair, or go for Xeros. But, a good farewell trip to a well-used pair of huaraches.John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-53199549037050466242014-10-05T09:22:00.000-07:002014-10-05T09:22:01.108-07:00Reading with Thea in Flagstaff for ON FOOTI had the pleasure of finally meeting Thea, a fellow barefoot runner, barefooter, and BRS member. She and I both have essays in <b>ON FOOT: Stories of Backpacking in the Grand Canyon</b>, published by Vishnu Temple Press.<br />
<br />
We both were part of the reading/opening party for the book, held in Flagstaff, at the Grand Canyon Trust.<br />
<br />
Thea's essay is about going barefoot Rim To Rim. The whole book is great, I'm honored to be in it, and I'd buy it even if I weren't included.<br />
<br />
Here's the link to <a href="http://vishnutemplepress.com/" target="_blank">Vishnu Temple Press</a> where you can order <b>ON FOOT</b>. Or ask your local bookstore and library to order it!<br />
<br />
And here are some pics:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_ZrvnAvxIM/VDFtYu1hV6I/AAAAAAAAA3E/-pFu23QzTKQ/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0_ZrvnAvxIM/VDFtYu1hV6I/AAAAAAAAA3E/-pFu23QzTKQ/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IySI2Z0DH2k/VDFtcdmsL4I/AAAAAAAAA3w/HV4O50Ilp6s/s1600/Me%2B3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IySI2Z0DH2k/VDFtcdmsL4I/AAAAAAAAA3w/HV4O50Ilp6s/s1600/Me%2B3.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-60539431156479986652014-09-28T12:35:00.000-07:002014-10-01T12:48:41.481-07:00Volunteering at Mogollon Monster 100MCall me The Mysterious Stranger.<br />
<br />
After getting laid off my
seasonal summer job for the Forest Service, I’m heading north, beginning my
long road trip. I pass through Payson, and on up into the small village of Pine
just north of there, around dinner time. Outside the Thai restaurant on the
left there seems to be a large gathering of people outside on the patio. I
think, ‘Hm, that looks like a packet pickup for a race.’
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I continue on to a different restaurant and, parking, happen
to look up at a banner saying, MOGOLLON MONSTER 100M, Sept. 27-28. Hey, that’s
tomorrow! Hey, that <i>was</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> a packet pickup!
I’ve heard of this race, too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, over dinner and think and think. I actually have a
couple of days free until I meet some relatives over in Sedona. I’ve been wondering
what kind of adventure I could have in the meantime, though I’d been thinking
about some kind of camping trip. But, crazy as it seems, I decide to see if the
race organizers would like a volunteer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve run many long-distance races and been helped by those
unsung angels at the aid stations who make life for a runner so much easier,
from refilling water bottles, to kind words of encouragement, to just pointing
me in the right direction when I’m groggy. And, I’ve always thought that I
should take my turn, to pass on the kindness I’ve recieved. So, I decide to try
and be an angel.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I head down to the packet pickup area, just in time, as it’s
dark and they look like they’re loading things up. One guy sees me coming and
smiles, introducing himself as Jeremy, the race organizer. I offer my services,
apologizing for seeming so weird to come at the last minute, but he loves it,
he loves that someone would just be driving through and stop and volunteer for
two days. I’m in!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeremy assigns me to Geronimo Aid Station, out by Geronimo
Camp, which I’m familiar with, having worked on the Tonto National Forest many
years. The only question is whether to head out there tonight and camp out, or
stay and camp out at the Pine Trailhead where the race begins tomorrow at 6.
