Ravings and Blather

After a cold yet brotherly night in a mountainside Yurt, just a post holiday jaunt to start off the year.  This was actually a physically tough one.  Getting a bit philosophically nervous about the May marathon. avg 8:54

Out and back trail to Porcupine Grill past the Old Mill.  First time on this route.  Was a good one.  avg 8:44 with some old man pains.  Need to get consistent on this runs.  Also need a personal masseuse.

Trying to get some base miles in.  avg 9:00  Usually dont see need to mention potty stops but this was near disaster.  Went into 7/11 and once finished realized no toilet paper to be found.  Had to sneak out for some nearby napkins.  made it.  

on the treadmill.  rat in a cage.  after those 2 stumbling drunken miles on TM, spent a more enjoyable mile on the elliptical.

Ran up to Millcreek Inn in Millcreek canyon.  3.5 up 3.5 down.  Had to walk for 20 steps on about 2 mile mark, but overall proud to have run up as far as did.  avg 8:45

smog, smog, smog. probably shouldnt run in this crapola.  Also, felt some new sharp hip pain which scares me.  Mind over matter though eh.

This turned into twice as long a run as I was planning.  I had Anne drop me off half way up Millcreek canyon.  I ran one mile up from there and was planning on turning around and running home approx 6 miles, but saw the pipeline trailhead was packed hard with snow and decided to venture up.  This decision added 7 trail miles and another hour, but was beautiful up along the trail.  I could tell I was underfueled and hydrated at mile 7.  Definitely a hot lamb moment.  This was a trail run/walk up steeps.  On the descent down Rattlesnake Gulch I slipped on the trail where it is steep and basically just ice.  Slid for about 15 feet like I was on a taboggen until got ahold of some branches.  Got out of the canyon and ran home.  fasted mile about 8:20, slowest about 12:30.  avg about 9:45 with just over two hours of run time.  Sore but fun.  Love to get the brothers on the trail.

Just trying to air out the legs.  I am more sore than I thought.  Both hips sore.  avg 8:58

Wasnt going to run to let the hip rest but the inversion has finally lifted and when I looked out at noon it was completely sunny, blue sky.  Couldnt resist.  took it slow and only 3 but was great to be in shorts for a day.

This run was nausea, pain, and poop.  However, on I go.  A good soldier in time of peace.  a little off kilter but good nonetheless.  avg 8:48

Take it easy run avg 8:50 after a sweet day of skiing on the fat boys with Hairdog at Basin.  Yes Kerry was there as well.  Nice post call physicality.

Decided to get back out and get in the canyon.. Up to Millcreek again for a snowy trailrun.  Snow a bit to soft to really run well, but beautiful and a good workout.  Started at Burch and went to top of pipeline then bck down the canyon to the car.  about 55 minute venture of hike/run.

Threw down the big one with brother Oreo.  11 miles of Millcreek pipeline trail and 4 back home.  avg 9:42 or so.  some good ups and downs and had to pull Nick out of the snow when he tumbled down the hill.  Anyway good times.  

The last two miles of this hurt.  but thats good right?  Anyway, just a neighborhood run through to Millcreek office buildings.  great to be outside.  surprising that my quads arent sore after the downhill canyon run. avg 8:30

Guilted into another run on the trail because I wont be able to run for a few days and want to keep the miles up.  This was a beautiful view run along the pipeline trail from church fork to the city overlook.  Was great scenery and views but the big glass of OJ and bowl of raisin bran pre run was a bad idea.  first mile up was slow walk and jog 12 minutes rest between 8:30 and 9:00

Didn't feel like going to bed yet so went on a run and 10:45pm.  Nice to be out after a busy day at work.  not sure how fast as I deleted the run mistakenly.

Couldnt sleep this fine morning so went on jaunt through the misty neighborhood streets around Holliday at 6am.  Nobody else out strangely.  Was nice to stretch the legs before busting on a trip to Hawaii.  right butt cheek starting to hurt again.  not sure what brings this on.  Mozzer, your Yazmin Bleeth is in the mail.

Great to be living in Hawaii for a few days.  Did an early am trail run with Brother Nick around the Keana State park point on the tip of the West Coast and around to the North Shore side.  the run was coastline with great views out over the ocean and inland mountain range.  The area we were in is apparently the highest area for car breakins, and there are miles of shanty town homeless along the beaches leading up to the area. 

I call this the poison gas run because we got into some chemical plant trail run near the hotel where the air smelled and tasted like death was coming. Then had a nice run up the frontage of the beach amidst the palms and ocean. Nice. avg 8:45 or so.

How great is Hawaii?  Ran the Aiea Loop trail with the brother.  Fantastic and beautiful trail and jungle and spectacular views.  Almost lost Nick over the side again.  Mozzer, next time you need to be here.  Had some decent ups and downs.  Sweating like a pig.  Actually the terrain made you feel like you were running on one of the pig trails right out of Lost.

Started this one out with a 2. 5 hour car ride in traffic.  Lousy.  However the Maunawili Trail was worth it.  We ran the first two miles in stunning jungle.  next 2 was basically  a side trail to the Mauniwili Falls.  Waterfall nothing special but the ridgeline trail views coming back with the scalloped Jurrasic Park mountains shooting up in the mist was awesome.  Maybe the most beautiful outdoor site I have ever seen.  Took a few headshots with overlying canopy branches and a few near death stumbles but it was 5 star.  Back to the cold on Saturday

Just wanted to get the legs moving after a horrendous 24 hour call shift.  Slept til noon after getting home at 5 am.  avg 8:31 of neighborhood Olympus high loop.  Can't say I am glad to be back in this overcast weather.

