I'm trying real hard to pretend I am not missing running and looking forward to winter activities. It's not really working too well though. Although with a knee issue that keeps pestering me, I am trying my favorite winter distractions to keep me busy. I was able to squeeze in a really fun mountain run out of Idyllwild, California last week that takes you to the top of Mount San Jacinto which is just under 11,000'. I forgot to account for weather at that elevation, so I was forced to move along steadily so I didn't freeze in the sub zero temps. It was funny to get all those looks from the "well" outfitted hikers as I ran past in my shorts and running shoes. I mean who wouldn't think to be out in shorts in sunny southern California as it was only a 2 hour drive from San Diego or L.A.! The out and back from the Idyllwild side of the mountain is only 25km and only maybe 5,500' of climbing, but I'd love to go back and do it from the Palm Springs side where it is a famous route known as the "Cactus to Clouds" as it starts at 200' which supposedly makes it one awesome day with a 10,600' ascent- ouch....
Ski touring was also better than expected this weekend with some fine early season coverage. I also opened up the Skate ski season as the Biathlon range in Rossland was good to go. So for the next 2-3 months I'll just play in the snow as a combo of ski touring and skate skiing will keep me plenty fit for running season, which I hope to start end of January- that is if my leg issues resolve themselves as I can't even think about a season without running...That said; if anyone knows a great sports physio- please let me know...
