AM/PM - Lift skiing all day at Sun Valley! Drinking prosecco out of coffee mugs and going to sleep at 9:30pm paid off, as we had the whole ski resort to ourselves in the morning.
PM2 - Skinned up to Lookout Lodge w/ Andrea after the lifts stopped running for a sunset ski descent [3300'].
Sat, Jan 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Lift skiing all day at Sun Valley. Basically an exact replica of yesterday except with more moguls.
PM2 - Skinned up to Lookout Lodge solo [3300']. Andrea deserved a break!
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Sun, Jan 03, 2016 at 21:46:21 from 24.10.247.181
Lift skiing? Pssshaw!
From Jake K on Mon, Jan 04, 2016 at 05:49:12 from 67.166.113.191
I know, I know...
Human powered uphill gets you in great shape, but if you want to be good on the downhill before May, you need the lift skiing reps! And its fun! :-)
Sun, Jan 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Skinned to Lookout Lodge w/ Andrea [3300']. Much warmer this morning than the last few days... actually quite pleasant!
Spent the rest of the morning and early afternoon wandering around Ketchum and Sun Valley, then made the (relatively easy) drive back to SLC.
Mon, Jan 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles. Finally got out for a run in the new calendar year. The thought of hitting the pavement didn't even cross my mind while we were up in Idaho... we were having lots of fun (and getting plenty of exercise) on the mountain. I love uphill-friendly ski areas... you get the best of both worlds. Ketchum / Sun Valley is awesome - it was quickly added to our "annual trip" list. [Photos]
PM - 4 miles w/ Andrea.
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 19:47:30 from 107.77.80.64
So Utah wasn't cold/high enough...
When is the Jake/Andrea trip to Everest going to hit Netflix? Although maybe it would be a little too crowded for y'all I'm guessing...
Great pictures.
From Jake K on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 20:30:32 from 67.166.113.191
The ski terrain around Sun Valley is actually lower elevation than where we ski in Utah (starting around 6000' instead of 8500'). Very noticeable (and nice) on the uphill efforts.
No Everest for us, but the Alps/Dolomites adventure will hit Napster in the late summer.
From Jake K on Wed, Jan 06, 2016 at 20:31:14 from 67.166.113.191
PS - that being said about the elevation, it is also 4.5 hours north and therefore 4.5 hours freezing colder!
From SlowJoe on Thu, Jan 07, 2016 at 09:00:06 from 107.77.80.64
Yeah... I had the "opportunity" to spend a couple weeks in Fairbanks, Alaska in December one time. I think I'd rather live on the moon.
From Jake K on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 06:11:30 from 67.166.113.191
I'd like to get up to Alaska in the summer at some point, but not in December! You probably get a lot more daylight on the moon.
From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 06:54:37 from 107.77.80.64
My dream vacation is ANWR in the summer, but I don't think I'll ever get my wife to go, given the lack of civilization. When you go, PLEASE TAKE ME!
From Jake K on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 10:48:34 from 159.212.71.69
My parents want to go there. Since my sister would probably never be interested, if we ever make that family trip in the next couple summers, I'll ask if you can take her place.
From SlowJoe on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 17:36:27 from 45.18.50.53
Thanks, tell them I have no problem wearing a wig or a skirt. The Krong family shouldn't miss a beat.
Tue, Jan 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW at Brighton w/ Andrea [3500'].
Wed, Jan 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps at Brighton - one full and two from Snake Creek [4200'].
Thu, Jan 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - 5 miles. Saucony group run at SLCR.
Fri, Jan 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps at Brighton w/ Andrea (and Amiee for a bit). One lap from the bottom and one from Snake Creek [3000']. Crossed the 100K mark for the season.
Jason and Joe inspired me to write up something of a "2015 review". I used to do these kinds of posts (in great detail with plenty of charts) more often and they are nice to look back on... and sort of the whole point of keeping a log such as this in the first place.
I already know my running history in great detail, as does pretty much anyone reading this, so I'll just do a bullet point review of the first four years of the past five years.
That was a lot of miles and competition. While I'm guessing that I will re-emphasize racing and more serious training at some point in the future, I'd also wager that I will never put up those kinds of consistent mileage and race frequency numbers again. I enjoyed it at the time, but I don't have the desire to channel so much of my energy in just one direction again.
The 2015 "breakdown" was already documented. From the day I typed out that post until the end of the year, things turned around and I was happy with how I was able to make a "comeback" of sorts.
Time for charts... here's some mileage graphs since that data is easily accessible...
Monthly mileage (2011-2014 AVG vs 2015)
Clearly I cut back my running volume quite a bit this year, down to a much more reasonable 9.995 miles per day. I needed to run 2 more miles on New Year's Eve to make the average an even 10 (and was aware of that fact but wanted to hit the road for Sun Valley).
First vs Second halves of the year mileage
Same data, grouped differently. The lower mileage during the second half of 2015 was crucial to my recovery and feeling "normal" again. From September to December I got the pop back in my stride, regained athleticism, and my energy levels skyrocketed... to the point where I'm super-annoying (in terms of wanting to be outside doing activities all the time) again!
Quarterly Mileage 2011-2015
Same data again, but I liked how 2013 was so evenly split... and how the 2014 Chicago buildup stands out.
Now that I wear a fitbit I don't track heart rate and sleep like I used to (Fitbit that for me, and tells me that I get a good amount of sleep and have a low resting HR). I've gotten back into a really good (daily) pushup/pullup routine, but I don't really keep track of how much I'm doing... I just look in the mirror and make sure I'm ripped. Since late July of this year I've added quite a bit of upper body strength and muscle (which is good!). I still weigh myself every morning and now have 5+ years of data points from the same (medical clinic quality) scale...
It took some time for my body to adjust to lower mileage in 2015...