Wanted to go for a trailrun today but life not cooperating.  Slogged out a few in the dark tonight just to clear the soul and the sinuses

Nice jaunt though the neighborhood.  avg 8:31

Wanted to get some good mileage in and today 10 was all I had in the tank.  Drove to Millcreek canyon and started up Churchfork and then "ran" up to the end of pipeline and continued up the main road just to hit 5 miles and then came back.  Lots of people on the trail today.  Walked most of the trail up the switchbacks around Burch Hollow as felt low energy and was walking faster than running.  avg overall just over 10:00 per with 1:47 or so for the run.  Nice to again be in the beautiful mountails.

Batcrap Batman.  Cold this morning on a beautiful sunny day in SLC.  My whole body is on empty for some reason.  Still good to get out.  avg 8:45

Overdressed this one so am sweating like a beast. Thought it was still cold because of earlier snow, but must have been in mid 40s.  I like being sweaty though so not too shabby.  Ran a 8:31 avg on a Holladay route out to the Market Street Grill area.  Nice tunes today.  It's interesting that its the same music list I have in the ipod but some days it fires on great songs and sometimes it is full of suckitude.

Wowza.  Got a call from a neighbor who has run 25 marathons in the past 4 years to see if I wanted to run with him this am.  I of course am trying to gear up for the first one.  I now call him the drill sergeant.  He wanted to run hills, so we started out and ran up 45th south all the way up to the mouth of Neffs canyon in Olympus cove.  I had to power walk here and there and catch up.  3.7 miles of pretty steep ups.  Then down to base of millcreek canyon where he wanted to do some sprint work.  did 3 30sec sprinting hill repeats.  totally gassed at this point.  then we started running up millcreek canyon and got to log haven restaurant.  he had another appt so his wife picked us up and drove us down the canyon to his house.  run 10.5 at this point so i went alone back home to get the 13.  He is a task master and a bit too intense about it all for my taste.  Good work out nonetheless.  Nothing too fast with all the up.  avg at the end 9:48

Nothing special.  Just a nighttime run on a stomach full of Nielsons frozen custard raspberry/oreo.  avg 8:45

Escape to pipeline.  Beautiful day up on the Millcreek trail.  Went up church fork then up and down for the time I could muster.  So much more satisfying than the road at times plus it seems to be helping my back since the variation in terrain changes my gait.

Running in neighborhood snow again.  Slush fest with the ipod dying before the end of mile one.  But had a nice time.  Picked up the pace on the two miles of downhill to get under 8.  avg overall 8:26

Ran the slushy but beautiful pipeline trail with Hairdog.  Started at Burch creek and ran nearly to Rattlesnake Gulch and then back and up a few switchbacks until nature hit the Dog and we ended the journey.  Felt decent.  Nice to have one of the brothers around.  Looking forward to Buffalo and Cali next month.

Big T Loop on a nice morning.  Havent run the pavement in some time it seems for over 4 miles.  Was a grim reminder that my marathon this May for a first timer is a butt long way.  avg around 8:42

Had to bust out a big whooping stick, for me anyway.  Did the Big T loop with the Happy Trail extension to mouth of Big Cottonwood for the first time.  Not sure if I will be able to get out again this week so wanted to get 20 for the week to keep that streak going.  Did not try to push this one as I feel I just need to get used to the time out.  Need to build this stamina if I hope to finish the marathon as a biped.  avg 8:44  This run reinforced the need to start out slow in longer distances.  This is key for me and my mitochondrial storage disease.

Ides of March.  Nice day for a run.  Was going to hit the trails but thought I would let them dry out for a few days.  Instead ran up to the traihead of Neffs canyon.  It is about 4 miles from my house and a tough bugger for me to keep running all the way, had to stop for wind 2 moments.  Beautiful overlook over the salt lake valley.  Then ran to the base of Millcreek then wound back home.  Tried to get moving faster on the way down and back.  slow 10:33 fast 7:25.  Was happy with my last mile being 8 flat.  I get much more sore I have realized at the 7 to 8 range than my comfort 8:30.  but fun day

Couldnt pass a day in the high 50's.  Made it up to Millcreek to run the pipeline.  Went up church fork and ran to the overlook and back to the car.  Some mud and snow still but overall nice conditions and it was warm.  Ran in shorts and tshirt and was still warm.  Next time its alfresco.  I am still sore from Mondays run, so need saturdays to be long but relatively slow I think.  avg around 9.

Excellent run with Nick and Hairdog from the beginning of the Ogden Marathon site up Monte to Nicks House.  Took it very steady just to get time and base miles in.  had a great time.  Fun to run with these wankers.  avg 8:45  Beautiful sunny but cold morning.  Now getting a bit sore

Just a run around the neighborhood to see how I liked the cascadia 5 shoe.  Needed the half size bigger than what I was wearing in the 4 series.  Worked well,  but almost a bit too roomy in some areas.  some soreness in the right buttock but otherwise muscles ok, just a bit fatigued.  avg 8:15 due to a 6:59 last downhill mile.

Went on a trail walk with Charlie, our Cockapoo.  He is not much of a runner, but we did about a mile.  Was fun to be with the pooch, but not sure is he loved it until we started down the trail.

Lovely day out on Antelope Island.  First time out there for this run, and the first longer trail run I have done.  Was a great experience.  Not sure on the actual race mileage, above is what my Garmin recorded, could be longer because of all my weaving around.  avg pace 9:03 which I was very happy with because of the multitude of ups on this course.  I heard about the "switchbacks" but they ended up being a bit longer than I expected.  Felt fairly strong going up them though.  Nick busted out a great 50K as well.