I’d love to see the start, but am not keen on trying to sleep in a parking lot
full of people and having to get up at 4, so, since I was going to camp out in
the woods tonight anyways, I head out to Geronimo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find the Geronimo Trailhead, no other race folks there
until tomorrow, though there’s a steady stream of boyscouts heading up to the
camp for the weekend, despite the forecasts for thunderstorms.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45y98DO5Zhk/VChhXxONgrI/AAAAAAAAAx0/z2EfKCzFpdo/s1600/grey%2Bsky.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-45y98DO5Zhk/VChhXxONgrI/AAAAAAAAAx0/z2EfKCzFpdo/s1600/grey%2Bsky.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because, yeah, there are thunderstorms and rain predicted
for this weekend. Sleeping in my tent, the rain starts, with thunder and
lightning. I don’t mind, kind of pleasant actually, but I begin to wonder about
tomorrow. Oh well, a little rain never bothered ultra-runners.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning, about start time, the rain turns into a
strong downpour. Uh-oh, I think. Brutal way to start a race, soaked to the
bone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wait around in the small turnout at the Geronimo
Trailhead. Much of the race is on the Highline Trail, a 30 mile-ish long trail
going from Pine out to Highway 260 east of Payson. It’s a historic trail, which
used to connect the early homesteads in the area, and it runs right under the
Mogollon Rim, huge cliffs, where the Colorado Plateau officially ends. If
Payson is about 5,500 feet, the top of the Rim is 7,000. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, of course, no ultra race would just be level ground if
the organizers could help it. So, along the way, runners will leave the
Highline Trail to climb up to the Rim, not once, not twice, but three times!
The course map is insane. The course itself is gorgeous. I’ve explored this territory,
both above and below the Rim, and it’s maybe my favorite overall land in the
US. It’s also, because of its unique formation, a place where storms tend to
congregate. Every afternoon this past Summer I’ve watched clouds build over the
Rim, usually brining lightning, and the winds can be strong.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, interesting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsOeLJ1qobE/VChhpo_xV0I/AAAAAAAAAyI/3l9RgjFl3Js/s1600/aid%2Bstation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FsOeLJ1qobE/VChhpo_xV0I/AAAAAAAAAyI/3l9RgjFl3Js/s1600/aid%2Bstation.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Support crews trickle in, though the first runner won’t
arrive until maybe ten. This aid station is eighteen miles in (and will be the
90 mile stop on the way back) with the first climb up to Milk Ranch Point and
down added in. The Aid Station organizer, Chris, arrives, with his pregnant
wife Sierra and a rented mobile home. Chris is a friend of Jeremy’s, and claims
to be the one to actually get Jeremy into running, and has been helping out on
previous MM100s. He and I unload all the equipment, and some of the support
crew folks help out, which is nice.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
More volunteers show up, and we set up two tents, and tables
with food. One thing I’d never thought about, but now find myself doing, is
making the actual peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that are cut in bite size
quarters for runners. Plus mixing the Gatorade, and pouring plastic cups of
Coke so that is settles and becomes flat. Opening cans of boiled potatoes to
dip in salt. Hanging garbage bags out around the area. Little stuff like this
keeps us busy for a while, but then we’re done and ready and waiting, with
still an hour-ish until the first runner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDknp1FHVJA/VChhtB4xEsI/AAAAAAAAAys/QgqcQt5jqrA/s1600/tents.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IDknp1FHVJA/VChhtB4xEsI/AAAAAAAAAys/QgqcQt5jqrA/s1600/tents.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weather is better. The rain has stopped, though the sky
is still overcast, and the clouds are just hauling ass north, so I’m not sure
we’re in the clear. Otherwise, the temperature is perfect for running, in the
50s. I learn more facts, like that 78 people total signed up for the race, but
that not all of those showed. Chris doesn’t have total numbers, but says that
the start did not look like 70 folks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then! The first runner! At 9:30! He comes in just
wearing shorts an shoes, skinny as hell, with a beard, glistening with sweat,
but not looking tired at all (!). He knows what he’s doing, doesn’t f— around
to much, though talks to his crew person about how it went up on top, and says,
“Well I didn’t do too well on the roads. You know, I don’t run roads very
well.” Which, I don’t even know how to take that statement. But then he’s off!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A minute after, the next incredibly skinny guy comes in,
this one at least with a shirt. He’s gone soon too. This looks like an epic
fast competition between these two, though soon after three more guys come
through.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KFsMjx0qAs/VChhspN2taI/AAAAAAAAAyk/b96ZMuLs2vI/s1600/runner%2Barriving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7KFsMjx0qAs/VChhspN2taI/AAAAAAAAAyk/b96ZMuLs2vI/s1600/runner%2Barriving.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
After that, there seems to be a pause. The gods have passed
through, now the mortals will trickle in. Though not quite true, the first
female runner comes in, a goddess. And another about five minutes later. All
total, I don’t think I’ll see more than six women in the whole pack. Also,
interesting observation: All the super runner males are all skinny as f—, with
no body fat, whereas the super runner females are all ripped. No body fat, but
with big muscles, arms and legs. But as the race goes on, the body types seem
to switch: the ‘slower’ (a relative term) women tend more to skinny and the
‘slower’ males get bigger, both in muscles and/or fat. Are those fact only
correlations? Or causes and effects?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DNtLrBuGw/VChhqTmMk8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/NTGfF0VTGjM/s1600/male%2Brunner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t4DNtLrBuGw/VChhqTmMk8I/AAAAAAAAAyQ/NTGfF0VTGjM/s1600/male%2Brunner.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another observation: The fast runners don’t f—— around at
stations. They maybe fill<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>up on
water and grab some food to go, and get the hell out. The slower runners come
in, and just hang out, mostly adjusting footwear and making adjustments to
their feet.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because my dog, their feet: they take off their shoes and
soaked socks and their feet and shriveled pale pieces of meat, with blisters
and shredded skin and hotspots. It’s just horrible. The more stuff they cover
their feet with, the more terrible shape their feet are in. And some men,
slower ones, have these new ‘trail shoes’ that have super thick soles, like
monstrously thick soles, which don’t seem to be doing any good at all, just
heavy and soaking wet. What a waste. I have to hold myself back from saying
stuff like, “Ditch your shoes!”<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61JzHEuQKgQ/VChkTgLvoiI/AAAAAAAAAzA/oczpgq1Wr-o/s1600/female%2Brunner.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-61JzHEuQKgQ/VChkTgLvoiI/AAAAAAAAAzA/oczpgq1Wr-o/s1600/female%2Brunner.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The runners come in fairly steadily, though by the last ones,
I think back and realize that there’s an two hours and a half difference
between first and last. Though over 18 miles with a huge uphill, I’m surprised
there are more stragglers. The cut-off time for this station (or, the first
one) is either 1 or 2, no one really seems to know, though it’s moot really,
since everyone has made it. by noon-ish. No dropouts. There is only the 100M,
no shorter distances, no mere 50 milers allowed. 18 miles is nothing to these
people.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all runners now through, they won’t return until much
later, when this becomes the Mile 90 aid station. Inspired, the only thing I
want to do now is go for a run! I change into my shorts and head up the
Highline trail after the runners, except there is a new development: One of the
other volunteers is a 15 year old girl, who’s cross country coach is in the
race. She’s getting volunteer hours for some kind of honors program at school
for doing this, and she’s come up with her whole family, who have been just
hanging out all day. Except her 13 year old brother decided he wanted to run
after the runner a while back, and no one noticed for a while, but he hasn’t
come back. No one’s seen him for a couple hours.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So shit. So, I’m going that way anyways, so I keep an eye
out for him. I’m sure he’s ok, just misplace, and as I run up the trail, I just
don’t think a 13 year old would have come this far, because it is mostly up
hill. Nice trail though. Awesome area, in the pines and piñon-junipers, with
red dirt and rock and sand. After three miles I finally top out on a mesa, with
a huge upfront view of the Mogollon Rim to the north. And south down over the
forest and hills. Lovely. I even catch a glimpse of the last runner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No kid though. On the way back I run into the Sweeper for
this section of race. If the kids still farther up the trail, he’ll find him
and may even at that point walk him to the next aid station 1.5 miles farther
on, which might be easier. I just don’t think the kid came this far though.
