Mt. Isabel de Torres

NORSA members Alan and Adam, while taking a short leave of absence from regular scheduled NORSA events, took the opportunity to re-invigorate themselves in the NORSA lifestyle in the most proper way possible: by climbing a mountain.



Currently based in Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic, Alan and Adam began the day with their sights set on the nearby 2700 ft summit of Isabel de Torres. The mountain features a tram to the top, botanical gardens, and a Rio-esque statue of Jesus Christ. Armed with only their rudimentary spanish, stereotypical tourist costumes, and NORSA wilderness sense, the duo set off in the morning for the base of the mountain.

Knowing only that a trailhead existed somewhere near the base of the tram, and that the tram was located somewhere near downtown, Adam and Alan hopped onto a local 'wah-wah' taxi/shuttle/jitney for a ride into the city. Taking bearings off the mountain, they hopped off their ride at the nearest spot to the tram. Taking a trip up a side road, they made it up to the base of the tram, only to be bombarded (swarm-style) by a flurry of locals seeking to serve as guides. Various allegations were made about the hike (it was dangerous; the locals living in the woods will ambush you; hiking up alone is strongly discouraged), however, NORSA-wits prevailed (along with prior information that none of this was true). Eventually negotiating a contract with a different local, this individual provided what the team was seeking: instructions on how to get to the trailhead along a map drawn out in sticks on the ground about which turns to take on the way up.

The two confusing turns on the trail occurred in the first half mile, while the rest of the climb was extraordinarily pleasant. No knife-welding tree people were sitting in waiting. The trail itself, although not marked, was very well built and easy to follow.

The top of the mountain provided an epic view of the city and the northern Caribbean sea. The team enjoyed the view along with a hearty lunch of sardines on crackers. Accosted once more by a local trying to scalp tickets for the tram ride down, the duo parted with the summit and re-traced their steps back to the base. A successful outing, and a reassuring test of the blood-borne, NORSA spirit that lives within all NORSA members.

NORSA Planning Trip to White Oak Canyon on Sunday Jan 3rd to see frozen waterfalls.

http://www.hikingupward.com/SNP/WhiteOakCedarRun/

We are planning to leave at 7:15 am on Sunday morning from 1600 N.Oak St. Parking should be available on N.Oak Street. This is 2 blocks from the Rossyln Metro Station. It is 2 hours to the trailhead. The hike should take about 5 hours. Everybody should bring food and water. We will probably stop somewhere on the way back for dinner and be back in DC in the evening.

Jingle All the Way 10K

Welcome to my inaugural post; here's hoping I don't sound like an idiot.

Sunday, December 13, 2009

"It is not warm out"

The chilly 36 degree temperature, light drizzle and fog was, surprisingly, a welcomed treat for the record 3,763 runners who were told to prepare for below freezing temperatures, snow and ice during the 2009 Jingle All the Way 10K in Washington, DC on December 13, 2009. The mist and light drizzle developed into a steady rain by the finish yet did little to damper the spirits of the runners, many donning race-supplied jingle bells (not this runner, though), Santa and elf hats, tutus (really?) and even Christmas tree costumes. Santa and his reindeer even made it out to the event not only to cheer on but to participate.

The first mile and a half was rife with jolly runners, some trying to break away from the crowd while others were perfectly content with walking the entire 6.2 miles. Consequently, the first mile was the slowest of Allison’s splits and it took until about mile 2 for her to get into a decent groove and situate herself into a running pocket, so to speak (space lacking costumed runners and walkers on the trail). Allison realized that speed-work would have to be a focus in her next training program as she and those around her cheered on the eventual winners, Bert Rodriquez and Maggie Infeld, as they cruised through their 4.0 mile marker to our 2.5 marker (refer to map). The flat course smoothed out further as runners began to space out favorably after 3 miles. The second half of the run was much more favorable than the first half with more room to break out despite the narrow turns at the 5K and 4 mile markers. Allison’s usual goal in themed races is to run down and pass any competitor dressed in costume. Her right hip flexor, though, had other thoughts for this particular race.

Despite a stomach cramp at mile 2.5 and the reemergence of nasty hip flexor pain (for a 10K? Come on!) after 3 miles, Allison finished with a time of 54:22 (8:45 pace) which was good enough to place 138/690 in her age group and 474/2,255 overall. Despite just barely missing a spot on the awards podium, Allison was happy with her performance having knocked off 4 minutes off of her previous 10K time (which was her first 10K race). After a brief conversation with the very approachable, friendly and 39:18 finisher Mayor Adrian Fenty (“Oh I’m not going to even TELL you what my time was!) and a mayoral high five, Allison filled her stomach with an “everything” bagel and a bottle of water and was escorted home by her sweet husband who endured the 6 AM wake-up call, cold, ice (yes, we found some), rain and mud, lots and lots of mud, to only watch his wife for a few short seconds as she crossed the finish line.

Bethesda Turkey Chase 10K

Thursday, November 26, 2009 - Nearly 5,000 runners showed up for the 27th annual Bethesda Turkey Chase 10K.  It was a cold and gray Thanksgiving morning, but the rain held off until later in the day.  NORSA representation for this race included Steven L, Matt, Tom, Steven S, and Emily.  Some had picked up packets at City Sports the day before, and some picked them while the first waves were starting the race.   The black long-sleeved shirts were better than your average race shirt, but Matt preferred the purple shirt from the Luray Sprint Triathlon.

The course started by the YMCA Bethesda and went out on Cedar Lane, through the local neighborhood, followed Wisconsin Avenue past Bethesda Naval Hospital to downtown Bethesda, then back on Old Georgetown Road to the finish.  It was a hilly course with a good portion of the Wisconsin leg being uphill.  As in past years, Wisconsin Avenue was not completely closed to traffic for the race and the runners were supposed to squeeze into the far right lane of the road.  Things got a bit congested and many spilled over the cones into the next lane.  The finish was downhill and fast.  So fast that Steven S forgot to turn in his timing chip and had to mail it in.

Steven L led the pack with a fast and furious 48:37, with Steven S close behind.  The rest of the NORSA group put up equally impressive times.  Tom beat his time from the 2007 race, and Matt, Steve L, and brother John beat their times from 2008.   Full race results are available here. 

Steven S partakes in post-race shenanigans.

Due to holiday obligations there was not a NORSA post-race event.  But after this great day of running Team NORSA gives thanks for our friends, our health, and the opportunity to challenge ourselves.

Sky Meadows hiking

Sunday, November 15, 2009 -  With much nicer weather than previous NORSA outings, Matt, Steven S, and Emily decided to check out another Virginia state park at Sky Meadows. Less than an hour from the DC area, the park was recommended by a fellow hiker at Duncan Knob. The park has 12 miles of trails and also connects to the Appalachian Trail.

Starting on the North Ridge Trail, the group explored a couple miles of the AT, stopped for lunch, then returned on the Ambassador Whitehouse and Piedmont Overlook trails. From the portion of the AT that intersects the park, it is a 21 mile hike south to Shenandoah National Park and about 26 miles north to Harper's Ferry. The Sky Meadows trails go through a mix of woods and pastures, with views of the Blue Ridge in the distance. Several groups of hikers and a few runners were out enjoying the warm weather.

The ridge trails were moderately challenging and the connection to the AT offers some options for future hiking trips.  Matt, Steven, and Emily also checked out various items of historical-ness such as the Mount Bleak House and ye olde ice house by the visitor's center.  After the hike they ate at Big Buns - the usual post-hike stuff plus some Jack Johnson tracks.