January 27, 2013

Over the last 30 days I've run 88 miles with 21,000ft of elevation gain. I've been much more focused on training smarter, and I've been taking the runs pretty easy. Lot's of stopping to take pictures, and just having fun. This week was a back off in preparation for an increase in weekly mileage. The weather didn't allow less mileage to mean less difficulty, though. I headed up Mt Wire on Friday, and the warmer temps made for one of the most torturous days on the trail that I can remember. 2000ft of elevation gain in about 1.5 miles with shin/knee deep slush that hardened to concrete with every post hole. It was nice to get above the inversion though. Today I did a 10 mile loop starting and ending at my driveway. More slush, but not as bad. I still can't believe how lucky we are to live in such a wonderful place. To run from my house, in a loop, for 10 miles, climbing almost 3000ft without seeing a single other person is as good as it gets.

Climbing out of the inversion. Mt Wire, 7200ft.

A stark reminder that there's still plenty of wildness just above the city.

Clouds and snow closing in on downtown Salt Lake City.

About 1.5 miles from home. Dropping down to Ensign Peak as the snow starts blowing sideways.

January 21, 2013

I've lived in Salt Lake City for well over 10 years, and despite my love of the mountains, I haven't ventured out much in the winter. Everything is harder in the winter, but to connect with and understand the landscape, it must be experienced in every season. I am committed to getting up to the high(er) country through the rest of this winter, and to hopefully gain a new understanding and comfort with the snow and cold. I don't have hundreds of dollars to buy ski gear, but I will get out as far and as high as I can with what I have. I have spikes, crampons and an ice axe. It'll have to do.
My first winter trip up 9000ft Mt Olympus was a humble start. The ice axe made me feel pretty bad ass, even if I only used it for balance on the scramble once or twice. Really, I'm probably a danger to myself and others with that thing.
My training is moving along smoothly, and after two months of lower mileage and an overall reduced training volume, I'm feeling healthy again. The knee feels good, and my energy has returned. I hadn't taken any significant rest since early 2011 when I started training for Leadville, and last summer (precisely when my knee gave up) I jumped to almost 60 hours a month of total training. New year, new smarts. Two days a week of lifting a la Wendler. Three days a week of running (for now). Two days a week of non running endurance and conditioning. Seven days a week of mobility, recovery, and self care. Pressure and time.

January 16, 2013

In the depths of winter I finally learned there was in me an invincible summer.   - Albert Camus

I am officially registered for these races.

Devil's Backbone 50 miler

Kat'cina Mosa 100K

There are more adventures and maybe another race or two in the works.

I learned some valuable lessons last year about what this body can and can't do. I've entered this year with a sober new humility, and my practice will be it's expression. I have energy to be expressed, and energy to be gained from wild places, but I'd like to get in as many years as possible of hard living. Perhaps, if this focus can be maintained, I can get stronger and faster, and maybe smarter. I'm up there in the snow and cold, and in the gym, laying down the foundation.