Doesn’t seem possible. But when I get back to the trailhead, he’s still not
back. The race is using the services of an amateur network of HAM radio
operators, and they’re on the case, because cell service, and even regular
radio service, are both sketchy in this territory. Search and Rescue has been
notified and are on the way. The mother, is now breaking down and crying, the
father is doing what father’s do, and about to head out on the trail on his
own, even though he won’t get as far as I did.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Chris and I go up to Geronimo Camp, in the chance that the
boy wandered over there and is playing with the boyscouts, though that seems
slim. I decide to make another excursion up the trail, just to check some side
trails, though the main trail is super obvious, there just doesn’t seem a way
that someone could go off-track. I don’t find anything, but when I get back,
the boy has been found: he actually <i>did</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
run all the way almost to the next aid station, and was found crying. He
apparently thought the trail would loop back around somehow. So, just shows how
being out in the woods can be confusing so some city folks.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyways, with that out of the way, and hours before the
runners return, I head into Payson to fiddle with internet at the one cafe, and
get something to eat. While I’m there, the rain returns. And stays. And is
strong. Usually most rains in Arizona come in for an hour and go. This one does
not let up. And I think of the runners, now up on top somewhere, maybe running
around in hail, or even snow. Just brutal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_KZiibyfos/VChhpSYnDLI/AAAAAAAAAyE/ncwuQ6OWDxs/s1600/afternoon%2Brain.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h_KZiibyfos/VChhpSYnDLI/AAAAAAAAAyE/ncwuQ6OWDxs/s1600/afternoon%2Brain.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Get back to the aid station, and everyone is gone. Just
Chris and Sierra, and two HAM radio dudes. And it’s raining. I just sit in my
truck and listen to the radio, working myself up to going out to my tent and
maybe sleeping until midnight, if possible.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But then one of the HAM guys gets out of his vehicle in a
hurry, running over to Chris. Un oh. I get out and go over. The HAM guy takes
off in his vehicle. Chris looks glum. “The race has been called, due to
weather.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow. So that actually happens<i>. Il y des limites</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, even in ultra-running. The idea is that the rain is
not going to stop, really, because there’s another big mass of storms on the
radar, heading north. Which means people would be running around up on the Rim
in the dark, in wind and low clouds and cold and wet. Apparently there’s already
been one case of hypothermia.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, bummer. I feel for the runners, some of whom I bet don’t
want to stop, but maybe some of whom are grateful. I also feel for Jeremy, the
organizer, who had to make the call, and who now has to deal with the logistics
of getting everyone off the hill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And thank goodness for the Ham radios, who are now
invaluable for those logistics. Chris and I break camp, in the rain, while our
remaining HAM liaisons gives us updates about what we can do. Can we help
shuttle runners out? At first yes, then no, then yes again. Finally, once
everything is packed up, we get the word to go stage out on the Control Road,
the main dirt road through the area, that parallels the Highline Trail
basically, and wait and see if runners need rides.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y39y371wpkU/VChht4d6i2I/AAAAAAAAAyw/roF93js75eA/s1600/waiting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y39y371wpkU/VChht4d6i2I/AAAAAAAAAyw/roF93js75eA/s1600/waiting.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
So we head over south of Washington Park, the main aid
station, and kind of in the middle of the route. We try to be patient, but
can’t help speculating about what’s going on, wanting to head up to the station
to get tired and cold runners back to Pine. Finally, we do get the call, and
some runners are shuttled down in four wheel drive vehicles. I take three in my
truck and we all head back west.
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The runners with me aren’t too bummed. I think just tired
from having to wait around while things were decided about them. It’s dark now.