Here's the chart going back to Nov 2010, illustrating my two worst illnesses...
Now some thoughts on 2015 and looking forward to 2016...
In terms of running-performance, 2015 was obviously my worst year since I got back into this. I only raced a few times and none of them were great (compared to the past). But in some ways this was my most important year ever. I needed to re-center and the illness/injuries that knocked me down actually helped bring everything back into focus. I love running, but I also love skiing (just as much) and Andrea (even more!). Running fast and chasing PRs is great but it is not (and never will be) the main reason that I get up early to run every morning. I got my perspective back this year. I got my health back during the past four months. Andrea made some tremendous breakthroughs this year and we are now able to do a lot more things together again. My passion for skiing and being in the mountains (instead of the tempo loop or track) was re-invigorated (that's why we moved to Utah in the first place and have stayed here). That being said, I even had a few moments this fall where I ran fast like the "old days"... and I felt good about being able to do that.
I was a bit lot obsessed with the racing part of running until I fell apart in the spring. I have much better balance now. For me, "balance" is always going to involve some level of obsession(s). I've said this many times: I'm at my best when I follow whatever my heart tells me is important at the time. Right now that means cranking out vertical at Brighton, chasing backcountry powder on the weekends, ski trips to new places, and starting every morning with pushups/pullups + running. I don't really feel the desire to run workouts or long runs over the winter, so I probably won't. When the weather gets warmer and the snow melts, I'll likely channel my energy in that direction again. My twist on periodization.
Ultimately, I want to (continue to) enjoy and be fully engaged in whatever I'm doing. If you can do that, you have a really good life. And you'll probably find success in most of the things you do. I anticipate running fast again (this year, perhaps). I would like to run another marathon, because I believe I still have a PR in me. But my "plan" is to not follow any type of plan at all (besides the vacation plans)... just let whatever happens, happen.
If I had to put down some 2016 "fitness goals", I guess they would be:
-Ski in new places
-Ski uphill more than ever before
-Ski downhill like the 2009-2011 version of myself
-Run new trails, climb new mountains, explore new canyons
-Take full advantage of the local trails and mountains that I love (don't take them for granted)
-Epic wedding/honeymoon (our honeymoon will require superb fitness)
-Don't run 5000+ miles in a year (ever again)
-Jump into some low-key races from time to time during the first half of the year
-Do a real marathon training cycle in the fall
-Run a PR in the marathon
-Be an asset to Saucony's team and good ambassador for the brand
Comments
From Connor Baller on Fri, Jan 08, 2016 at 22:21:59 from 75.169.236.196
This is an awesome blog post and I had an enjoyable time reading it. Good luck in 2016
From Drew on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 05:22:01 from 173.171.218.92
Awesome goals, Jake. My favorite is not taking the sights for granted. Especially in Utah where you guys have beauty like that.
From Rob Murphy on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 06:01:51 from 24.10.247.181
Something doesn't sit right in my simple brain about that 15:08 5k time. I feel like, and I know this has been said before, that lowering that is the key to a marathon pr.
Maybe your increased athleticism from skiing will provide a foundation for the acquisition of more speed? I know Vern Gambetta would think so.
From SlowJoe on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 07:06:46 from 45.18.50.53
5 charts in one post?! You just won FRB...maybe even the whole internet.
From Rob Murphy on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 07:13:10 from 24.10.247.181
Young people are good at data collection and presentation Joe. In my field of education, the only real way to get ahead and be labeled a "good teacher" is to excel at presenting data in power points. Therefore, most old teachers like myself fail and all the 25 year-olds win teacher of the year.
You have to develop a fetish for data if you want to survive in the 21st century. Jake has, no doubt, mastered this.
From Jon on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 07:25:12 from 96.33.87.148
Very nice. Reflective, objective, instructive. I like your goal of never again running 5000 miles in a year. Sometimes, more is not more. Running is more a means to an end, then the end in itself. Enjoy the skiing and mountains- it's amazing to be able to propel yourself long distances rapidly in beautiful terrain.
From allie on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 09:29:19 from 24.99.46.55
[what drew said!]
i'm already {cider} training for your epic wedding. those illness dips on your weight chart are a bit frightening. ceviche, ahhhh!
From Jake K on Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 17:21:28 from 67.166.113.191
Allie - The 2012 illness was the first time I got lavender poisoning. Thank god that's not an ingredient in ceviche or I'd be dead :-)
Re: The 5K outlier...
Not to overestimate my abilities (it is, without a doubt, my worst event of those 4 PRs I listed) - but I did split 15:01/15:01 when I ran my 10K PR, so you have to think I probably could have run ~14:30 that night if I ran the 5K instead. I never really gave the 5K an honest, tapered effort. I ran a lot of 5K races but they were all train-throughs. I would say that on any of the days I ran my sub-66 half-marathons, I would have run a substantial 5K PR... maybe in line with the rest of the times on my resume.
I do agree with you Rob that improving 5K/10K is probably a good idea for most athletes who want improve in the marathon (especially after you have already run several). In hindsight something I could have done in past years (or just rested more for the 5Ks I ran!). Going forward, though, I can't see myself doing that (training specifically to improve in the shorter races). It creates a slippery slope - 5K focused training, which leads to "hey I should run a good half-marathon now before I start marathon training" and then before you know it, I'm back to structured training for 10 months out of the year.
The good thing about my 5K PR being so soft is that maybe I can take it down right out of my ski boots this summer :-)
From Jason D on Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 19:57:23 from 70.192.162.145
Good stuff as usual, Jake. I was trying to think of something to add about the 5k conversation but I'm out of my league in both fitness and running knowledge.
From Jake K on Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 05:39:39 from 67.166.113.191
Jason you are the poster boy for what Rob was talking about... that 5K/10K cycle you did last summer translated perfectly to a boost in marathon fitness and a PR during the fall.
