So......

I have had great intentions of posting but have been sidetracked by.... well, I can't rightly say! Certainly my training schedule has taken a lot out of me, then there is work (40+ hr weeks are the norm), knitting (so many projects, so little time), and wanting to be outside if the weather is even marginally nice.

So - just to prove that I have not been hibernating for the past month a few links to what I have been spending my time doing:

Volunteering:

Zumbro 100 - 2012

Running on the SHT (Gooseberry to Split Rock and Back):

Sweet Coltsfoot/Interesting shrub buds

Hanging out in my backyard:

Magnolia, Mertensia, Daffodils

Another run:

Partial Voyageur Course Run

Yet another run:

Wildflowers of the Piedmont Ski Trail

One of three (active) projects currently on my needles:

This sock is now completed and has had it's first fitting. I am ready to start on the second sock and finish up the pair. It has been an interesting pattern to knit, with a few false starts and the compulsory tweaks (I may be incapable of knitting a pattern as written).

While I was waiting for the future owner to try these on I cast on for a plain pair of socks using a skein of Three Irish Girls Beckon Stretch Merino I had lying about.  It is a one of a kind colorway called Oasis (predominately greens with some splashes of blues and purples). Within a few inches it became clear that this yarn did NOT want to be socks. Okay.....  Ripped back and thought about it a bit (had some input from Sam as this all happened during our commute to run the SHT out of Gooseberry). Perhaps mittens? Within a day the yarn made it clear it was not to be mittens either. Sheesh!!! I really wanted a simple knitting project that I did not have to think about so started pulling books off the shelf looking for inspiration. I found it in my copy of Knitting Rules by Stephanie Pearl - McPhee (aka the Yarn Harlot). It was time to make a(nother) shawl! I initially cast on with size 4 (3.5 mm) needles, knit along for a bit, decided I didn't like the look of the edging, ripped back, started over, this time using my preferred edging,  knit along for a few inches and then the yarn made it clear it had an opinion about the needle size as well. Sigh...  I dug around in my (rather extensive) needle stash and found a pair of 16 inch size 6's (4 mm), ripped back, cast on and have been knitting along quite nicely ever since. I did have to pop out to the local Yarn Shop to pick up a longer needle as the shawl was getting quite bunched up on the 16" needles. At this point I do not have an intended recipient in mind, but I am sure inspiration will strike as I finish this up. 

Training is progressing quite well and I have run in a few short road races (setting a PR by 4 minutes at the Get in Gear 10k - far exceeding even my best guess for how fast I could run that distance) and have my first ultra of 2012 coming up this weekend - Superior 50K. I am very excited. I last ran this race in 2010 (was injured last year) and really enjoy this course, especially because at this time of year the wildflowers are spectacular. 

This is the first time in my running career that I have averaged 40+ miles per week on a consistent basis. So far, so good. If I can maintain this level of training, and actually increase it into the 60-70 mile range at times, I will then commit to my goal race for fall - Sawtooth 100. This will be my first 100 and I am both excited by the prospect and terrified. I have spent a lot of time asking questions of friends who have finished a 100 miler hoping to gain some insight into what it will take to do this. Any input would be appreciated!

Seen along the trail....

Saturday's schedule called for 20 miles and I was thrilled to be able to get out onto the Superior Hiking Trail in Duluth for the run. The trail is in excellent condition, dry and firm in all but the perennially wet areas. Of course, this is an indication of how dry our past winter and this spring have been.  The weather has been much warmer than normal and I was on the lookout for spring flora. 

I met Ron at the Fond du Lac trailhead and we headed up Mission Creek and onto the trail. There is a lot of climbing to start this section but it soon leads you onto the ridges overlooking the St. Louis River. 

Many of the trees and shrubs are starting to bud and flower but I was on the lookout for early spring wildflowers such as hepatica, bloodroot, dutchman's breeches, leeks, bellflower, wild oats, wild ginger etc. In a normal year it would be way too early to expect to see these but it has been anything but normal weather in these parts.

When we reached the Magney-Snively area and it's mature forests we encountered our first spring "flower":

Wild Leek

Leeks really flower in July, but they are most noticeable at this time of year when their dark green foliage emerges from the ground. There is a bit of red at the base, but it is their pungent odor that is the give away. We dug down to get a look at the bulb and crushed a bit of leaf to release the odor.