Mile splits

10:07 just wanted to slow and easy up these uphill grade first few

10:22 

8:55

7:52

7:57

9:38  This was a bit of a climb to the aid station

6:53  Burner down the hill.  Quads got a bit fatigued here with so many miles to go

10:33  up the switch

10:59  same

8:57

8:44

8:41 just trying to steadily get home

9:27

8:07

8:36

8:21 Last mile.  Back cramping, tough, holding on even though downhill slightly 

Great day overall. 

Very slow jaunt around the pipeline trail system near Burch Creek.  Felt fairly unenergetic and fatigued.  Legs a bit energy depleted from the race.  However always nice to be outside.  Slow pace, enough run and walk combined not sure if I should even count it as a run.  Took about an hour.

Running in the snow again.  Actually done with the snow mentally, but the run was nice.  I like the coolness.  Kentucky loop past Skyline then back to Wander.  avg 8:24  Legs still tight from the Buffalo, not really sore but tight.  Distressed though that Left Nut resurfaced.

Got up this fine and chilly Saturday and watched Star Wars Clone Wars with son Will.  Always good to see Anakin and Obi Wan help a farming community repel the pirate attackers.  Then ran 2 miles with Hannah, then ran the Big Titty Loop Backwards.  Felt really good miles 5 through 7, then not so good.  But happy to get some miles in.  avg 9:00

After work run.  This run was satisfying because I was running in hail the last bit.  I love hail, something that falls out of the sky that could knock you silly but is beautiful.  Pushed Kentucky hill and looped down to 23rd, 2 fast miles of around 7:33 and 7:37.  Felt pretty good but was running out of steam fast near the end.  avg 8:08

Post call jaunt.  Felt like crap.  But sunny day, in shorts, can't beat that.  Need new music on the ipod.

Out on a walk with Anne and Charlie, then it got cold, so I ran home and picked them up in the car.

Beastly long run leading up to the Ogden Marthon.  Now I am scared.  That is the longest I have run and I am pretty dang sore for the last few miles.  Also enthused that I went that far.  Anyway, ran around Pineview reservoir with brothers Nick, Tony and sister in law Jamie.  avg 9:11.  Nick left us in the dust with about 6 miles to go, he is animal.  fun day

Decided to do a shorter distance up Pipeline.  Up rattlesnake gulch.  Steep and felt crappy from the beginning.  First mile took me 15 minutes and only .6 was up the hill, no joke. I can see how a mile could take 18 minutes now on that steep beast we are planning this weekend.  Got me less excited, but we soldier on.  Still light headed and dizzy, whoa nelly.

trail along san fran beach area with the brothers.  running and walking involved in this because we didnt know where the heck we were going.  walked around the big bunkers built during WW2.  pretty impressive stuff.

Awesome race with my three studly brothers in the redwoods of Nothern Cali.  Spent a few days messing around with the brothers prior to this race.  Was good hang out time.  THe race itself was very fun with a lot of up and down (about 3100ft of each).  I loved the course, but made a major navagating faux pas at about mile 8.5 when I followed two dudes down the left arm of a trail split without really looking at the sign closely.  We found our mistake after a steep descent and then had to backtrack up the now steep ascent.  This really blew because I wanted to see if I could keep the two brothers I had passed behind me.  By the time I added the nearly quarter mile on I was out of the sprint to the finish.  Live and Learn.  Loved the race overall though.  They did a nice job of putting it on and I was happy to finally get an age group place award.  You just need to get old enough and run in a small enough race and presto.  Felt really good overall, and it made it great to be with the bros.  Maybe I will add the exact time and splits later, I dont have garmin with me. 

Got out for an in between the rains run.  Nice to get the wheels spinning a bit. Took it out easy pace and felt good on this mostly downhill day.  still fatigued from the push on the xterra race but not really sore.  Happy with that.  avg 8:46

Threw down the big wupping stick to try and survive this first marathon attempt.  Ran with Hairdog and Brother Fritz on a beautiful morning in Huntsville on generally the first part of the Ogden marathon course.  Felt the usual aches and pains but was happy overall keeping at a slower pace and enjoying the conversation with the Dog.  Worried about Fritz though, he might have been having a slight coronary.  He is a pack mule though and tough as snot.  Nick gave us great support and encouragement. Nice burger after at the Double Diamond and want to take Gina home.  avg 9:19

Did the Kentucky to Millcreek road loop.  Ran into Amy, an old friend and chatted for 10 minutes at mile 3.5 then tried to pick it up on the down hills managing a 7:57 and two miles around 8 even.  Was a struggle with the right achilles tendon, but nice warm day.  avg8:34

Spent the morning at the DMV renewing my license.  Went suprisingly well and speedy.  Snowing during todays run, blizzard for the first half.  Funny weather here in the Utah spring.  Same loop as last time only tried to pick it up faster the last half.  Shaved a minute and a half off with 3 sub 8 miles for the downhill portions.  Felt good except the achilles and lower medial calf is sore still.  A bit worried about that.  Anyway,  on call this weekend so likely no run until monday.  avg 8:24

Jaunt around Big Titty Loop with Ol Mill extension.  Now I am seriously worried that my ankle has got some tweak in it.  Good news is that it feels completely stable, but a sharp pain on the medial achilles around to inside is constantly there.  That right butt cheek, knee and unmentionalbles also seem to be sore.  I think I am screwing up that side of my body.  Just need to man up I guess. 

Just a stretch the ankle out run.  Still quite sore.  Might not run it...  Ha ha.  Of course I will.  Might just take a lortab prior to make it more interesting.  avg 8:35

Was up at Stein Erikson in Deer Valley.  heaven up there.  Did a slow run up and down the hills around the area including Empire pass area.  My ankle hurts immensely but I am a man and will try not to complain but I may seek the advice of an ortho doc prior to the race.  Kept it slow on this one.