Sat, Jan 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
AM/PM - Ski Tour w/ Andrea: 3 laps on the north side of Grizzly Gulch [3900']. Our first day of the season in Little Cottonwood Canyon, which is crazy because this was my 25th day on skis. Best day of the winter so far... possibly off the hook. Perfect powder snow... and those trees!
PM - 5 miles.
Up...
Down...
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Sat, Jan 09, 2016 at 17:20:52 from 24.10.247.181
Pretty!
From Jake K on Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 18:10:44 from 67.166.113.191
The trees almost looked fake. Definitely one of those days where you appreciate how amazing Little Cottonwood Canyon can be.
Sun, Jan 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski Tour w/ Andrea: started from Grizzly Gulch and went up to Silver Fork East Bowl where we skied 4 fantastic powder laps, then came back out via GG for our last lap. I spoke too soon when I called yesterday the best day of the season. Today was even better! [4100']
From MarkS on Sun, Jan 10, 2016 at 18:41:38 from 124.85.165.49
Beautiful!!! Really Beautiful!!!
Don't think I know anyone that enjoys the outdoors as much as you.
I wish my body could handle the cold so I could see some of that scenery first hand.
From Jake K on Mon, Jan 11, 2016 at 05:43:09 from 67.166.113.191
Thanks Mark.
Andrea and I both get cold very easily. The trick is layering the right clothing and to keep moving. It's actually amazing, when the sun is out, how warm you can be up at 10,000+ feet when the temperature is barely cracking 10 degrees. All that changes when the clouds come and the winds pick up, though ;-)
Safe travels back to Japan and good luck on your upcoming race!
Mon, Jan 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
Tue, Jan 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
6.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 6 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps at Brighton [4700'].
Comments
From DaleG on Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 21:34:06 from 66.87.126.89
How was the weather up there this afternoon?
My sister grooms up there on the graveyard shift and lives in an apartment above the cat shop. Wouldn't that be great?
From Jake K on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 05:59:08 from 67.166.113.191
It was a beautiful evening - no clouds, no wind. Caught a little sunshine, sunset, and finished under the stars.
That apartment is definitely in a good location :-)
Wed, Jan 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps w/ Andrea [3000']. Dragging a bit tonight... going to spend the next two days sans skis to charge up for the weekend.
Comments
From DaleG on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 20:55:12 from 66.87.126.246
Good idea
From james (runmehappy) on Wed, Jan 13, 2016 at 22:11:56 from 104.254.203.124
Jake, I am loving your shots lately! Ever run much in or around Vegas? I am headed there Friday to Monday.
From Jake K on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 10:23:38 from 159.212.71.69
Thanks James!
I can fortunately say that I have never run in Vegas. I've actually only been there once in my entire life, we swung through on our way to California to hike the John Muir Trail in 2010, and stayed with my aunt who lives there. Andrea and I spent 20 minutes on the strip before saying "this sucks" :-)
Here's a picture from my 20 minutes in Vegas:
http://goo.gl/eJUi40
Not sure if you have a car but I've heard there is some good trail running to the west of the city at Red Rocks Canyon.
From Rob Murphy on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 10:50:25 from 163.248.33.220
Talk to Steve Anderson about running in Vegas.
From Jason D on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 11:16:21 from 68.80.27.222
James: Steve is definitely the expert on this. I ran the strip on day and got lost (flat terrain is hard to judge). If you go early it isn't bad and a lot of people actually run. It depends on your tolerance for the drunk, weird, and down-right sad. But that is if you don't have a car.
Red Rock Canyon is pretty cool. The trail I was on was rocky (not 100% runnable) but we were hiking. Jeff Shadley had some advice when I went but I can't quite remember where he said to go.
From jtshad on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 12:09:44 from 141.221.191.225
James, if you are in town more, try running out at the Clark County Wetlands Park (east of the Boulder Highway on Tropicana). Great trail system and fun running close to town.
From james (runmehappy) on Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 17:55:55 from 172.56.38.101
Thanks guys. I plan on heading to red rock canyon at least once and will likely avoid the strip. Funny thing is we lived there for one school year but I had not run a day in my life.
Thu, Jan 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Fri, Jan 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Sat, Jan 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles to burn off some excess stoke.
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Silver Fork Meadow Chutes x 4 laps [5500']. Today was legitimately off the hook, the best day of the season (again, for the 3rd time in 8 days!) and one of the best I can remember in years. The snow was perfect powder and we found a great zone to lap safely. SO MUCH FUN!
Comments
From DaleG on Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 16:37:11 from 170.72.51.221
Very cool!
From allie on Sat, Jan 16, 2016 at 17:42:16 from 24.99.46.55
looks legit for real off the hook!
Sun, Jan 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Silver Fork Meadow Chutes x 4 laps [4900']. Today's outing closely mimicked yesterday, with a few exceptions: more fresh snow overnight (filled in all of the previous day's tracks), less people out, and sunshine! I even got the honor of breaking the trail up to the Silver Fork ridgeline (HARD work). Exceptional weekend... about as good as it gets! [more photos]
Additional notes...
-Best day of the season (again)
-Andrea is crushing it!
-Season to date: 30 days, 129K uphill.
Mon, Jan 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles. Dead legs.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea. Slightly less dead legs.
Tue, Jan 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW at Brighton [3500']. Cut it a little short as it was a windy whiteout by the second descent. Another storm!
Comments
From Amiee on Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 13:51:25 from 155.98.164.36
I think you can stop training... El Nino is here. Enjoy!
From Jake K on Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 13:55:00 from 199.190.170.31
Good point!
Blog title updated.
From Amiee on Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 13:56:39 from 155.98.164.36
I thought it might just be... GNAR!
