Trail Exploration

I had toyed with the idea of doing a long run today, but an hour before the run I decided against it. However, I think I could have done it pretty comfortably. I ran nearly 12 miles today and felt fine, despite the relatively speedy 15 miler yesterday. Still, today was good, and just more gas in the tank for the upcoming week I suppose.

I opted to do some exploring today instead. Hit the trails up near the powerlines for starters. They did selective logging there this past summer, and I haven't been there since. The woods looked so different, so I didn't exactly know where I was. Not lost, just not sure which trail I was on.

After a few miles, I figured it out, and ended up near the top of Deering Ridge. Took the road for a short ways back to the snowmobile trail known as Rt. 89, and went along the powerlines down the other side of the road, which I had never done before.

That was a nice downhill, and I ended up on Deerwander Road, as I expected. Took said road back up to the abandoned railroad bed, where I knew a trail existed and I hadn't been on it before.

That trail led me back to the fire road of the area I often refer to as the "woods out back". I wasn't far from home, but wanted to get in a few more miles so I returned by taking a longer loop back through the woods out back.

Good day. Kept the pace slow, but still felt strong and energetic throughout.

Ran 11.8 miles @ 9:48/mile pace.

Trails, coated with ice and thin snow, some bare patches. Some short sections of road.

Very hilly.

Upper teens to mid-20s. Sunny.

Brooks Cascadia 3 (screw shoes), fleece jacket, short sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves.