DNSed

Today I was suppose to run the Trail Madness 16K at Turkey Mountain Urban Area in Tulsa, OK. I really wanted to make the four and a half drive and get in a good run. I checked the weather a for two weeks and the forecast was getting worse and worse. The predicted temperature was going lower and the snow and freezing precipitation prediction was growing.  I have run in freezing conditions and snow so not a problem but the travel concerns me. I do not think it was a wise or safe idea to drive that distance on possible icy roads. Plus, it was a SUnday race so I had no choice to return the day of because of work. The RD sent several emails earlier this week to update the trail conditions and giving the go ahead for the race. The final email stated the race was on the only thing that would stop the race would be excessive mud. Mud would not be a problem since the trails are frozen. I am assuming that some of the roads are not in great shape since the race entrances have been changed and the parking has also been changed. There are arguments among the trail running community of which is worse., a DNS or DNF.  I feel really bad about this DNS and I have not had a DNF so I would say a DNS is worse. I am glad the race did not sell out and I took someone’s spot so I guess the registration fee is a donation.

In two weeks I will run my second half marathon, I have no plans on a DNS or DNF.

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Best of 2018 Trails upon Trails

This year I hiked 50 new trails in 45 new places. I was doing the 52 Hike Challenge Explorer Series which is to hike 52 new places in 12 months. I did not get to 52 new trails but the 50 new trails were worth the travel. I found some local city parks and many state parks. I ventured into two other states besides Texas. I liked the hikes in Arkansas and Oklahoma and already have plans to return to both states. I also had some first in my trail running. I did my first 1/2 Marathon, 20K, 25K and 50K all on trails. 2018 was an awesome year to be outside.

Austin, TX

Tulsa, OK

Dallas, TX

Mount Magazine 20K

Wild Hare 50K

Mount Nebo, Arkansas

Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Oklahoma

2018 was an incredible year and my plans for 2019 are even more adventurous.

 

 

Oxley Nature Trails

Oxley Nature Trails are located at Mohawk Park in Tulsa, OK. I had this hike as my third Tulsa hike destination and only if I had time. My second hiking spot was closed for the day so I decided to head here and see what it had to offer. I usually do not like flat hikes especially those in flood plains after the rains. I really liked this place. The trails and views were very surprising. I spent more time here than I thought I was going to spend. I would have hiked the entire place but the whole rain in the flood plain area washed out some areas. I got to see some marsh areas and a crane up close and too personal. The lookout tower was nice. The trails also had some very cool bridges that were just above water level. The different plants really caught my eye. I was never bored even though there was nothing spectacular. The entire place was something different to see in general.  

The bonus of this hike was the people who worked in the nature center were awesome and very nice and helpful. This was hike 39 in my 52 Hike Challenge Explorer Series.

Next up is seven weekends of trail running. I hope the rain lightens up. I do not like trail running in the rain.

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness

Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness is located in Tulsa, OK.  I wanted to do this hike to see what it would be like during the half marathon in December. The trail was very nice with some very steep inclines but none really long. The trails had some good views of the city. I like to see more nature views but the city views were not too bad. Plus the city looked much better from the top of the trails. I got there early enough to have the trail to myself for awhile but this is a popular trail so it filled up quickly.  There is nothing that really stuck out about the trail but it was a nice hike.

This was a nice piece of tranquility in the middle of an urban environment.  The was hike 38 in my 52 Hike Challenge Explorer series. Next blog I will continue my Tulsa hiking tour.