From Jake K on Wed, Jan 20, 2016 at 13:59:29 from 199.190.170.31
Who uses the full word? If you are in the know, just say G :-)
Wed, Jan 20, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Thu, Jan 21, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW at Brighton w/ Andrea [3500']. Nice night - almost full moon*, no wind, borderline warm compared to Tuesday night.
*Fun fact(s): The January full moon is also known as the "wolf moon"... which is also one of the best search terms you can possible enter into Google Images... AND I have a wolf moon pillowcase.
Comments
From MarkS on Thu, Jan 21, 2016 at 21:08:41 from 153.220.85.62
I have wolf moon pajamas!
From Jake K on Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 05:51:58 from 67.166.113.191
Those are essentially the gold standard as far as sleepwear goes!
From allie on Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 07:46:45 from 24.99.46.55
early bday present: https://goo.gl/q7jcAy
From Jake K on Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 08:27:58 from 159.212.71.199
Can I get a trucker hat w/ that screen print?
From Jason D on Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 08:57:09 from 68.80.27.222
owwhoooooooo
^^Linguistic representation of a wolf howl
From allie on Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 09:44:42 from 24.99.46.55
too late -- i already printed it on a ski boot mug
From Jake K on Fri, Jan 22, 2016 at 09:58:53 from 159.212.71.199
Whew, thank you! That frees up my weekend for skiing. Otherwise I felt semi-obligated to paint that image on the ski boot mug I already own :-)
Fri, Jan 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Sat, Jan 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles w/ Andrea. Couldn't decide on a good place to ski today (that would be safe, soft, out of the wind, and lacking sun crust), so we decided to take a day off and save our legs for a pow day tomorrow.
Sun, Jan 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Started from Spruces and skied Short Swing x 4 laps [6100']. Elevated avalanche danger today with all the new snow, so we stuck to lower angle aspen trees and had another all-time day. The powder was bottomless and the tree skiing was so much fun! Exceeded (our already high) expectations. So. Much. Stoke.
Huge weekend for Andrea!
Comments
From Tom K on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 08:00:57 from 66.87.123.154
Love the pics, man.
From Jake K on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 09:17:03 from 159.212.71.173
Thanks Tom. The white stuff all over the ground and trees is "snow" - its a cold, crystal shaped substance that makes winter really awesome. Just figured I'd explain since I don't know if you've ever seen it :-)
From Tom K on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 09:43:20 from 66.87.123.154
Ha. Thanks. Yeah, I've seen that before. I just chose not to live in it, opting for trashy spring break destinations!
Tell you what, i need to get my kids in some snow soon. If they see anything on tv that involves snow, they are completely fixated.
From Jake K on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 09:58:08 from 159.212.71.173
haha - what Florida beach is #1 on your list for trashiest spring break locations? Andrea and Allie were wondering...
From Tom K on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 10:23:57 from 66.87.123.154
You might be asking the wrong guy, Jake. My part of florida is more similar to golden girls. The consensus around the office lunch room is panhandle towns- Panama city, destin, etc.
From allie on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 17:59:53 from 24.99.46.55
pensacola it is! devra is bringing her air mattress so we can float in the waves and throw wine bottles and garbage in the water.
http://goo.gl/GOW5w3
From Rob Murphy on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 18:07:12 from 24.10.247.181
Devra? Really?
Seriously though, sounds like the perfect vacation.
From Jake K on Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 20:39:22 from 67.166.113.191
Everytime I start to get stoked about the Europe trip you post one of those sweet @$$ sweet Florida beach party pics and make me TOTALLY regret this whole Switzerland/France/Italy/Austria boringness.
I think Devra has done like 14 straight spring breaks on the panhandle. Utah record I think.
Mon, Jan 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles.
PM - 9 miles.
Tue, Jan 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW at Brighton w/ Andrea [3500'].
Saltair will be the bomb. A frisk 5K with other hard-core crazies. And some coffee afterwards? That's what you call a good time.
Sat, Jan 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
All Day - Skied first chair to last chair at Solitude. Total storm skiing, so we spent a lot of time in the trees. Found untouched powder stashes all day. No crowds or lines. So much fun. Lift-served days are sometimes more tiring than the human-powered variety if you get after it!
Comments
From DaleG on Sat, Jan 30, 2016 at 20:14:07 from 170.72.51.221
Looks like a lot of fun.
Sun, Jan 31, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Spruces to Short Swing x 3 laps [4850']. Another powder day. This goes down as the best January ever!
PM - 5 miles.
Comments
From Russ on Wed, Feb 03, 2016 at 14:38:47 from 74.114.3.253
In January our ski hill in Red Lodge got 4" of snow, 1" in 4 separate storms... I think you got more like 4' of snow! Way jealous.
From Jake K on Wed, Feb 03, 2016 at 14:52:01 from 199.190.170.30
More like 10 feet!
Snowbird posted this today...
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CaT1SnFUcAIACDQ.jpg
January isn't typically known as the premier ski month in the Wasatch, so these past 4 weekends have been a nice treat. Even the epic 2010-2011 season didn't have this many powder days in January.
Now we just have to hope it keeps up through Memorial Day!
From allie on Wed, Feb 03, 2016 at 16:03:03 from 24.99.46.55
am: ski pm: swim!
From Josh Ericksen on Thu, Feb 04, 2016 at 15:35:17 from 74.81.234.23
Nice!!
From SlowJoe on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 11:18:26 from 45.18.50.53
How often do you run into a tree? Y'all must have some pretty good ninja moves.
From Jake K on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 17:51:56 from 67.166.113.191
NEVER, you ski in and out of them!
OK, sometimes... but that's why you wear a helmet :-)
Mon, Feb 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - 4 miles w/ Andrea.
Tue, Feb 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
Wed, Feb 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
Thu, Feb 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps w/ Andrea [3200'].
Fri, Feb 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps [4200'].
Comments
From DaleG on Fri, Feb 05, 2016 at 20:48:08 from 152.216.15.5
Beautiful!
