Multnomah Falls kick off run

On November 25th I decided to kick off training for a long distance trail run. What better place than Multnomah Falls... actually I can think of a lot of better places, but few more beautiful. The 6 mile loop I chose going up and around the falls, was a huge challenge.

The first half of the loop is 3 miles of steep climbing, with the first mile being the worst, as it's comprised of steep switchbacks all the way to the top of the falls. It's brutal, and one mile into it the muscles in my legs began starving for oxygen. It doesn't relent the next 2 miles either, however the cascading waterfalls, the streams, mossy rock formations and majestic woods provide constant sustenance for the spirit, keeping the beleaguered body going.

I miss Oregon... I miss the hikers who revel in being outdoors. There's an attitude and way of life that goes along with it. You can feel the positivity and kinship. I ran past an older gentleman on the way down who gave me an exuberant thumbs up, and shouted out, "The uphill is hard on the breathing, and the downhill on the knees!?" I wished I had more time to discuss the body mechanics of running with the guy, but managed to eke out an enthusiastic, "Exactly!" while wizzing by on a fast stretch of downhill.

After the first mile, the tourists fade away, and those who persevere are rewarded with more falls in an isolated and serene environment.

When the hard part is over, the top flattens out and offers gorgeous view of the Columbia River gorge 2000' below. It felt like running on the edge of the world at times.