Mount Spokane Trail Run
September 10, 2022 Mount Spokane 25 km race organized by Negative Split.
This is a Back to Nature Series run and is the third of three races the first one being Hiawatha Trail 15 km run starting in Taft, MT, the second being Silver Mountain 25 km run in Kellogg Idaho. This year I was able to participate in the first two events and am excited for the Amount Spokane 25 km run and to complete the three part series.
There is a problem however; fires have been causing a lot of smoke in the area of air quality index is been pretty terrible. I picked up my packet at Fleet feet Spokane Valley and asked the Negative Split crew there if the race was still scheduled and going on as planned and they said yes there was no plans to cancel the race. I reviewed the air quality index and it was moderate however if it says bad up there as it is here in town it’s going to be a health concern.
Air Quality Index
The Spokane Regional Help District recommending that people remain indoors as much as possible and avoid outdoor activities with air quality index between 160 and 180. Boulder Mountain fire in Colville National Forest Kootenai River Complex fire as well as the Seven Bays fire or local-area fires that are significantly contributing to this very unhealthy problem.
Exercising in poor air quality conditions
The question is should you really be outside and exerting yourself when the air quality is suspect? I have included a couple of links to websites that address the specific issue that is a focus on trail running a lot of these are running websites.
Day of the race
I was up early, at 4 o’clock, the morning of the race to check air quality index as I would need to leave at approximately 5:45 AM to make sure I get to the mountain in time get some good stretching and hydration before the race. Checking the air quality index is ranking between 169 and 175: this is considered a level red which is described as unhealthy. “Everyone breathing will be affected by the pollution of the air, so exercise inside to avoid”. Up and head outside; still dark and I can smell the smoke in the air. I’m torn on whether or not I should just drive up and go however I know if I get up there I will end up running as that is my nature.
I sadly decided to not participate in today’s race due to the significantly poorer quality is in training for a three day race: Grand Circle Trailfest in Knab Utah September 28 through Saturday, October 1.
There are no bad adventures; just get out there!