From Jake K on Fri, Feb 05, 2016 at 21:45:17 from 67.166.113.191
It was nice to feel a little sunshine. But hopefully there wasn't enough sun this afternoon to wreck the snow for the weekend :-)
From DaleG on Fri, Feb 05, 2016 at 22:16:43 from 66.87.127.14
Maybe my sister will let me know when she starts grooming tonight.
Sat, Feb 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Started at the White Pine trailhead and skied the Pink Pine ridge x 5 laps [6600']. I know I sound like a broken record but the skiing was incredible... again. Steep and deep! The over-producing storm on Thursday night set us up with world-class conditions today. Despite the potentially negative impact it will have on the snow conditions for tomorrow, it was also really nice to be out in the sunshine and skiing under blue skies all day!
I love this winter so much.
Comments
From Hell Raiser on Sat, Feb 06, 2016 at 21:22:10 from 208.117.122.172
Jake K, your skiing pics are always so dope.
From Jake K on Sun, Feb 07, 2016 at 07:33:22 from 67.166.113.191
Getting the word "dope" back in my vocabulary (thanks to you!) has definitely enhanced the ski season stoke-factor for me! Andrea loves that I continually say things like "wow, those were so dope turns off the ridge" :-)
From Rob Murphy on Sun, Feb 07, 2016 at 09:40:53 from 24.10.247.181
If I used words like that, and my wife heard me, and if she were drinking a diet coke, the coke would come squirting out her nose.
From Derunzo on Sun, Feb 07, 2016 at 14:49:19 from 98.229.177.205
Hella Dope!
From Jake K on Sun, Feb 07, 2016 at 20:29:46 from 67.166.113.191
Saturday was dope, but Sunday was definitely hella dope.
Sun, Feb 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: White Pine TH to Maybird Gulch. Skied 3 laps in Maybird and 2 in Red Pine [4500']. All powder... what's new?
We went out today with the objective of exploring and skiing in a new area. Maybird was simply incredible - the higher alpine terrain justs blows your mind... for both looking at and skiing! Easily my favorite day of the year so far. Great scenery, perfect weather, hero snow.
From Spencer Smith on Sun, Feb 07, 2016 at 21:12:28 from 174.52.167.138
Dang this is like my life goals to be able to backcountry ski 2-3 times a week during the winter.
From Jake K on Mon, Feb 08, 2016 at 08:27:12 from 159.212.71.199
Fairly easy to do if you live along the Wasatch front!
Especially if you play hookie from school on midweek pow days ;-)
Mon, Feb 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Tue, Feb 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Wed, Feb 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW at Brighton w/ Andrea [3500'].
Thu, Feb 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - Skinned ~2 x GW at Brighton w/ Andrea [3400'].
Fri, Feb 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Comments
From james (runmehappy) on Fri, Feb 12, 2016 at 08:42:33 from 70.103.84.228
You have been getting some solid miles lately Jake...on top of the skiing.
From Jake K on Fri, Feb 12, 2016 at 11:14:37 from 199.190.170.28
"Skiing's the easy part." - T.J. Burke, Aspen Extreme
The biggest obstacle right now is WORK :-)
I'm running totally plan-less right now and it's going pretty well, I feel good. Getting out in the mornings for 5-10 miles depending on how early I need to get to work... and then either running w/ Andrea or skiing in the evenings... and then backcountry skiing is top priority on the weekends, only running if I especially feel like it. Seems like I end up in the 50-75 mpw range... which is good, I won't really push to do more than that until skiing winds down (then running will wind up) in the summer.
Sat, Feb 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW w/ Andrea [3500'].
Our streak of insanely good skiing every weekend finally ended, but it was still nice to get up high for a little bit this afternoon.
Sun, Feb 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
24.00
0.00
0.00
PM - 24 miles. First 12 w/ Andrea and then did another 12 with more hills. Longest run in about a year. Since we didn't ski today, I figured I might as well take advantage of the cleaned out air this afternoon.
Fingers crossed for the prompt return of El Nino!
Mon, Feb 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps w/ Andrea [3000'].
Tue, Feb 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps [4700']. Two from the bottom at a good clip (31:09, 31:19), and then podcast pace for the shorter lap to finish.
Comments
From Amiee on Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 09:45:05 from 24.11.72.2
#sunsetstoke
From Jake K on Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 13:01:00 from 159.212.71.173
The best part of midweek spandex laps.
And the sun doesn't set at 5:05pm anymore!
From Amiee on Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 13:31:08 from 155.98.164.36
Good thing, cuz I never bring a headlamp. Ever.
From Jake K on Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 13:34:25 from 159.212.71.173
A good trick is to keep a couple of glowsticks in your pack. That way you are always prepared for 1) the mean snowcat driver and 2) impromptu dance rave
From allie on Wed, Feb 17, 2016 at 17:58:32 from 24.99.46.55
great photo.
if you are having glowstick raves on the mountain i can only assume you have been wearing your crayola boots.
Wed, Feb 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
14.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Thu, Feb 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Fri, Feb 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Sat, Feb 20, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
AM/PM - Lift skiing at Alta. We had a friend in town (who had never skied out West) for the day so we gave her the VIP package... a day of alpine glisse followed by hot tub / apres ski at the Peruvian Lodge.
Comments
From allie on Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 15:38:00 from 24.99.46.55
i'm glad you put up the pic of the AP lodge because it reminded me to get our rooms booked for july!!
From Amiee on Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 20:33:23 from 24.11.72.2
I've got room for 2 more in my new Outback :)
Sun, Feb 21, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Adventures in Upper White Pine - skied Red Baldy's NW face and Red Stack's center Tri Chute [5000']. Snow conditions were "not terrible" at times and "pretty decent" at others... ranging from death sun crust to windboard to recycled chalk (that's actually a good one) to isothermal summer slush, depending on aspect and elevation. I'm hoping for some winter weather to return in March, but I'll take the blue skies and these views for the time being.
