Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: Low 30's and Partly Cloudy

Comments: Great 6 mile run today. That is the hardest I ran in my Vibram shoes yet. Great way to finish off the year.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim


Weather: Upper 30's and Cloudy

Comments: Nice 5 mile run today. My gift was to gain 1277 feet in less than 5 miles. Merry Christmas!

Our next run will be from Burnside tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM

Runner: Russ and Jim

Weather: Upper 30's and Cloudy

Comments: Nice mid-week run. We haven't been up to the top (of Council Crest) since back in October.

The next run will be tomorrow morning at 7:30 from Burnside.

Runner: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Mid 30's and Sunny

Comments: Rave Run! Very sunny, no wind and lots of happy runners on the trail. I am a weather fanatic but sometimes the absence of any real weather is pretty nice. I am predicting that later in January we will be running on frozen ground, snow or both. You heard it here first.

Our next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Runner: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Upper 20's and Freezing Fog

Comments: Very cold and frozen run today. Each week we run a bit longer. By the end of January we should be back up to 10-12.

Our next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Runner: Carolyn and Jim

Weather: Low 30's and Foggy

Comments: It was great to be back on the trail. Easy does it.

Day 1 of trying to get back in shape. I went over to Glendoveer and walk/run. My foot felt fine but as I continued it started getting irritated. I think my toe shoe is too tight around my fat right foot so a make a little modification. Since the shoes look weird anyway what is a little cut in the top of the shoe? There is a strap in the perfect place to keep the shoe as tight or loose as I want anyway. Walked around at home a bit and it felt much better.

We are off for a few more weeks. No workout tomorrow. Looks like the first weekend of December will be the first run in a very long time.

Runner: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: 50 and Foggy

Comments: Nice to be back on the trail. Still undecided about RTSW. Thanks to whomever put the switchback in the trail behind the World Forestry Center. If you hit the + button on the map below you can see where the Marquam Trail use to go and where the new trail is.

Our next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Update 7:00 AM: I am going rest my sore foot this week.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: 50 and Cloudy

Comments: Yeah Russ! Welcome back. Hopefully your foot feel fine. We ran to Council Crest and then down Marquam Trail. Worked our way over to Jefferson and up to Washington Park. I'm digging these loops.

Our next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Runners: Carolyn and Jim

Weather: Upper 50's and Sunny

Comments: We ran up Terwilliger and then up the trail to council crest. Each week the Average Moving Pace is getting a little bit faster. I keep promising a a flat run on the road. Maybe next week.Ya right.

The next run will be from Hawthorne at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Runners: Carolyn and Jim

Weather: Mid 50's and Cloudy

Comments: Look closely at the shape of the course to see why I named this the Dragon Loop. This was a 10.21 mile loop with 2000' elevation gain. I'm sure before using my watch we would have called this 12 miles. Trying to think of something clever to say about inflation and the economy but I'm too tired.

Runners: Carolyn and Jim

Weather: 60's and Sunny

Comments: We have entered the era of loops. We went up to Pittock, down to Cornell, up 53rd and down to Thurman. Then up to Westover and up some more to Wildwood and then up towards Pittock. It sounds like more up than down but by some miracle of physics it was exactly the same. Almost 1700' gain over 8 miles is Good Times. I am already thinking about how increase the radius of this loop to make it 10 miles. We met some fellow trail runners at coffee and had a nice chat.

Runners: Jim

Weather: Low 50's and Misty

Comments: Went up Broadway (27:40) and then up to Council Crest. Then over to Terwilliger on the trail for a total 9 miles. Starting to figure out how run downhill in my Vibrams. Think of the old Keep on Truckin' poster (His right foot not his left.)

Hope the toe heals up quickly Russ!

Good luck tomorrow Carolyn. Kick some Champoeg Butt.

Runners: Carolyn and Jim

Weather: Upper 60's and Sunny

Comments: We ran up Terwilliger from the Hawthorne Bridge. We discovered a trail that will be fun once it opens back up. It will take us from Terwilliger down to Willamette.  No trails this week means all trails next week. Hope you had a good event Russ.

The next run will be from Hawthorne Bridge at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Runners: Carolyn and Jim

Weather: 60's and Sunny

Comments: We decided to go down into town and then up SW6. Good luck to Russ next week in his race and Carolyn the next week in her's. Time for me to get ready for Run to Stay Warm.

Our next run will be tomorrow morning from Burnside at 7:30.

Runners: Jim

Weather: 60's and Sunny

Comments: I was headed to Marquam Shelter to park and a road closure forced me to go up Terwilliger instead. Went up the trail we usually come down. Ended up up at Council Crest and then ran down Broadway.

Runners: Jim

Weather: 60's and Sunny

Comments: I wanted a new route from my house. I used my biking route knowledge to find a loop that minimizes traffic.

Vacation Walk 2

Vacation Run 2

Vacation Walk #1

Vacation Run Number 1

Runners: Carolyn, Carolyn, Russ

Weather: Upper 50's and Cloudy

Comments: The big debut went well - so far. See everyone in a few weeks.

Our next run will be tomorrow morning from Burnside at 7:30 AM.