This was my first marathon.  Something I never really thought I was going to do in my life for lots of reasons, but after running 6 halfs and with pressure to run from 4 brothers that also ran this race (3 for first time as well) I was really happy that I did.  On the other hand mile 24 25 and 26 and .2 really sucked.  The race is a fun one because of the great course, support and finish area, and being a Huntsville native, it was the old stomping grounds.  Beautiful day, perfect temperature, and a great dinner pre race by my sister in law Jamie who also ran.

Splits

8:41, 8:34, 8:30, 8:22, 8:34, 8:32, 8:24, 8:48, 8:38, 8:37, 8:51, 8:49, 9:13 half (1:53), I took a porta john break at mile 12.5 thinking I had to go, but I didn't have to go, which really just ended up being a time waster.

8:49, 9:09 hill, 8:46, 8:54, 8:43, 8:43 thought I was going faster here because of slight downhill in the canyon, but starting to fatigue out I guess, 8:50, 8:57, 9:06, 8:37, 9:07, 9:29, 9:34

 Overall I was really wanting this to be over mile 22 to 23 on.  Quads burning.  Ankle which was hurting a lot the last 2-3 weeks was actually sore but ok, not much of a factor. Happy with race to have finished the first one which is a mental hurdle, and I stayed consistent with my general game plan and broke four hours with some spare change.  Nice job to brothers Oreo, Mozzer, Hairdog and Fredrick.  You guys are studs. 

First real movement since the marathon.  Felt pretty good to get the legs moving again.  Sore still and fatigued the muscles quickly.  Whats the next race?

Just wanted to be outside on this fine day.  Did a couple of surgeries and then went out for a neighborhood jaunt.  Tried to push some of the miles, managed an 8:17 average and am sore everywhere.  Marathons do suck it out of you a bit

Some of the hills along Holiday Blvd with run to Market Street.  Tried to push all these miles except ran out of steam on mile 3 but picked it up again 4-6.  Was happy with 8:12 average for the run.  Just saw the Ogden Pictures.  Bros look studly as usual.  I look bowlegged and nearly dead with the customary lower half looking like I am speed walking instead of running.  haha

Inspired by mozzer's 13.1, so went up to pipeline trail. Started at Burch Hollow and went up to Elbow Fork and then started up toward Mt. Aire.  Havent been up that way before.  About 3/4 mile in I had to make emergency stop.  Glad that I learned the snow trick for personal hygiene from the Hairdog.  Ran dizzily back to the car.  Slow but rewarding country.  Energy in legs is still lacking.

Big T loop on a warm spring morning finally.  I think Nick transfered his IT band problems to my left knee.  Voodoo worker.  I need to put on another of those Aztec nanochip patches now to take away the pain.  avg 8:44  Felt like crapola most of the time.  But i saw the coolest bluejay I have ever seen.  May have been a mirage...but I don't think so.

Just got the powdered donut out of my system.  Happy Holidays

This was a fun day. Spent the day with brother Nick.  He was running the Squaw Peak 50 and I joined him at aid station 6 and went the last 24 with him.  Good thing I did because he started hallucinating in there somewhere and said we would run up "to that lamppost".  The lamppost was a gnarled old tree.  Ha Ha.  But after 45 miles who could argue.  There was some seriously beautiful country to go over and through.  Hairdog went about 8 with us as well then ran back out to get the car.  Windy Pass was actually fun to see.  Beautiful views.  Felt good today with little pressure because I was mainly trying to be a good support.  Nice role except I about did 15 faceplants hitting roots and rocks with my feet on the downhill.  Did manage to stay afloat.  Nick did a great job on his first 50 miler even with a bum knee.

Holladay morning jaunt to work off Wills birthday dinner.  He wanted to go to Training Table, which is cool but I always wolf down the cheese fries then feel like crapola after.  Good to get out and sweat a bit on this muggy morning.  avg 8:39

Just a morning run in the once again cool climes of SLC.  Felt good at slow pace but arms sore from waterskiing, ha ha.

Was going to do a longer, but full of Donuts from yesterday.  Ate two from Banbury Cross and had a surprise gift from Ali who came in from Newport Beach with a dozen of my favorites in the world from Seaside Donuts by Newport pier.  So two more last night.  avg 8:35 ran up to the Old Mill and Back.  Little Cottonwood creek is full and beautiful.

Pipeline trail from Burch Hollow to Elbow Fork then up another mile on the road to Fir Crest campground then down to the car on the road.  Felt a bit wiped out but beautiful area and beautiful day.

 "Now there is nothing left but pain"...Metallica.

Got to this place on this run.  Just felt stomach full of lead and weak mental status.  Started feeling a bit better when hit mile 6 and 7 actually.  Big T loop then saw daughter Hannah and gave her the embarrassing double armed fist pump.  Ran one more with her.  avg 8:48

Anne drove me up to Burch creek trailhead in Millcreek.  Ran down the trail to Rattlesnake then out to the road then thru some olympus cove streets then home.  avg 8:20 mostly because I was bombing the downhill when I could.  Felt good overall but more tired tonight then I thought I would be.

Air was thick with heat tonight.  Nice to be out in a sauna.  avg 8:26

late nite, full tummy, leaden pace

Birthday today!!  No running but wiped out nonetheless.  Waterskiing on some smooth water at Pineview 0730 with oreo and the hairdog.  Got in some nice cuts, even if not quite there yet.  Then oreo and I went on 90 minute mountain bike up snowbasin area over some beautiful terrain.  Good burner and a fun downhill.  Then went to surf at the flowrider in Ogden.  Nice fun active birthday with some good chow (barbeque in Huntsville) that night.  Trifecta and then some.

