It’s that bad. Dec 7th, 2008, and still no snow in the Washington Cascades. So what’s a backcountry skier to do? How about go for a trail run up Mt Si? Sounds like fun right? We’re getting desperate, but at least the 4,000 ft climb up Mount Si was under clear blue skies and afforded beautiful views of the snowless peaks.
But wait…it’s raining in Seattle and it’s cold out. There’s more…an arctic front is rolling in from the north and freezing levels are going to drop! Could it be happening?!?!?
Nice. I tried running Mt. Si once. I could only manage about 1-to-3 minute run-rest intervals to the top, and my heart-rate was peaking out over 180 near the end of my run intervals. I made it up in about 70 minutes if i recall correctly (for reference, I can hike up in about 90 minutes with a day-pack, and about 120 minutes with a 50-pound “training” pack)
I’m curious how my time & perf compare to yours: Where you able to run the entire trail non-stop, or were you doing run/walk intervals? Do you recall your overall time?
I ran the first half, and then did intervals of something like 5 on, 1 off the rest of the way. Overall it took about 55 minutes to get to the bench before the scramble to the top.