This week and the weeks to come

I went to work on Monday, but then took off Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday so we could go to our favorite spot on the coast - Yachats, Oregon.  I'm recovering from the 50 miler and have a 12 hour next weekend so there was no pressure to train or work out.  Just eat, sleep, relax and hike.

Bonafide Oregon sunset --- nothing prettier!

From reading my hiking books I discovered that there is old growth only 5 miles south of Yachats.  So on Wednesday we drove down to Cape Perpetua and went on the most awesome 6.5 mile hike among the big trees.  It was my first outing since the 50 miler and the perfect recovery hike.

troll or mole?

Many opportunities for fun and frivolity

Beautiful forest trail

Give me needle covered trail, big trees and ferny ground cover and I'm happy :-)

I couldn't  stop taking pictures of my majestic tree friends

ahhh sensei

Who can resist a trail like that?

I love my goofy boys!

Exhilarating Oregon coast

Last day at the tide pools by Seal Rock

I couldn't have planned a better recovery week.  And bonus that I only had to work a half day on Friday and then it was weekend again.  

The Transcendence 12 Hour run is this coming Sunday up in Olympia.  I'm really looking forward to it.  Last year the high temperature reached 97 degrees and I lollygagged to only 47 miles.   Right now indications are that the high will top out in the 70's this time.  So no excuses to not get in 50 miles this time.  Then on Sept 3rd I have the Bunker to Bonneville 50k, which is on the Pacific Crest Trail on the Washington side of the Gorge.  Until I figure out what I'm doing this fall, that's it for marathon/ultra races this year.  

I just found out that Across the Years is definitely a go this year at a new venue.  Waiting to see exactly where it's at, but I'm assuming it will be in the Phoenix area again.  If so, I'm going to put my name in for the 72 hour (first choice) or the 48 hour.  If I get in,  that will be my fall focus and I may register for a few marathons in prep. Or not.  In some ways I'm looking forward to running what I want without too many races to taper for and recover from.  If I don't get into Across the Years, I'm just going to work on gently increasing my base.  I've toyed with the idea of registering for the Javelina Jundred in November.  But it's not the right year.  I think I could do it but I'd like to have more miles in me before I give it a go.  The Mt Hood 50 sealed my thinking on that.  I was able to finish on my measly mileage this year, but I'd prefer to finish stronger next time.