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Evergreen Endurance Coaching

Evergreen Endurance Coaching

Running, cycling, triathlon, duathlon, swimming, backcountry travel

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This picture was taken last weekend, although it almost feels like last year. Back when most public lands were still open, and driving 15 minutes to a trailhead was still OK. I absolutely believe we are doing the right thing by #stayinghome. But that doesn't mean it's easy. Of course I know that in the grand scheme of things, staying home for a few weeks or even a few months is nothing compared to what some people are dealing with right now, on the front lines of this pandemic. But I also know that if I don't acknowledge my anxiety and sadness, it will just get worse, or manifest in unhealthy ways. So here I am, feelin' my feelings: grieving the loss of my freedom to adventure, worrying about the health of my family, and missing the long days in the mountains that make me feel like me. But also: grateful that I can still get outside, that my loved ones are all healthy, and that I can easily take a big deep breath. And another one.
Homeschooling begins tomorrow 👩‍👧📚❤, so today I hit the trails with the dogs! 🏃‍♀️🐕🐕 🏔Current conditions on Lewis Butte: 2 miles of runnable dirt + 2 miles sloppy mud + 1 mile of snow = 5 miles of fun! 🏔Spokane Gulch was approx 75% snow-free and 100% awesome. (Rowan and I will also hit the trails during "recess," but today was just for me.)
The Methow Valley is home to the largest cross-country trail system in North America, and that also includes some pretty great fat biking trails. There is a “Tour of the Methow Valley” route for skiers – but nothing for bikes! On Friday I set out to change that. My route started in Mazama (at the Mazama Store, of course, because pastries) and ended at the Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop. In between I cruised along John’s Way at sunrise, pedaled through the wooded trails of Lunachik, blazed through a hard-packed Big Valley, climbed from town to Grizzly Hut and then flew back down, and enjoyed spectacular views of the North Cascades as I linked up Lloyd Ranch, Pearrygin State Park, and Bear Creek. It was a fun mix of snow, dirt, mud, and pavement, all of which my Salsa Beargrease handled nicely. Ultimately I think this route should include a few of the Winthrop town trails. However, by the time I rolled into Winthrop, it was after 2 pm and almost 50 degrees and I didn’t want to ruin what’s left of the trails by plowing through the slush. Also, an Open Roads Amber from OSB was calling to me. See link in bio for a trip report with more pics and all the details.
It's been awhile since I've had an all-day adventure. Today I fixed that with a ride from Mazama up to Washington Pass. It was the perfect day for it: low avalanche danger, mostly clear skies, and not a weekend. I'm sitting on the couch tonight happily tired, slightly sunburned, and grateful for legs that continue to take me where I want to go. Pic 1: Early Winter Spires on a late winter day Pic 2: Happy Pic 3: Icebow Pic 4: 🚵‍♀️☀️🏔 Pic 5: Descending
I sat down to have my coffee this morning in my favorite chair by the window... and to my surprise I had company! This tiny downy creature was huddled against our window. It was motionless, but I looked carefully and could see that it was breathing. I wasn't sure what it was at first, but then it woke up, untucked its head, and I saw that it was a little black capped chickadee! ❤ Of course as soon as it moved my dogs noticed it, lost their damn minds, and scared it away. 🙄
Stretching our legs on the way home... It always amazes me how you can go from rainforest to desert in just a couple hours. I really ❤ WA.
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