My group had all made it to either high 40s or on into 50 miles. One guy
explains that he was actually just going to pace his brother the last 18 miles
only, but decided at the last minute to run the whole race, without having
trained for an ultra at all in the last year. (!) His strategy is one I’ve
heard variations of: that with 36 hours to run the race, if you do the math,
technically if you just maintains 3 miles an hour the whole time (ie walk
almost) you should make it. So, he says, he’s basically been mostly on a hike
versus a run. And, it seems to have worked up to this point. Which makes me
think that I may still be able to do a 100M, that one <i>doesn’t</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> need to devote lots of time to training, at the
expense having a life. Hm....</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Back to Pine, drop off the guys, wait for one’s wife to come
get him. Many runners and crew are lost, cut off from commo. For example, some
guys have left their cellphones in their finish bags, which are lost somewhere
in the U-Haul truck Jeremy has at Washington Park. But my guys and Chris’ guys
all connect with their folks. No one knows what to do with equipment or drop
bags (we have bags from the Geronimo station). People come and go, mostly go,
runners just happy to get to a warm hotel room. Chris and I and a couple other
volunteers hang out and unload stuff at the Pine community center. Some
people’s drop bags are bulging with food and clothes, but apparently the word
comes to just leave it and people can pick up stuff tomorrow, though some runners
just want to leave and go home to, say, Phoenix.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeremy finally arrives in the U-Haul, and he is seriously
bummed, maybe on many levels, the most immediate one being logistics, like how
do be get all this shit back to people? But we at least load all the race
materials in the truck, and unload any drop bags. Some aid stations didn’t even
see runners. Some volunteers are trapped up on the Rim for the night, though
all runners seem to be accounted for, somewhere. Weirdly, the decision is made
to just leave people’s drop bags out under a picnic veranda thing for the
night. But, it’s Pine, a small town, probably nothing will be stolen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kudos to Jeremy for the organization of both the race and
the calling of it. There’s just nothing one can do, except protect people from,
like, freezing to death or something. But, Jeremy seems to be doing this race
out of pure love, he’s not making money at it, for sure. And it’s nice to hear
runners thank him, and us volunteers, saying that despite the weather this is a
really well run race, that they felt taken care of.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At around 10:30 everything is done which can be done. I say
goodbye the rest of the hardcore who stayed to help, and Jeremy, and finally
take off, down the road back to the Pine trailhead, to spend the night in the
back of my truck, exhausted. I finally did it, finally helped at a race. So
fun. So interesting. So awesome to help people, to help runners achieve goals
and push themselves.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I immediately fall asleep.</div>
John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-66147943568028260902014-09-26T16:47:00.000-07:002014-09-26T16:47:18.279-07:00Reading in Flagstaff: Saturday October 4thI'll be part of a reading celebrating the new book ON FOOT from Vishnu Temple Press, in which I have an essay, "Holy Water."<br />
<br />
The
reading with be in Flagstaff, AZ, on Saturday, October 4th. Readings
will be from the various and sundry essays included in the book.<br />
<br />
4-6 pm, at<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6914" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6916" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6918" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6920">:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6914" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6916" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6918" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6920">The Grand Canyon
Trust</span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6914" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6916" style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6918" style="font-family: Calibri;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1411771792803_6920">2601 N Fort Valley Rd.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0XQPOxhinw/VAC8lrkVj-I/AAAAAAAAAw8/u1A16fevBCE/s1600/On%2BFoot%2Bcover%2Bfinal%2BFront.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t0XQPOxhinw/VAC8lrkVj-I/AAAAAAAAAw8/u1A16fevBCE/s1600/On%2BFoot%2Bcover%2Bfinal%2BFront.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
If you're in Flagstaff, come on down! See you there! Btw: free!John Yohehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15881892958219041310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6966181763733331832.post-18391383463590735522014-08-29T10:59:00.001-07:002014-08-29T10:59:31.708-07:00ON FOOT now available!<a href="http://www.vishnutemplepress.com/" target="_blank"><b><i>ON FOOT: Grand Canyon Backpacking Stories,</i></b></a> edited by Rick Kempa, is now available! Featuring my essay "Holy Water" among many good ones, including one by a Barefoot Running Society member on hiking barefoot!<br />
<a href="http://www.vishnutemplepress.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.vishnutemplepress.com/" target="_blank">Vishnu Temple Press</a> is offering free shipping through September. Click on any link to go there and order.<br />
<br />
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