Hot sauce.  Ran at 1 pm in about 90 degree weather.  Up kentucky over to 39th and home.  I actually dont mind the heat, but it saps the energy.  Fun day avg 8:48

Tried to do the Grandeur Peak Fun run course, (just for fun), now I refer to it as the Grandeur Peak kick my butt, barely survive, ran out of water mile 7, much too hot,what was I thinking run. 3000 vertical up the first two miles, just walking, next down church fork to pipeline to rattlesnake gulch to some obscure game trail back to start, got off the course somewhere in there but was realizing that I was in some trouble with dehydration and still sore from last weekend mountain bike extravaganza.  This adventure took me 3 hours, and convinced me maybe maybe the skyline marathon is a pipedream.  should go boating instead.

Wanted to get out for something longer, but just couldnt get out of bed.  Only time for a short jaunt before the neices neighborhood parade.  avg 8:27

Midday run in the heat with Kentucky hill to 39th and loop to home.  This after a good waterskiing morning with Oreo and HD.  Nice holiday weekend.  avg 8:45

Early"ish" run for me, 0730 start haha.  Nice to beat the main heat of the day.  Decided to do some road miles after mostly doing trails for the longer runs lately.  Went up past the Old Mill to Porcupine grill and back.  Felt a bit sore and uncomfortable upper body, but good run with avg around 8:45

Head was dripping like a fire hydrant on first two miles of this run up and back out of Neff's canyon trail by mt olympus.  Havent been up there before.  Steep trail for two miles then ran out of time so went back to car.  Will get up here again to see where this trail goes.  Some cool views.  Rocky trail coming down was a beast, and I dont quite know how it happened but I somehow kicked up a small cantaloupe sized rock that came down on top of my left foot.  Hurt like a bugger.  Might have broken one of the bones in there.  Kept running though be cause I needed to get out of there.  Icing it now, will see...

Hot and Heavy Mother today!  Post call run in the sun, Old Mill and back.  Avg around 9

2 mile slog after dinner.  Full of some awesome pineapple, mango, salad.

Running in a blast furnace this morning.  Body definitely out of running mode with a week off and 30% of my body replaced with straight sugar, pepsi and mountain dew products.  Sweet Powell time with Nick, Anthony, Sam, Taylor. Died in the heat everyday from noon to 5 pm but sweetest ski of my life on Friday, so...not a bad tradeoff.  Thinking the skyline half might be a much better idea than full in mid august.  heat just too much for this puppy with the training I have or haven't done. avg 8:40

Did an out and back on Pipeline trail from Burch creek to the overlook and back up the canyon.  Beautiful day with lots of hikers, bikers and dogs.  I love going on the trail up the canyon so you can view the south pine covered slopes across the canyon.  Felt just ok...but glad to be out.  The Powell Big Toe injury started surfacing around mile 5 and Energy flagging by mile 8 even though hit the GU bomb at 6 mi...Chocolate thunder baby!  Forgot the glide so that was another issue, but overall a beautiful time out in Millcreek.

Hot and sweaty to be sure...and my body is still beat to a pulp from tubing behind our neighbors boat Thurs night.  So felt crappy to be sure.  Days like today I am not sure I am a runner at all..anywho I realized we have no real 24th July traditions so we're going to start the BS outing(Books and Shakes)...my kids are all readers and in need of a book...so off to Barnes and Noble and then Shakes...just need a new Shake place in SLC...Iceberg ok but need something better or just different and fresh...any ideas?

Went out at 8:30 pm for a rare evening run...but long day at the hospital and couldnt resist the slightly cooler temps after the rain.  Need a treat! 

Went with a friend of mine to Pipeline trail this afternoon, was going to run 6 but had to walk a bunch of the last 2 because he was getting overheated in the afternoon sun.  Great outdoor venture though.  Will try to get a longer run in this weekend.

Pipeline trail this morning from Burch Hollow to Elbow Fork and back.  I was proud of myself for continuously "running" the uphill to elbow.  Usually I have to walk some of those stretches...now I was going very slow but a moral victory nonetheless.  Tried to push it on the downhill, ran into a deer just standing on the middle of the trail, only about 15 feet away from me, we startled each other about the same time...love at first sight...actually she took off..avg 9:45 or so

Extended Big Titty Loop this late hot sweaty morning.  I knew I was in trouble when I realized I had put my running shorts on inside out.  I was overheated almost from the beginning.  Didnt feel good for most of this run, just sucky lower back fatigue and flagging energy, also one of those days the music was boring on the ipod, I need a new bunch of songs.  Anyway, needed a desperate potty break at mile 8 and found a porta potty, but luckily noticed there was no toilet paper before got started.  SO dying a slow death for the next mile until another lovely porta surfaced...it may have been a mirage, but at least I imagined that there was TP and all.  Finally home... slow dog avg of 9:30

Burch hollow to Elbow Fork then up Terraces swithbacks for about a half a mile then back.  had to walk some of the ups today, just not mentally or physically quite there, but beautiful day with very few people on the trail this am.  1:15 for  trip

Up Rattlesnake Gulch to overlook then back to Church Fork the Back down Rattlesnake... felt good today, but 20 more miles over peaks a bit daunting for two weeks from now...what the heck, eh?  You still on Mozz?

Hot Mother today!  Ran at noon...call day at the hospital, but slow moment so I strapped on the Nathan backpack, put the phone and pager in and took off.  Road run today, but this only reaffirmed that I am not totally ready for the trail marathon in two weeks, especially if it is hot... anyway was dying about mile 8 with just general overheated body and sore, tired muscles and an insane ice cream truck following me for about a mile.  I swear the guy inside playing that song again and again has got to be unhitched and likely dangerous.  Had some great Ranier Cherries after the run.

