A Schnauzer Made Me Do It: Running the PCT at Big Bear (Or, Clearly I Lack Good Judgment)

by Carilyn on January 12, 2014

When my kids announced they wanted to go skiing up at Big Bear this weekend, rather than check out the snow conditions, I immediately got online to check out running routes. Falling on my butt while skiing? No. Falling on my face while running? Bring it.

So, yesterday morning saw us winding our way up the mountain with our car full of gear – gloves, hats, boots, a hydration vest, PayDays – and Mumford and Sons playing on the radio. We made it to the top with just enough time for my kids to get in a good day of snow and for me to get in a good day of dirt. Oh and a hamburger.

big bear foodAnd yes, those are homemade zucchini AND onion rings. Just sayin’.

After I scarfed down the burger, and did a little “reconnaissance” with the locals (the women who owned the restaurant) about the best trails in the area, I headed over to Big Bear Lake. My plan was to start around the lake and then just see what happened. (Truly, I don’t know why I’m shocked that I get lost all the time. My planning skills are clearly superior.)

big bear

 

This plan worked fairly well for awhile. I ran on the beach and pretended like I was in Switzerland.

big bear 9(The first of many selfies. Be patient with me.)

But, after a bit, the beach running got a little old. And boggy.

big bear 8So, into the mountains I went.

At first, it was very pleasant. Easy trails, lots of runnable terrain. You know, the stuff I like. I thought, “20 miles on this will be no problema.”

big bear easy

But then I saw a sign for the Pacific Crest Trail. Now, how could I go all the way to Big Bear and not at least check it out? Exactly. I knew we thought alike.

So, up, up, up I went. And strangely, I kept getting higher and higher. And the trail kept getting rockier and rockier. And the drops kept getting scarier and scarier. And somewhere close to the top, I remembered just how scared of heights I am.

big bear 7

Ugh.

big bear 2

(Don’t let the smile fool you. This was when I still had thoughts of pretending like I was a badass.)

But there was no way in hell I was turning back. I would be mad at myself for a million Sundays if I didn’t make it to the top. Sheesh, I’d seen a schnauzer heading back down with his owner. If I schnauzer could do it, then by golly, so could I!

And I did.

big bear 6

But then I had to go back down. The icy patches on the way up made me breathe heavily with fear. The icy patches on the way down made me start to cry a little.

big bear 3

Damn! I wasn’t going to be able to get off this freakin’ mountain.

And then I thought of the schnauzer, and I kept moving.

Finally, 16 miles (and one fall) later, I was done.

big bear 5

I had wanted 20, but clearly spent too much time on personal therapy, and I needed to go pick up my kids.

Oh, well. At least I wasn’t bested by a schnauzer.

Happy Running!

 

 

{ 10 comments }

Kim January 12, 2014 at 2:09 pm

Way to kick that schnauzer’s butt!!!
I would have wimped out for sure!! But, I’m totally with you – I would pick a run over skiing any day!
Kim recently posted…I’m Not Ready to Give UpMy Profile

Char January 12, 2014 at 2:55 pm

Running mountains would be just fine if it wasn’t for the ups and the downs and the scary bits. I firmly believe that you did a better job of the trail than that Schnauzer. Schnauzers have four legs. You only have two. You ran the same distance/gradient on only half the legs as that dog. I call that winning!!
Char recently posted…One Of Life’s Little MysteriesMy Profile

Kent January 12, 2014 at 5:56 pm

Seems you can pretty much make any run into an adventure to remember both for the adventure and of course the falling down! Keep em’ coming! 🙂

Carilyn January 13, 2014 at 8:09 am

Thanks, Kim! Got to find motivation wherever I can get it 🙂

Carilyn January 13, 2014 at 8:10 am

Good point, Char! I will remember that logic 🙂

Carilyn January 13, 2014 at 8:10 am

Thanks, Kent! I’m nursing a nasty bruise, but what would a run be for me without one? 🙂

ultrarunnergirl January 13, 2014 at 10:15 am

Looks like a beautiful place for a run.
ultrarunnergirl recently posted…Ringing in the New Year in SedonaMy Profile

Rebecca January 14, 2014 at 2:24 pm

That run looks amazing! I love the idea of running up a mountain…you get an immediate reward for your hard work.
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Marcia January 15, 2014 at 5:06 am

Yeah Schnauzers have 4-wheel drives so you for the win! Skiing has netted me my biggest injury to date…..unless I’ve blocked something out….wait yes I have, the award goes to biking.

olga January 17, 2014 at 12:12 pm

Clearly, them are not drops and you slacked on 20! You just enjoyed checking the views out and taking selfies. I know that. I do that all the time. 🙂
olga recently posted…Year 2013, or how to get from best shape to worst in 12 months.My Profile

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