Mountain Bikers: Jim

Weather: Upper 70's and Sunny

Comments: Change of plans so I rode from my house. Decided to go up Rocky Butte and then head over to Mt Tabor. It would be nice to climb three peaks so I guess next time I will have to head out to Powell Butte. I may do the Leif Erickson tomorrow.

The next mountain bike run will be on the Leif Erickson Trial tomorrow at 1:30 PM.

Road Cyclist: Russ and Jim

Weather: 50's and Cloudy

Comments: Rode the 205/Spring Water to Russ' house. Then we took Oaks Bottom into downtown and did the Eastide Esplanade. Rode south down to about Tram and then back to Hawthorne bridge where Russ and I parted ways to head home. I feel so Portlandy.

Runners: Jim

Weather: 50's and Cloudy

Comments: Ran down to 'Cattle Bones' and met Ruth there after she worked out at 205. Longest run yet in Vibrams. After an hour I slowed down (from slow to really slow) to avoid injury. This Saturday may be the big debut of toe shoes on the trail. The run was about 7 miles.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: 60 and Cloudy

Comments: We ran up Broadway for the first time in about a year. We made it up in a good time (about 28:00) and it was hard but didn't seem the gut-buster that is used to be. No way I could ever mutter anything going up that hill years ago beside a gasp. This time I could talk with Carolyn about how great Russ was doing up in front of us.

I don't know what is up with 2700' elevation gain. Not accurate.

Our next run will be from the Hawthorne Bridge at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Hikers: Ruth and Jim

Weather: 70 and Sunny

Comments: From the Zoo to Council Crest took a little over 40 minutes to hike. Then It was all flat or downhill from there to the Tram. The Tram is free going down which is nice. Caught the Street Car into Portland and had some lunch. Max back to the Zoo. Very fun.

The next hike will be today. Ruth and I are going to hike the 4T Trail.

Bikers: Russ and Jim

Weather: 80 and Sunny

Comments: We went out Leif Erickson Trail for about 10 mile round trip. Nice to have a biking partner. Looking forward to more rides on the road and trail.

The next bike ride will be on the Leif Erickson Trail at 4:00 PM tomorrow. Follow Thurman St all the way to the parking lot in NW Portland.

Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: 60's and Sunny

Comments: Took Russ on the SW 6 Hill Torture Run for the first time. Nice job Rusty!

Our next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Upper 50's and Mist

Comments: We did the 53rd st loop which is usually deserted (which is fine but a bit scary when going by the Deliverance House.) This time there was a steady stream of cars and one even pulled over to ask if we needed a ride. There was a marathon training event up the road. We ran with them for a bit but they went left and we went right. Also, I talked with a guy wearing VFF toe shoes. He said he was running 15-20 miles a week in them.

The next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Hikers: Ruth and Jim

Weather: Sunny and 70's

Comments: We walked from Mt Tabor to "Cattle Bones." After breakfast we walked downtown. Then we took Streetcar to NW Portland and went to REI looking for shorts and a backpack. We walked to Max and took it to 60th. Finally walked back up the hill to the car at Mt Tabor. Kind of lost track of distance but later figured out we had done 9 miles.

Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: 60 and Partly Cloudy

Comments: We ran a new I found in the book "Walk There!" We started at Hawthorne Bridge and sent south along the river. Then we crossed Macadam and onto Corbett. SW Trail 3 was closed due to construction so we continued on Corbett to Hamilton then up to Terwilliger. This connection opens up more ideas for loops. Yeah for hilly loops.

Our next run will be from Hawthorne at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Hikers: Ruth and Jim

Weather: 60's and Cloudy

Comments: We walked to MAX, rode to the Oregon Zoo, hiked the Wildwood down to Washinton Park and then took Jefferson to Park blocks for the Portland Farmers Market. Total 7 miles.

The next hike will from Burnside at 2:45 PM tomorrow.

Bikers: Jim

Weather: 60's and Drizzle

Comments: Rode out the Leif Erickson Trail in Forest Park. Very muddy and very fun.

Bikers: Jim

Weather: 70's and Cloudy

Comments: First road race ever! I did the PIR Monday Night series. It is called Novice but they seemed like experienced cyclist to me. I hung with the pack for 3 out of 6 laps. The goal is 4 next week.

The next Bike ride will be Tuesday at 8:30 on the Leif Erickson Trail. The directions are to find Thurman St in NW Portland and go West until is dead ends about 30 something block. The dead end is the trail head. Plan on going out for about 1 to 1.5 hours and then turning around.

The next Hike will be Wednesday. I haven't decided yet where to start.

Hikers: Ruth and Jim

Weather: 70 and Cloudy

Comments: We walked from our house to the food carts on 43th and Belmont. Round trip 8.5 miles. Feet are going to hurt a little but the food was good. We found a new coffee place at 53rd and Belmont called TaborSpace. Looking forward to the next City Hike.

Runners: Jessica, Carolyn and Jim

Weather: 50's and Sunny

Comments: Very hilly 8 miles. We set a record on my watch for elevation gain - 2624 ft. Holla!

