Training Log Archive: Swampfox

Put out water for tomorrow and then ran around the Rocky Mountain Goat course controls in a "control efficient" loop to check on them. And a good thing I did, because someone had trashed a streamer and taken the control from one control location--probably a hunter, given the location and other factors. I'll re-hang that control right before the race in the morning, and hope that no other controls go missing between now and race time tomorrow, because there's nothing else to be done at this point! And I will also hope the winds don't get too outrageous overnight.

Another warm (by afternoon) and very nice day for the race at Superfly Marsh.

C • http://xkcd.com/789/ 2

C • Missing control 2

Picking up controls at Plutonic Pleasures, Laramie Daze 6. Not quite as stunningly stellar as yesterday, but still very, very nice. Even a little toasty by mid-afternoon.

One couple found out first hand that attack badgers are no laughing matter. They came across a badger out in the middle of an open prairie, and of course the badger turned to face them and stood its ground. The couple drew closer, and the badger began delivering loud warning hisses. Then the badger started moving its forelegs up and down rhythmically. Luckily the couple decided to back off and embark on a new route choice, because while they didn't know it, once a badger begins twitching its legs, that means it is selecting which prey object to attack and devour first.

Pelican Bay. Ran into Joel Swisher just as I was finishing up and he was getting ready to set out.

Telephone Song, Daze 5. Could not have been a more stellar day for being at Telephone Song--perfect in all respects.

C • Fingers & toes... 13

Such a nice day--a warm, dry early fall type day with only a light breeze. Lots of good views over the valley, which over the past few weeks has bronzed everywhere that isn't irrigated. I don't believe there was even the slightest suggestion of a cloud all day long.

Had an interesting talk with a rancher whose grazing allotment we were running on. I think ranchers/farmers are in a class with XC skiers in so far as I've liked just about ever yone of them I've ever met.

Finished hanging Daze 7, leaving only the incredible finale at the newly added to Pelican Bay left to be set out.

4 up, 4 down. 6 out, 4 back.

During the afternoon session I could begin to detect definite signs of that "dazed" feeling in my legs, despite the unseasonably crisp temps. But then it may have had a lot to do with making a third trip to the very top of the spinal ridge that stiffens up "The Toe". It also could be something as simple as an indication of a critical pizza deficiency.

It's OK, though. It will be all downhill lafter tomorrow.

More fun running around in the wind--there was more fresh air available than you'd almost think was even possible. Plus, I made an exciting find of a valuable artifact--a very old aluminum Coke can. This must have been one of the earliest models. I could sell it on Ebay, but I will probably recycle it instead and then announce the fact, which will send the Coke can collecting segment of the public into a carbonation tizzy.

Day 1 of Laramie Daze kicks off with a quick trip to the bank to deposit some Daze checks. Let the madness begin!

One day up, one day down. People stood around and breathed in when they showed up and asked: "Wow, it doesn't get any warmer than this?" Then they breathed in some more. Temps topped out at 69F in town.