PIRATES COVE 50K

Last night I made the last minute decision to run a 50k race today. I wasn't going to blast it as I have the Barkley coming up in 2 weeks, but wanted to put a bit more stress on the legs. I looked at last year's times and figured I'd shoot for somewhere between a 5:30 and 6 hour finish.

Pirate's Cove is put on by Sarah and Wendell (who is also doing Barkley) of Pacific Coast Trail Runs (AWESOME events - my first ultra was a PCTR event). Here are co-race directors at the start.



Runners gathered and waited for the start of the race.


Almost immediately I had to stop and pee. As I did, I saw this little guy watching the runners trudge on by:


The start is basically up and up and up.



The run in the Marin headlands was beautiful - with views of hills, the coast line and the Pacific Ocean.




The run also goes through groves of Redwoods and Eucalyptus trees:


Along the eastern side of the headlands there were wonderful views of the SF Bay and the city itself:


After finishing the 30k loop, we went back out on a shorter version, past some coves dotting the coastline.

I crossed the finishing line with a time right at 5 hours 29 minutes, so can't complain I didn't stick to my plan. It is a great race and offers beautiful views.

BARKLEY PHOTOS - FROM RACE DIRECTOR LAZ (GARY)

Here are a few photos Laz sent out to the Barkley group. They were taken while he was out "testing" the course and hiding the books.

The famed Barkley Briars - I anticipate losing much skin and blood to these:


The Barkley Trail....trail? What trail?


And the weather can change substantially and quickly over the 20 mile loop. Here is the same outing on the Yellow Indian Trail section:

MY RUN THROUGH ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND

After leaving London, I had to go to Aberdeen on business. Here are some photos I took while running through the city and along the coast of the North Sea.

MY RUN THROUGH LONDON

Last week I was in the UK on business. I managed to get some nice runs in through London. Here are photos I snapped during my run - used my Blackberry so image quality isn't the best:

On my way to Hyde Park:


Hyde Park:










After running out of Hyde Park, I get near the Australian War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner.





Memorial and one of my favorite running movies




Green Park


Buckingham Palace Gates




In addition to being good guards, they make good gin:


Taking a running break in front of Buckingham Palace:


Westminster Abbey:



Big Ben:


Parliment:



The Thames:


London Eye