Our next run will be at Burnside tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM.

I am expanding this blog to include Hiking and Biking. Here is my bike workout today:

Runners: Jim

Weather: Low 50's and Sunny

Comments: Went a exploration run today. Decided to follow the SW Trails 6 signs. I also decided to run in the Toe shoes. I enjoyed the route and look forward to torturing others with it.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: 50's and Heavy Drizzle

Comments: Enough with the bags of dog poop people! Bag or leave it - Not both. Stay tuned for a mid-week run this week. It will have to be in the evening as I am starting summer school. Notice below that our run has gained mileage. It is now over 7. That makes it official - Wildwood to Council Crest with shortcut is 7 miles.

The next run will be tomorrow morning at 7:30 from Burnside.

Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: 50's and Cloudy

Comments: Both Russ and I forgot how hard it is to run through Portland from Burnside and then up Marquam trail. This summer I am going to make that run normal.

Our next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: 50's and Sunny

Comments: Good run today up Council Crest. I tried the key thing on my wrist when I got home and it works great so that is how I will use it. Happy now Russ? I will be posting twice a week starting the last week of June. Nothing wrong with our band of three but it would fun to introduce some more people to Mr Wildwood and MRS. Hill.

Our next run will be from the Hawthorne Bridge at 7:30 AM tomorrow.

Runners: Carolyn and Jim

Weather: Upper 40's (really?)

Comments: Better.

Our next run will be Saturday morning at 7:30 AM from Burnside.

Runner: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: 50 and Sunny

Comments:

Dear Fitness:

Was it something I said? Did you feel overlooked and under appreciated? Please forgive me. See you soon.

Jim

The next run will be 7:30 AM tomorrow morning from Burnside.

This is a test:

Runners: Amanda, Jessica, Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: What Weather? Perfect - 50 and Cloudy

Comments: EVERYBODY did a great job. Good job everyone. Not pointing out anyone in particular. All the runners out there today did awesome. I really mean that.

Our next run will be tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM. Park off Burnside.

Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: Low 40's and Cloudy

Comments: We ran from Hawthorne Bridge to the top of Council Crest. Somewhere along the way lies my key. Forgot to zip the key in. Whoops.

The next run will be from the Hawthorne Bridge at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Mid 40's and Cloudy

Comments: Used the GPS on my phone to try to measure the route. I'll have to play around with the settings until it agrees with what I know the distance is. We went to Council Crest and took the shortcut back in 1:36. Not bad for the mud and muck.

The next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: #^%& (40's and Rainy)

Comments: We made it past Hummus Hill and to the top of Council Crest and back for 8 miles. The weather wasn't that bad once we were warmed up. Looking forward to better weather. At least warmer rain.

The next run will be from Hawthorne Bridge at 7:30 tomorrow morning.

Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: Lower 40's and Cloudy

Comments: Went from Hawthorne Bridge to Marquem trail. My comment for the day is what happens on the trail stays on the trail (and vaguely makes it too this blogette.)

Our next run will be from the Hawthorne Bridge at 6L00 AM.

Runner: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Upper Teens and Sunny

Comments: We turned around at the zoo for a 7 mile run. It took about 30 minutes to feel warm and ground was frozen solid. Good Times!

Our next run will be from Burnside tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM. Bundle up!

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Low 30's and Sunny

Comments: Some ice and a lot of mud made for slow going today. Next week may be an even more wintry run. Good Times.

The next run will be tomorrow at 7:00 AM from Burnside.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Low 40's and Cloudy

Comments: Ran to Council Crest and back with no shortcut. We saw a record number of runners today on the trail. Back to winter next week so only the hardy will be out.

The next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 AM.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Upper 40's and Misting

Comments: Ran to Council Crest and back using shortcut. Great running conditions. 8 miles this week. 10 next week. etc...

The next run will tomorrow morning from Burnside at 7:30 AM.

Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: Upper 40's and Cloudy

Comments: Since I had to go to a class we went 5 milss and were done by 7:45. I'll need to change the batteries in my headlamp before I do that again. Thanks for joining me so early Russ.

The next run will be from Burnside at 6:30 AM. Should be able to get in a one hour run and coffee before heading off to my class.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ, Jeff (Russ' brother) and Jim

Weather: Mid 40's and Sunny (Perfect Running Weather)

Comments: Russ and Jeff ran to the Zoo and turned around. Carolyn and I went to Council Crest and took the shortcut for 8 miles. The sun was out, no wind and mid 40's. Rave Run.

The next run will be from Burnside tomorrow morning at 7:30 AM.

Runners: Russ and Jim

Weather: 50's and Cloudy

Comments: I was wrong last week. No rain or ice or snow. Just a bit of mud. We ran to the Zoo and back for 7 miles.

Our next run will be from Burnside at 7:30 AM tomorrow morning.

Runners: Carolyn, Russ and Jim

Weather: Low 30's and Clear

Comments: Very icy on Burnside and a few spot on the trail. Ran to the Zoo and took shortcut back. I am predicting that next week's run will be interesting (Snowy, Icy or Rainy.)

The next run will be Saturday morning at 7:30 AM at Burnside.