DRR Reaches Mt Hood - Day 1 Training for Nationals (3/07/09)

The DRR National Team wasted no time in setting out for a training run on the Mt Hood Nationals Course 12 hours after landing in Oregon. The forecasted weather of partial sunshine stepped aside as a weather front kept the temps down and snow/sleet falling (all day) and wind blowing. There are feet and feet of snow here, and with the snowy skies, no view yet of the 11,240 ft Mount Hood located right out our front door.

The DRR Nationals (Admiral Bill, Captains Dan, Jay, Steph and Patrick) were joined on the trip by the potential 70-79 year old champ from MA, Richie Busa. The training run on the race course was reminiscent of a trip to New Hampshire's white mountains. The race starts at approx elevation 4,500 and topping out at 5,000-ft.. Sort of like running around the Alpine Garden area above Tuckerman's Ravine. And the weather wasn't far from the White's either. The wind drove sleet into our faces like mirco needles as we started in the open fields at the base. The open course immediately hits an uphill climb that "Just sucks the wind right out of you at this elevation" as Captain Dan put it (see picture as Dan Steph make there way up). But as soon as the first hill was crested, the course makes is way into the trees for some of the most picturesque views, even in the snow and sleet. The trail continued gradually up hill, with a few dips to keep you off balance to the mid point of the loop, then motored downhill. The snow is soft and deep, one step off the course and your up to your waist. Jay is loving this course.

Can life be any better than this? A great crew, great location, and a fab time. The down hill terrain back was worth a few Yeti yells (right Jay!). We made our way back to the start, feeling pretty good until we thought about that uphill climb we were going to have to do twice tomorrow. Its a 2 loop course for the 10k, and the second loop is going to hurt tomorrow 3/8/09.

Steph will start first tomorrow as the Women's race kicks off at 11:00am with the DRR boys setting out at 11:45am. We're still not sure if there will be any juice left to enter the afternoon Team race. Back to back heart pounding 10k races? Why not! For now, its time to sample some of those west coast micro-brews, and making some sacrifices to the Mt Hood gods for some better weather on race day. We'll keep you posted on the race and results.















(DRR is a Wicked-Comprehensive-Lynn Woods, snowshoeing family)