Mon, Feb 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 08:32:35 from 163.248.33.220
Snow or rain? Just turned to snow outside my classroom window. Huge, wet flakes.
From Jake K on Mon, Feb 22, 2016 at 08:51:32 from 159.212.71.17
Big flakes that melted on impact with the ground.
Tue, Feb 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW w/ Andrea [3500'].
Wed, Feb 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Comments
From Tom K on Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 19:04:31 from 174.58.54.215
Bueno.
From Jake K on Wed, Feb 24, 2016 at 21:12:24 from 67.166.113.191
Gracias.
Thu, Feb 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Skinned GW laps [4700'].
AM/PM - Lift skiing at Solitude w/ Andrea and her parents on a warm, sunny day. Fun spring-like conditions for groomers, moguls, and goggle-tanning.
Ski day #50 of the season for me. The century mark is potentially in play, but probably a bit of a stretch. Models are showing that El Nino (ie. snow!) will return in mid-March. I just want some more powder days... like 5-6 weekends in a row, again. That's all I ask for!
Fri, Feb 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Sat, Feb 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
AM/PM - Lift skiing at Snowbasin w/ Andrea and her parents. Warm and sunny again. The snow was fun... downright slushy at times due to the lower elevation.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Sun, Feb 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
26.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 16 miles (10 w/ Andrea).
PM - 10 miles.
It was somewhat heartbreaking to not ski on such a beautiful day, but the North's legs were too beat for another day on the slopes, and I couldn't justify spending the whole day out in the backcountry by myself. Running was a much more time efficient form of recreation today. The sacrifices I make to be every parent's dream son-in-law!
Mon, Feb 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
14.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 6 miles w/ Andrea.
Comments
From Derunzo on Wed, Mar 02, 2016 at 18:58:49 from 98.229.177.205
I thought you might find this interesting.
http://www.jasonschlarb.com/?p=1310
From Jake K on Thu, Mar 03, 2016 at 08:54:18 from 199.190.170.22
VERY interesting. Thanks for sharing this!
That's quite an ambitious adventure. In addition to the things you can control (like superb fitness, planning, etc), the real trick with this is lining up the snow conditions. Too much fresh snow and you are talking about serious avalanche risks. But if you wait too long, the lower elevations will melt out. I imagine April/May will be their target under a consistent high pressure system time period.
From Jake K on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 10:12:14 from 199.190.170.28
Looks like this is going down now:
http://www.noahhowell.com/2016/03/hardrock-100/
Tue, Mar 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps w/ Andrea [3000'].
We were both dragging from exhausting days at work... the sunset provided a much-needed mental recharge.
Wed, Mar 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 8 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Thu, Mar 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Fri, Mar 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW w/ Andrea [3500'].
Sat, Mar 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles w/ Andrea.
PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Grizzly Gulch x 2 laps [2500']. Conditions were somewhat abysmal but we still wanted to get up in mountains this afternoon and poke around a little bit. Looking back down LCC from the top is always worth it.
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Mar 06, 2016 at 15:15:26 from 45.18.50.53
I want to hit golf balls from up there.
From Jake K on Mon, Mar 07, 2016 at 20:05:29 from 67.166.113.191
I'd rather see someone doing that opposed to snowboarding up there :-)
There was a guy who was trying to hit golf balls off all the 14,000 ft peaks in Colorado last summer. A fairly stupid thing to do, because those trails get wildly popular in the summer. Anyways, he got called out on it, and then tried to justify it by saying he was "doing it for charity." Nothing helps needy kids like a golf balls to strangers in the face, I guess.
Sun, Mar 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 16 miles (7 w/ Andrea).
The weather didn't cooperate for skiing today, so we finished some other projects and kept our fingers crossed that we could sneak out for a few hours on Monday.
Mon, Mar 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
6.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 6 miles.
PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Grizzly Gulch - 3 x Patsy Marley's north face / trees [3400']. It FINALLY snowed! Man, that was a long drought... I was back to running 90 mile weeks without even realizing it. Anyways - it was great to see a fresh white blanket over the Wasatch and make some soft turns for the first time in what felt like eternity. Powder is the best.
Tue, Mar 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
If you have four minutes to spare...
I love his attitude and feel very fortunate that I can echo these same sentiments about both skiing and running. Andrea's response to watching this segment was simply "he sounds like you" which I took as a very high compliment.
Comments
From Jenruns on Tue, Mar 08, 2016 at 18:24:07 from 76.27.92.131
Good to see you this morning!
From Jake K on Tue, Mar 08, 2016 at 20:22:30 from 67.166.113.191
Good old Vine Street.
PS - I think my hair is longer than yours :-)
From Derunzo on Wed, Mar 09, 2016 at 18:39:47 from 98.229.177.205
Great 4 minutes!
From Jake K on Thu, Mar 10, 2016 at 05:49:09 from 67.166.113.191
It would be hard to watch that and not smile!
Whether you are a skier or not, I think almost anyone can take something from George's life philosophy and apply it to their own.
From Derunzo on Thu, Mar 10, 2016 at 06:00:53 from 4.31.155.157
When I was 21 yrs old, I moved to Durango CO. I was a snowboarder from the Northeast in search of Western powder. Boy did I ever find it.... best 4 years of my life. Wolf Creek, Telluride, etc.
I was also lucky enough to spend a winter in Truckee CA. I worked in the ski rental shop at Alpine Meadows and would ride every day at lunch and all weekend. I'm with George..... don't get hung up on the stress of life and be grateful for all the beauty.