Trash found along the trail and less than 10 feet from the garbage can at this trail head

As Ron and I were descending towards the second crossing of Skyline we met up with Leslie who's plan was to join us for a portion of the run.  In this short section of trail, and within a quarter of a mile of the next trailhead, we spotted the large McDonald's cup perched in a tree stump. Sigh. I grabbed it, emptied out the soda and carried it out. I had picked up the Cliff Bar wrapper along the way  as well as some other microtrash from gel packets. We did a quick clean-up of the Magney-Snively trailhead and placed all of this trash in the garbage can at the edge of the lot. 

This is the start of the "Big W". The trail descends to the base of Spirit Mountain, climbs nearly to the top, descends towards the Zoo (at the base of the hill) and then climbs again to the Highland & Getchell trailhead. The last time I did this run there was a fair amount of snow still on the trail. We encountered a bit of snow at the base of Spirit (a ski hill) and you could see there was still some ice in the deep, shaded creek valleys. 

The area around Spirit can be quite wet with one section of trail resembling a small creek. This was the only really muddy section of trail we encountered in the whole 20 miles. Though with all the rocks, it was pretty easy to stick to the center of the trail and keep my feet relatively dry. 

Climbing the infamous 130 steps leads to a beautiful section of mature forest and another chance to look for spring ephemerals (no luck). It is a fun section of trail as there are few rocks and a nice dark, soft soil to run on. Pretty soon though you are in open meadows. This area can be quite warm on a sunny day, but we were "blessed" with an east wind (off Lake Superior) to keep things cool.

I wonder about the story behind this discovery:

Fox tail

The next section leading up to the Highland & Getchell trailhead involves a lot of climbing. As we crossed under the railroad bridge and over the taconite pellets (similar to running on marbles) I spotted this shrub tucked next to a bridge support:

Elderberry - flower buds just emerging

A few weeks ago this section along Keene Creek had a couple of extensive snow fields to cross. Today this was all that remained:

It still necessitated that we go around it so as to avoid slipping and falling into the creek.

The rest of the run was fairly uneventful.  Leslie headed home, but we picked up Wayne as we entered the Piedmont section of trail. By now the clear skies were gone and it was becoming quite overcast. The wind was also picking up as we neared Lake Superior. A good motivation to keep the pace  up at the end of  my first 20 miler of the year.

At a tributary to Miller Creek we spotted this couple paddling about in the water: 

Mallards - will there be a nest in my neighborhood?

From here it is a short distance to the spur to my house. Ron and I arrived before the rain started, and Wayne finished up just as it started to sprinkle. There was a bit of shuttle driving to perform and this time the trick was to see how many adults could fit inside the cab of a standard transmission '83 Chevy pick-up with bucket seats. Fortunately for Wayne, Ron knew how to drive a stick so I volunteered to climb into the jump seat for the first part of the journey.

Today we had travel plans mid-morning so I was up early to get in a 12.8 mile run on the SHT. I left from home and ran west to Highland and Getchell. I was joined by Marcus for the first few miles, then met another friend Rudy at the turn around. I was secretly hoping he would be on the trail before I had to make the descent along Keene Creek as it is steep, very technical, and just not all that fun to run. Alas, I was early, so met him just as he was leaving the trail head.

This run wrapped up my first ever 50 mile week. I have been a pretty low-mileage runner and rarely went above the high 30's in training. I wasn't even sure I could sustain mileage in the 40's week after week but so far, so good.

Next weekend I will be in southern Minnesota volunteering at the Zumbro 100. I am looking forward to this vacation and to the opportunity to catch up with friends from the Ultra community.

Race season shaping up....

Sock Update

I have been having an interesting time with these socks!

First I had some issues with my cast-on, so that got done twice. Then I had knit up the ribbed cuff and was well on my way on the first part of the charted pattern for the leg when I realized that the pattern blocks were not the same, indeed they were mirror images of each other. Sigh! Ripped back the 13 or so rounds I had knit, picked up the stitches (so much fun with dark, dark, dark green on Sz 1/2.5 mm needles at night). I reknit the leg only to realize that I was not going to be able to live with the puckered stitches that were occurring at the "corners" (transition area between each of the needles - these are being knitted on 5 dpns). So, I ripped back again (this time 18 rounds).

I was also having trouble reversing the colors in the charts. My main color is Motherboard which is a dark green, almost black. The contrast color is Circuitry, a lime green shade. As you can see in the photo below, the chart is written such that the main color is represented by white blocks and the contrast color as dark blocks. Sometimes I can handle the reversal, other times.... not so much.