Putting this one in as a run even though lots of walking.  Climbed summit of Mt Olympus with Sam and Ali.  Did enough running on the way down to fry the quads hard core.  This really is not an easy climb but beautiful views from the top.  I belive the vertical rise is 4200ft.  Tired and snotty right now.

Had to do a slow burner just to loosen the quads of a massive lactic acid party.  Felt slow and good. Missing my dog Charlie who was taken too soon in a tragic accident this week.  

Evening run around Hilsden Loop, nothing to fancy..avg 8:23, felt easy despite the heat.  That being said, I really didn't want to run much more today.  Good Weekend to All.

Up in Deer Valley area for family vaca.  Has been sweet but too short.  this day I ran around some trails near Solamere loop, hooked into some trail called Gamble Oaks.  Was a good find.  Didnt want to do too much because I am running the Skyline Trail marathon this weekend up near Huntsville.  And truth be told I am kind of winging it, but what the heck, eh?

Went on Mountain Bike day with my son and sister and brother in law.  As usual my sister in law who is a freak of athletic nature kicked my A and I went hours more on the beautiful switchbacks around Park City than I initially had in mind.  however it was worth it, great views, and sore quads for the race this Saturday.  Also took a tumble off the trail and bruised my left butt cheek. Woohoo! 

This was an epic day, just the kick butt 5000 or so elevation gain and 5 K loss, warm day, and my first trail marathon. This was a fantastic trail starting at North Fork Park in Liberty and ending in Eden park, 95% or more on single track trail going up near Ben Lomond Peak then to the top of North Ogden divide then up the Butt Kicking Lewis Peak.  Kudos to Bryce and anyone else that can stay running on this trail.  Very steep and highish elevation.  Really beautiful views both on the Huntsville valley and Ogden sides along this whole run.

Splits for those interested.

15:33, 15:21, 15:55, 15:01, 13:12, 15:06 These first 6 are mostly mix of power hike and run up switchbacks.  Could have run more if this was a shorter race, but not anticipating what lay ahead.

10:26, 9:19, 8:00, 7:33, 7:28, 7:41  These 6 are along the summit and then down to the top of the divide road.  Did a Superman dive into the dirt around mile 10.  Awesome.  Felt great overall here.

11:12, 23:08, 17:59, 11:59 Climbing Lewis Peak, laughing and cursing at the same time when I crested the first "Peak" only to see it was kind of a falsie and saw the real peak up ahead.  Felt slow but steady through here.

8:11, 8:11, 9:08, 9:23, 8:08, 8:20 Descent down to Pineview...beautiful trail again.  Felt body getting a bit tight and tired and hot.

10:01, 10:19, 11:47, 10:25  wheels coming off though this endless march through high heat, back wrenching, rollers, limped home with a mixture of walk then run then walk then swearing episode.  Fun 3 Gu day overall.

 Thanks to Mozzer for his run with me for the first 10 or so until his ankle got tweaked, then got bit by some creature, but held on for the finish when the body was calling it quits.

Nice half marathon for the Hairdog, and Thanks to Oreo for driving us up and supporting at the mile 22 station.  This may be my last run.  Ha Ha 

Afternoon Pipeline trail with Hannah and Emily.   95 degrees in the valley.  A bit cooler up on the trail.  Can tell my legs are still shot from the race.  Nice to get out though.  Will take it easy for another week.  Or maybe longer...

Hot sucky poutfest of running around the Big T loop.  Limped home to run another better day.  Inside thigh on right (adductors) still totally trashed and unstable since the skyline marathon... avg very high

Late night get out of the house run.  Cool temps made it nice.  avg 8:45 not sure if Ill get out again til weekend.

Fighting a nasty cold.  just out to stretch the legs avg 9  Got to ramp it up for st george.  now I am getting scared.

Training run for St. George even though not really feeling it this am.  Went with Nick, Jamie, Hairdog from Oreo's house around Pineview, up Trappers loop road then up to Snow Basin then down Old Snowbasin road.  Relatively Hot, relatively slow and definitely painful.  Felt better after replacing most of the blood in my body with ice cold Mountain Dew.  Thanks for the Good Times... 

Kentucky loop.  Tried to push the 3 downhillish miles, managed one at 7:25 but that was not sustainable.  Inner groin/hammy/aductor still very tight.  avg 8:25

Beautiful morning.  Wanted to get some downhill miles before St George.  Drove to top of Mill Creek Canyon and ran from Big water home with 4 miles or so on Pipeline.  Was 32 degrees when I started.  Also realized using soap to clean out the Nathan water pack was bad idea, took one swig and spit it out.  The smell of Pine Trees at the start was awesome.  avg around 8:30

Kentucky loop...feel drained. Avg 8:30  Seems like I need to run some more if I am going to do a marathon in 2.5 weeks.

Pipeline trail loop from Church fork parking lot down road, up Rattlesnake Gulch to pipeline then on trail back down Church fork.  Exactly 5 miles by Garmin.  Beautiful leaves in the canyon...changing to orange about now.  

Afternoon heat; slow, snotty, dripping loop to Cottonwood Offices and back...glad I went out though.  avg 9:20 

Jaunt up Millcreek canyon.  Wanted to be in the hills.  I think I am turning in to a trail junkie in my own way.  Was going to do some type of pipeline loop, but went from Burch Hollow Parking area towards Church Fork on the road then saw the trailhead to Desolation No. 019.  Decided I wanted to see what was up there.  About 2.5 mile trail up switches through the quakies and pines to an overlook over the SLC valley.  Could run much at a very slow pace but not all.  Beautiful day.  Then ran back to the car.  More excited about this than St George in some ways.  avg around 10:15

Slow miles today.  Kentucky loop.  Got some new shoes from Zappos last night.  Didnt run in them though as they are just too narrow in the midfoot for my wide studly feet.  I wish I could find a fit similar to my trail cascadias in a road shoe.  avg around 9

Went out on the trail with my older brother Fritz from Spanish Fork.. He had a lunch break and wanted to do a bit of pipeline trail.  went 3.7 from elbow fork in an out and back..slow average as his wind needs a bit of work, but great time and beautiful canyon...we both ran shirtless and scared numerous hikers.