From Jake K on Fri, Mar 11, 2016 at 05:50:46 from 67.166.113.191
That is really cool. So you "get it" when I express my excitement over chasing the powder days. And you also understand why SW Colorado is my favorite part of a state that has lots of great parts :-)
I'm hoping to get out to Truckee / Squaw this spring. They have gotten pounded lately.
Wed, Mar 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
Thu, Mar 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 10 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
Fri, Mar 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - Skinned 2 x GW w/ Andrea [3500'].
Sat, Mar 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
6.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 6 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps [4700'].
Spent a good chunk of the day at a conference which had a misleading picture on the agenda.
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sun, Mar 13, 2016 at 18:50:17 from 107.77.100.63
I'm picturing you walking into a conference room decked out in ski gear, and all the talking and music abruptly stops as all the well-dressed attendees stop and stare at you. Yes, that's probably what happened.
From Jake K on Mon, Mar 14, 2016 at 05:24:04 from 67.166.113.191
I snuck out a few hours before the end and changed from my "nice" clothes to my "nice" clothes... the latter set including ski boots and spandex.
There was no music at this meeting. I didn't even realize what a let down that was until you mentioned it.
Sun, Mar 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles w/ Andrea.
PM - Skinned GW laps [4200'].
Mon, Mar 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles.
PM - 10 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Tue, Mar 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea & Jason - Saucony group run from RunGr8 in Riverton.
There is another run at Wasatch Running Center in Sandy on Thursday at 7pm. Jason (Saucony rep) has demos of some of the Everun models (Kinvara 7, Triumph ISO).
Comments
From allie on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 09:33:14 from 24.99.46.55
the sh*es i'm t*st*ng right now have the everun base. love love love
From Jake K on Wed, Mar 16, 2016 at 09:43:20 from 159.212.71.199
Nice use of ast*r*sks to keep this message from being intercepted by the NSA civili*n spy c*nter in Bl*ffdale.
Everun is fairly dope. I'm sure you are on Kinvara 12 by now, but I like the subtle upgrades to the K7.
From SlowJoe on Thu, Mar 17, 2016 at 07:16:35 from 107.77.100.63
Sounds like pretty cool technology! I'm still on Kinvara 2 and 3, but I can't wait to experience the K7 for myself around 2020 or so.
From Jason D on Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 18:47:34 from 68.80.27.222
I'm lusting over both the 7 and the Triumph ISO 2. I never thought I could love such a big bulky shoe but the original ISO Triumph is one of my favorite shoes ever. Mine still look new after ~350 miles. I expect they will go 700-800 or more (which I consider to be very good for me). They mostly have 9+ minute miles on them, which helps.
From Jake K on Fri, Mar 18, 2016 at 19:45:51 from 67.166.113.191
I love the original ISOs... on my second pair. Same thoughts as you - didn't ever think I would want such a "big" shoe, but they are surprisingly smooth and the cushion is pure luxury. I've worn the ISO 2s on a few runs and they are equally good but I haven't put them in the rotation quite yet.
Wed, Mar 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Grizzly Gulch x 4 laps [3850']. Another good storm... 20-30" of new snow. Cold smoke.
Thu, Mar 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Fri, Mar 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Twin Lakes Pass - 2 powder laps off the East side and then back via Grizzly Gulch [2850']. Snow was still great in the shade!
Sat, Mar 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Pink Pine x 3 laps [3800']. Went searching for dry snow and found it on the wind-sheltered portions of the ridge. Skied cream cheese back to the trailhead and scoped some potentiallines for tomorrow. Classic LCC spring day.
PM - 10 miles (4 w/ Andrea). She wanted to do a couple half-mile efforts so I paced her through them, but that guilted me into doing my own faster mile on the tempo loop (4:56) after she stopped. It felt about as you might expect for my first non-easy paced running of any duration since Thanksgiving.
Comments
From allie on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 17:12:38 from 24.99.46.55
this is where the pics start evolving to jacketless skiing to shorts skiing to sports bra skiing, then finally SKI MTN/SWIM VALLEY double day!!
looks like a fun time.
From Jake K on Sat, Mar 19, 2016 at 18:57:49 from 67.166.113.191
These upcoming three months are the best. Especially if we just keep alternating between 2-3 foot snow storms and 70 degree sunny days. Spring pow and speedo skiing/sunbathing.
Sun, Mar 20, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Climbed and skied Little Pine Chute w/ Andrea [3300']. One of the signature LCC avalanche paths that we have been admiring from across the canyon ever since we moved to Utah. The conditions were challenging at times and our turns certainly didn't earn us any style points... but we racked up plenty of adventure points and definitely felt like we accomplished something cool as we lounged in our camp chairs in the spring sunshine back at the trailhead. Living the dream!
PM - 8 miles.
Comments
From SlowJoe on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 19:10:04 from 107.77.105.84
Good lord, I thought that was a joke when you were showing the "lines" you scouted out. Glad to see those helmets on your craniums.
From Jake K on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 20:32:29 from 67.166.113.191
Tanners was the other option. Hopefully we can take a stab in a couple weeks.
Mon, Mar 21, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 11 miles.
PM - 11 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Tue, Mar 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 11 miles.
PM - 9 miles.
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Tue, Mar 22, 2016 at 21:31:01 from 24.10.247.181
Good running there Jake.
From Jake K on Wed, Mar 23, 2016 at 20:33:59 from 67.166.113.191
I still love the random "20 miles for no reason other than running is fun" days.
Plus I gotta stay in shape between ski days! :-)
Wed, Mar 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Ski Tour w/ Andrea: Short Swing x 2 laps [3350']. Another midweek powder day! Decided to stick with mid-elevation mellow terrain since today's avalanche forecast succinctly stated: "Back the F off, yo." Or something like that. The snow was really good and zipping in and out of the aspens was fun, as always.
Lower elevation trailheads are starting to present some challenges.
Thu, Mar 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 16 miles.