While socks are simple knitting (in my experience) these ones are kicking my a**! Hopefully by marking up the chart I will stay a bit more on track and not have another trip to the frog pond in my future (rip it, rip it).

ORC

Today was a bump up in mileage. Headed out for an 18 mile run on various roads in my neighborhood. I met a friend along Skyline Boulevard and then we headed east for a bit, circumnavigating Enger Park before heading up hill to run by one of the most unique, and little known, features in town. On a back street in a wooded neighborhood is the "ice volcano". Attributed to a water main that is opened in the winter to keep water flowing to the neighborhood (flow rate reported to be a gallon a minute). It currently towers over 20 feet and the ice is a really lovely shade of blue. You can often see the water spraying from the top of the mound.

This route incorporated plenty of hills! My goal on road runs is to actually run all of the inclines. To add to the fun there was often a headwind. The combination had me smiling (or was that grimacing) more than once. I finished with a long downhill into my neighborhood and then the steep little uphill onto my block. Total running time: 2:53.

Tomorrow the plan calls for 10 miles, route is yet to be determined. Trails are turning to mush in the warm temperatures (currently 53F) so it may be another road run.

Next Sunday is my first race of 2012 - St. Patrick's Day Human Race. This is part of the USATF - MN Team Circuit and I will be sporting my Northwoods jersey for this event. I will probably run one other road race this spring before turning my attention 100% to trails and preparing for the ultra events I plan on running this year.

Other Stuff

Work has been hectic and I have taken on some additional duties - hopefully for the short-term - to fill a staffing gap.

I was also recently diagnosed with autoimmune thyroiditis. It came as a bit of a shock as I was not exhibiting the classic signs of hypothyroidism (other than cold intolerance, which has been a constant for me my whole life, even when my TSH levels were fine). I have a great doctor who took the time to listen to me, consider my questions, do the extra testing to check not only thyroid hormone levels but also antibody levels, and was willing to let me walk away and "think about it" when I was initially diagnosed. I have been learning from others about how they incorporate this diagnosis into a running lifestyle, with Alene at Ultrahypo being a great resource.

I have been enjoying the lengthening days and the extra light that brings, as well as the increased bird activity in the area. If this warm spell keeps up I may have to bring the feeder inside soon to keep the "varmints" (aka raccoons and bears) from destroying it. The feeder is on our front porch, just outside our doors which is great for viewing but feels a bit too close when needing to chase a large mammal away.

The Righteous Real Ale has turned out quite nice and we recently purchased the supplies for a bock-style beer. I am sure this means at some time in the future I will be told to "finish up" the Ale so we can keg the bock. We did the math on this last purchase, brewing your own is not necessarily cheaper than purchasing the already bottled stuff. It can be tastier though!

Circuitry Socks

Upon seeing the pattern for the Microprocessor Socks in the Deep Fall Issue of Knitty I knew these were something I was going to have to knit. Lucky for me I know a few folks who would also be intrigued by this pattern, and who I felt were worthy, or should I say deserving, of a pair of handknit socks.

The recipient and I negotiated colors (neither of us impressed with the model socks pictured with the pattern) and then I set about trying to find the right colors locally. I thought I had done well, cast on the socks as I drove to Grand Forks over Christmas, only to learn that the colors weren't quite right.

Hmph.... oh well, that yarn got repurposed into the Cross-Country Chullo.

I started to look online for commercial yarns that would fit the bill, no luck. I then thought about a local business - Three Irish Girls. They will do custom dying and their yarns are a delight to work with and hold up well to daily wear. I worked with the owner of the business and with the intended recipient of the finished items to come up with just the right shades of green for this project. Due to the nature of custom dying I had to purchase two skeins of each colorway (I will only need one of each for the project). Just a little something extra to add to the stash.

A week or so ago a package arrived. Whoo hooo!! I was so excited to see how the yarn had turned out.

It took me quite a few days until I had the time to wind these skeins into cakes of yarn and then another day or so until I was ready to cast on. Oh, what a delight the Adorn Sock yarn is to knit with (80% merino/20% nylon). So soft!

Today I cast on, knit a few rows, ripped it out and recast on. I wanted the corrugated ribbing to have just the right look (it's all about the cast-on method and how you hold the two yarns).