 Went home and found the Zappos box with the new Saucony Kinvara.  Put them on and did a 2.8 miles road tester...feel great so far.  Thanks for the advice Lily.  Will likely wear them in St. George this week... 

Supposedly the hottest start temperature in the 34 year history of this marathon.  This was a hard race.  I finished and told my wife that I need to come up with a new hobby.  It was great to share the day though with my two brothers and 2 sister in laws who also ran the race.  Suffer together.  I was prepared for a cold start with sweatshirt, pullover, and a blanket.  Turns out didnt really need all that stuff, within a mile of the start you could tell it was going to be a hot one.  I really didnt have any goals except to beat 3:50 if I could and push the downhill parts.

Started out slower than I thought once I looked at the splits

9:02,8:58,8:28,8:29,8:23 needed to go to bathroom fairly badly but didnt want to wait in porta line so just held on, time wise I am still new to this marathon business and didnt even look at splits because I just wanted to run with a feeling like I could finish

8:18,7:45(downhill and pushing it to the portajohn),10:24(2 minutes of this in the commode, couldnt get the new roll of TP to unfurl, finally just ripped the roll in half pretty much to get on the road again), felt great on the hill

8:43,8:49,9:00,8:37,8:17 Finished half in like 1:54...was hoping to be faster but... Passed Oreo somewhere around 6 then he passed me then I lost him, so I wasnt sure if he was ahead or behind, turns out the blast furnance was cooking him and we caught up at the end (Hades)

8:42, 7:55,7:52,8:17,8:27,9:05,8:55 twenty miles done and I am really hurting, back, pelvis, ribcage, etc..also loved the Kinvaras but fourth toe on left foot starting to kill at this point.  Passed hairdog in here somewhere which made me keep going because I didnt want him sneaking up on me at the end.

8:22,9:11 saw the wife and kids here, I was going to say something witty, but couldnt think of anything or even energy to talk at this point.  I also grabbed a sponge they were handing out at the aid station but it turned out to be a banana.  haha..losing it

9:09,8:40,9:15,9:25...just shuffling in, looking down, hardly could focus, really almost more physical pain than I have ever been in for a sustained period of time that last hour...happy that I didnt give into walk, because the rational part of me was sceaming for the last hour to stop this insanity and go chill with a cold Mountain Dew...

This may be my last venture in the road marathon distance, but we'll see, at least today I think I will still want to run trails...thats better than yesterday when I was just laying there unable to move for several hours post race...however given the amount I run and train I was proud and happy to have stuck with it.  My dad just told me I should start swimming.Haha...but he's nuts, so...

Watched my brother in law compete in the Hawaiian Ironman this last weekend. Inspiring athletes here. The winner for the Women ran around a 2:50 marathon(after a 2.4 mile swim and a 112 mile bike) while in 85 to 90 degree weather. So i ran a few this am just to keep the arteries open and it was a beautiful thing. Palm trees, clear blue skies and the amazing tropical air.

Ran from the condo down to the beach through the Mauna Kea resort area, about 2 miles from our place.  Beautiful grounds and temperature.  Pretty steady uphill on the route back.  Can tell there is  a lot of oxygen in the air at this altitude.  Fun day at Hapuna Beach following.

Just wanted to spin down the hill to the beach area and back then Anne and I did about another two just walking, looking at the wild goats, birds, ferrets etc...paradise to be sure here.  Would like to find a nice trail to run, but no runners in this group that want to do that sort of thing.  Thinking about doing the up and over.

Down to the beach and back. Another day getting cooked on the beach...rough life.  Actually, the main reason I am running is to continue to eat like a bandit. 

Barefoot miles baby!!  Ok they were on Hapuna Beach in the sand with a Ocean Breeze cooling me down in the morning sunrise hours...stunning.  I don't want to go home.

Felt like coming home today.  Made it back to the Pipeline trail.  Took Burch Hollow to Elbow Fork.  The kaleidoscope of leaves changing was a awesome and made me shed a tear of happiness.  I also ran shirtless which felt so free and perfect temp...though after having one woman mountain biker crash after passing I decided to put the shirt back on. Didnt push any of this except last mile, just happy to be there again.  avg around 10 per.  Walked a bit of the ups. 

One of the more fun runs all year.  Headed up Pipeline and put the tunes on some old time Iron Maiden because I wanted to rock out a bit...started at Burch Hollow and went to the Overlook and back.  The canyon is seriously stunning right now with the fall color changes.  Light drizzle most of the run. A lot of runners out today, about 80% women...hot women at that, and I say that with utter respect regardless of how anyone actually looks, trail running is sexy.  Lots of dogs too...Oreo would have been scared...I also passed they U of Utah cross country ski team doing some training...they all look like tall Nordic studs...they cross country roller bladed up the canyon road and ran pipeline down, nice,...got to the car just after the rains started coming down in earnest.  fun stuff, avg 8:52

Winter is here...back to the road...I swear this run felt like twice as many miles.  Cold and in the lower 40s with snow in the benches.

This race is deemed a 10 K but on my Garmin was short at 5.6 miles.  I ran this last year and  improved time by a minute.  First 2 plus miles is a steady climb from North Ogden "up and over" a trail next to North Ogden divide.  Then the trail dives to Ogden Valley and ends at Wolf Mountain ski resort.  Felt super crappy the first 2 miles, stomach cramps and very heavy legs.  Couldnt get wind like I normally can with a slow up hill pace and hooves couldnt turn over.  

