Joy Run: Tiger Mountain

*This post is part of our Joy Run Series, where monthly trail runs will be featured to inspire you to get out and hit the trails and explore new tracks.

Our good friend and former teammate wrangled a group from RunSeattle to head east and spend our Sunday morning running the Tiger Mountain Trails. There were five of us total, including Justin, which was the perfect number for a single track trail.

We parked at the Issaquah Brewhouse, which was a good starting point about a quarter mile from the trail head. We would have met at the trail head but we wanted to choose an obvious location to meet so no one got lost.

This trail is not for the faint of heart; we started on an uphill and stayed on an uphill. Paige was in stellar shape and lead the way. I have to say, this run was a shock to the system. Nonetheless, I was jacked to be on the trail and this was when my wheels started spinning in regards to switching from road racing to trail racing. The terrain was brutal, but it was incredibly forgiving. I've battled with past aches and pains that I've been able to run through on the road - but on the trail - I was breezing down the track.

Upon reaching the top we were rewarded with a vista of Cougar Mountain and the rest of Issaquah. We spent a few minutes soaking in our surroundings and then cruised down the mountain. Upon reaching the car we clocked in a little over 2 hours. I was shocked to read this on my watch - the time had flown by! There's something to be said about the serenity of trail running, whether you're solo or not, it's simply more enjoyable.

Tiger Mountain via Issaquah Brewery:  35 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027
Distance: 12 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
Photos by Bobeya Krishnek