I am almost done with the first cuff and will soon move onto the leg and it's pattern. I am excited to work on this project for several reasons:

1. The yarn is so nice.

2. I will be learning a new heel technique.

3. Seeing the recipient's reaction when they first try the socks on.

ORC(Obligatory Running Content)

I have started training in earnest and am even following a plan in order to give some kind of structure to my runs. The last few weeks have seen mileage in the 40's (which is high for me). So far, so good. I am enjoying the longer runs and even doing some informal speedwork - aka Wednesday runs at the Lakewalk.

Duluth has received additional snow over the last few days, reports say up to 23 inches, matching our seasonal snow fall amount. This has meant a bit of slogging through snow and mush on the roads as the trails are buried in fluff (and I do not have a set of running snowshoes). Temperatures have been quite mild though, never straying lower than the 20's and with highs in the mid 30's.

Speaking of snow, the plow finally came by so it is time to dig the vehicles out.

Leap Day Lakewalk Run

They were predicting a blizzard and we certainly got the high winds today. The snow didn't start until early this morning, and travel wasn't too difficult at first. Conditions deteriorated, the local bus service went to their emergency winter schedule, and our clinic shut down early. All went well on my commute up the hill until I was near my neighborhood. The main roads had been plowed, but all the side streets were blocked by snow piles over a foot high. I drive a sub-compact car, this was going to be fun!!

I made it across the first drift and into the neighborhood and was within a block of home (and across the last hilly portion of the road and another foot plus high drift) when I had to slow for a pedestrian. Sigh. With all momentum lost I started to slide towards the side of the road and was stuck. Fortunately Mr. Wildknits was at home and was able to come out to help. It took a small amount of shoveling, a slight push and I was back on my way home. Got the car home and settled in to it's alternate parking spot (we don't have off street parking or a garage) where it will stay for at least the next 36 hours.

Normally on Wednesday's a group of us meet at the Lakewalk to run. I wasn't going to be able to drive there, and emails were flying about whether or not others would make it as well. After a bit of time it became clear that Sam and I were eager to get out and both wanted to run to the Lakewalk. After all, the winds were gusting to 50+ mph at the lake shore, why not head there?

We agreed on a meeting place about a mile downhill from my house and I proceeded to get ready. Temperatures were in the low 30's, but the wind.... how to account for that? At the last minute I decided to apply a layer of Warm Skin to my face - and was glad I did later in the run.

The first mile of my run was downhill, on unplowed roads. The snow reached up to mid-calf at times and made for a fun run through the park. Once I met up with Sam we headed east on the streets, zigzagging our way down the hill until we neared downtown. By now we were getting a sense of how strong the wind was, and at times were not making much forward progress. We crossed the freeway on the "M&H bridge" and headed around the back of the DECC. Due to the high winds, there were large waves in the bay and water was sloshing over the break wall and onto the road and sidewalks in this area. This was our first, but not last, chance to get soaked feet.

We made our way to the Lakewalk and I pulled the camera out in anticipation of capturing a few photos of what Mother Nature had on offer.

Underneath those chunks of ice is the Lakewalk (paved and wooden pathways)

Underneath the chunks of ice is water from the Lake. In spots it was ankle deep. Brrrrrrrr!!!!!!!

Waves and rocks (The Lake is doing a bit of remodeling).

"Lake Superior facial". The spray off the Lake is bracing!

Sam heading back home along West Superior St.

First pedal of 2012

Took advantage of my day off, the warm temperatures and the recent dusting of snow to get out on the mountain bike for a little spin down the Bay with Mr. Wildknits. There was a brisk wind from the southeast so we turned left off the Sky Harbor Airport ramp and headed down the point toward the Superior entry first.

It was pleasant riding and I quickly warmed up and started to unzip my layers. We stopped at the old Boathouse as there was open water nearby. No point risking wet feet. On the return trip I stopped to snap a few photos:

Pressure ridge on the Bay

GFM leaning on a pressure ridge with Sky Harbor Airport in the background

The elusive Mr. Wildknits in his native habitat....

After the break we headed "up" the point, towards town. We again turned around at a boathouse - this time the one belonging to the Duluth Rowing Club. On the way back I suddenly found myself down, with my head bouncing off the ice. WTH?!?! My back tire had slipped out from under me. Even though I was wearing a helmet my head hurt for the rest of the pedal back to the airport (I can only imagine the damage that would have been done without it). I also seemed to have picked up a bruised area on my right shin (bike landing on my leg?).

All in all it was a fun ride and I would do it again.