Tahoe Rim Trail Training Run

It's been a long time since I posted...but Shannon made me promise to post after the TRT training run , so here goes. I started to get nervous about this run when I checked the website and it was suggested to bring traction devices and trekking poles.  So I decided to get some Yaktrax before Diane picked me up Saturday morning. I got a pair for both of us, but it turned out we didn't need them after all. Diane, Marc, Mike and I headed up Saturday morning to get acclimated. Diane scored a great condo in Squaw from a client and it was perfect for our weekend adventure. We headed up about noon, got to Squaw in the afternoon and hung out in the Squaw Valley resort area. The weather was gorgeous and we were surrounded by snowcapped peaks

 

 Resting the tootsies

While there, we ran into a guy that was filming a commercial for Squaw Valley, Mark Jennings, from  Passport to Adventure fame. He was a wealth of information on all things Squaw.  If you get a chance to see this show on PBS, watch it! Marc was asked to hold the mic while the shooting took place; he handled that job like a pro :) We headed off to dinner at a pizza and pasta place, then headed back to get ready for the next day.

The following morning, we were greated with incredible weather and a front row spot at the start.  The snow was pretty significant this year, so Dave C had to alter the course alittle bit, which took out about 6 miles. So, the plan was to get at least 20 miles up there. We headed out from Spooner Summit off Hwy 50 heading towards Spooner Lake. We hit the first aid station at about 5 1/2 miles. The trail took us through beautiful groves of Aspen trees.

 

We then headed down towards Spooner Lake and decided to go left to the famous Flume Trail.  Had to get through some water first

We then headed onto this famous trail..the views are unbelievable.  I can't describe it, so I'll just post the pics

Mike took some great pics, here's a link to those: Mike's pics

We did an out and back on the flume, heading back to Spooner lake and up the somewhat snowy hill (only place there was some moderate snow) and then back to the aid station. The options were to go up towards Snow Valley Peak, which was a 1400 foot climb, or go back the way we came. Diane's knee was giving her trouble, so she and I opted to head back.

The run ended perfectly with a spread of great food, yum!

This was such a great run! I was able to stay with my buddies most of the way, which is such a treat (cuz they're really fast). But I think they ran slow so we could all stay together :)  I feel a bit more prepared to do the 50K in July, but I know it's going to be the toughest run I'll do this year!

Very happy camper :)

Link to garmin info