The downhill was fun... just let it all loose in the mud and narrow tall grass lined trail.  Fast mile here was 6:32, which I was very happy with and passed a lot of people without taking a tumble.  The last road hill was slowish again, but wasnt so concerned with time at this point.  I could tell my body and mind is on a bit of a vacation after the St George Marathon.  Will have to do the steady build up again over time.  Overall fun trail run and nice finish with live band and chili. 

Just to get the heart pumping for a 30 minute post work run.  Beautiful weather this evening.  tried to keep a sustained steady push on the hilsden loop which has some minor hills and managed avg of 8:10 which I am happy with except that a gap toothed hunchback passed me mile 2 looking sweet and easy.

Pipeline Heaven, but only for a short jaunt.  Just love being in the hills with great views and leaf line trails.  Shortened run because of some life drama trying to intrude on the great outdoors  but no worries will try and do something longer this weekend in Huntsville if Oreo not scared.

Pipeline again...repeat of the other day, just a bit more. 

Sweet morning trail run with Oreo up near Snowbasin ski resort to overlook of Ogden canyon and Ogden.  Beautiful day, perfect chilly but not frigid temps... Sat and enjoyed the overlook for awhile, then ran back down.  Very excellent...

First road run in a while.  Funny thing was, I felt great today.  Good energy and felt I could have gone faster than the avg of 8:10.  This is funny only because I could have sworn I would feel like crap today when I started.  Theres a lesson in there somewhere.  That lesson may just be that it is a rare day when I dont feel crappy at some point in the run...it's a beautiful thing.

Winter wonderland on the Pipeline trail this morning.  Went with Oreo on an out and back from Burch Hollow to Overlook.  Avg around 9s.  Felt decent.   Was surprised that it was lightly snowing almost the whole way as clear skies over the valley.  Most of trail has packed snow on it.  Ready for spring.  

Muddy post call day on Pipeline.  Awesome!  Not many people out which suits just fine.  Not too cold today and the trail holds up surprisingly well.  Took it easy as far as pace

Fun and beautiful trail up near Ogden canyon.  Indian trail I think.  Went with Oreo and the Dog... Nice to get out with the brothers (Mozzer wish you were here) before the big snow hits.  I felt good overall and it was a welcome break from the chest pain I have been having at rest.  Funny how that works.  Either way going to check it out with doc on Monday.  

Frigidy, slippery run...winter has arrived I guess...not cool. Haha   ANyway, actually felt good this morning on the olympus high loop, just taking it easy avg 8:47 but almost fell three times.  

Happy Thanksgiving.  Played a little basketball with son Sam and some other old dudes in the neighborhood.  Fun times even though I suck rocks anymore at the sport.  Then went on a short run around the neighborhood Hilsden loop.   Beautiful cold crisp sunny day.  

Ran an old route up to the Old Mill and surrounding business area.  Enjoyed it even though it was a cold mother by the end.  Started out with blue skies then clouded over quickly.  Need to get some race in mind, my miles and my motivation is in a lull.  Will sign up for Squaw 50 and see if I get in.  Decide from there.

Snowy trail miles on Pipeline.  Beautiful and a bit mushy, but better than the road for me.  Also put about a mile on a treadmill while getting a stress echocardiogram.  Just making sure the old ticker is still in shape after some weird pains.  Doc told me everything looked good so far.  Guess I can keep running for some years to come.

run

"Catching the train to better times"...but one of the classic phrases on the ipod this morning.  Was going to go a bit longer but got hungry...  Took this at slow pace loop to REI and back.  avg 9:06  Felt good except for some reason my thumbs were freezing and never warmed up.

Like Spring today on the Pipeline trail.  Started at Church Fork and ran to the Overlook.  Stood there enjoying the majestic views for awhile, turned around and ran back.  Trail is in great shape today.  Seemed very warm after the recent cold and almost ran shirtless half the way, but didnt want to scare any of the local dog walkers.  Fun day...wished I had some company for this one as it was beautiful.

Didn't get the run in today I thought I would.  But did get to hang with Hairdog and Candy and crew skiing up at snowbasin.  Thighs were burning and had a wonderful beautiful snowy time.

Slogging through the slush and winter festivities... it was a great time...even after the dude in the car rode me off the road into the gutter full of water and ice.  avg around 9

Clockwise Millcreek loop in shorts and good tunes...wet roads but no snow.  Felt good but realizing 50 freaking miles is a long way.  

Beautiful day on Pipeline Trail in the new microspikes from Kahtoola.  They rock big time...no more slipping or sliding around.  They are also easy to put on and off and I hardly noticed they were on.  By the end of the run could tell they add a bit of weight and surface underfoot...but well worth it.  Some cool dogs and hot trail running ladies on the trail as well...can't beat it.  Except I felt like I was definitely gassed by the end...hungry and sore quads with heavy legs...got to build the stamina up again... 

Blazing trail through newly fallen snow on Pipeline.  Went up Rattlesnake Gulch where many snowshoers, hikers had been but then turned toward Church Fork on the Pipeline.  Surprisingly, no one had been this route yet and I was first one through shin to knee high powder.  Didnt make it as far as was hoping because it was kicking my butt, but fun and chilly and shoes full of snow anyway. My new goal is 990 miles for the year, haha

Ok, Ok...sledding plans fell through so what the hay...too close to 1000 miles for the year to not finish it off.  Cold afternoon run through the slc streets but was nice to be out in the bitterness...especially after the 2000 calorie breakfast we had this morning.  Havent done over 20 miles in a week since before st george.   Hooray for me... now onto the next new years eve feast.