Probably won't run much, if at all, the rest of the week. Time for some big red tram laps and GTNP!
Comments
From Derunzo on Thu, Mar 24, 2016 at 19:10:08 from 98.229.177.205
From Jason D on Thu, Mar 24, 2016 at 19:37:44 from 68.80.27.222
Well at least you got it 76 miles before Friday. That might give me time to get back ahead of you for the year. Until next Monday's 20-mile day.
From Jake K on Mon, Mar 28, 2016 at 11:31:02 from 159.212.71.77
Derunzo - Thanks for sharing that. That's quite a feat they pulled off. I need to teach them about the "go hard all day... then go home take a shower and get some sleep in a bed" adventure philosophy :-)
Jason - You aren't turning into one of those "Sunday is the start of the week" guys, right?!?!
From Jason D on Mon, Mar 28, 2016 at 17:30:35 from 68.80.27.222
Whoops. Definitely not. I'm torn though because I count my mileage as the blog does but Strava has split my consciousness.
From Jake K on Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 08:58:59 from 159.212.71.77
The saving grace of FRB is that when you click on the "graph view" link, it calculates your weekly numbers accurately.
Fri, Mar 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
Lift skiing at Jackson Hole. A nicely timed storm made the drive up yesterday challenging at times, but the reward was soft pow turns off the tram in the morning. We skied hard all day and our legs were toast by 4pm.
Sat, Mar 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
Ski Tour w/ Andrea in Grand Teton National Park!!! We started at the Taggart trailhead and skied 2 laps off Peak 9975 aka "25 Short" [4900']. Everything was perfect - unreal alpine views, hero snow conditions (creamy powder), sunshine, and we even nailed the route-finding (which is not always how it goes when you ski in a new area for the first time). Top shelf day!
Comments
From Derunzo on Mon, Mar 28, 2016 at 11:47:29 from 4.31.155.157
4th picture from the top is amazing!
From allie on Mon, Mar 28, 2016 at 16:21:28 from 24.99.46.55
fantastic shots, as always! glad you had a fun weekend.
GTNP has to be one of my favorite places on this earth (since i haven't been to glacier yet, or snowdonia...or the atlanta zoo).
From Jake K on Tue, Mar 29, 2016 at 09:01:50 from 159.212.71.77
Derunzo - thanks... as I was taking the shot, I was just awestruck. Andrea really makes that crappy backdrop look OK :-)
Allie - Glacier next summer. Probably with my parents... but your hair color is the same as my sister's, so they won't really notice if we swap you in.
GTNP, on skis, is going to be hard for anywhere to beat.
Sun, Mar 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
Lift skiing day at Jackson Hole. We spent the morning chasing Rachel and Greg, who are both fast downhill skiers. The mountain was empty all day... had the place to ourselves. Really fun spring groomer conditions.
Taking 3 days off from running, getting 10 hours of sleep every night, and skiing nonstop for a long weekend was exactly what the Easter bunny intended.
Didn't take any pictures because nothing compared to the day before in GTNP. Here's some more photos from the park.
Mon, Mar 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles.
Tue, Mar 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles.
Comments
From RustyTF2 on Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 13:45:10 from 160.7.244.15
Gettin them miles in!
Wed, Mar 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Ski Tour w/ Andrea: Short Swing x 2 laps [3400']. Another midweek powder day! Pretty nice layer of new snow (although a bit damp towards the bottom). In hindsight the conditions would have been even better at higher elevation but we wanted to play it safe: Live. Ski. Repeat. Plus, there is always Thursday...
Comments
From Bret on Wed, Mar 30, 2016 at 12:58:28 from 216.234.133.229
I am noticing a pattern here....10..10...10
From Jake K on Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 05:51:24 from 67.166.113.191
What do you think comes next in the sequence? :-)
From allie on Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 15:59:39 from 24.99.46.55
http://i.stack.imgur.com/g3Eip.jpg
From allie on Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 15:59:53 from 24.99.46.55
From Jake K on Thu, Mar 31, 2016 at 21:37:45 from 67.166.113.191
sooooo close, allie. I see where you were going with "half swastika, dumbbell" but the correct answer was "ski, 12, ski"
From allie on Fri, Apr 01, 2016 at 06:22:27 from 24.99.46.55
^that's the exact sentence my tutor used to say to me all the time.
Thu, Mar 31, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - Ski Tour w/ Andrea: Grizzly / Patsy / Twin Lakes x 3 laps [3200']. Whoa baby... straight up mid-winter conditions - cold smoke! Really, really fun powder skiing... light and deep. What a way to finish off March!
Fri, Apr 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles.
Sat, Apr 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski Tour w/ Andrea: Climbed Mt Superior via the East Ridge, then 3 amazing laps of hero snow down the Cardiac Chutes and into Cardiac Bowl. Had the place to ourselves. Did another short lap on a NW aspect back near Cardiff Pass, then skied an afternoon slush run on the south-facing side back to Alta. Like last Saturday, today gets the "Top Shelf" classificiation. Definitely one of those days where I feel incredibly lucky to live where we live and get to do the kinds of things we do! [5100']
Comments
From Tom K on Sun, Apr 03, 2016 at 04:10:11 from 174.58.54.215
Like postcards (do they still exist?). I don't say it every time, but thanks for posting these.
From SlowJoe on Sun, Apr 03, 2016 at 10:21:26 from 107.77.100.48
You're getting out of control here...don't make me start another photo war.
From Jake K on Mon, Apr 04, 2016 at 05:20:05 from 67.166.113.191
Tom - postcards DO exist! National Parks visitors centers are the best places to get them. I appreciate that you appreciate the photos. Thanks.
Joe - I'm ready to engage at any time! Spring skiing is just getting started...
So all those perfectly skied lines, only perfect skiers allowed? I know there's a name for those, oval 8s, infinities?
From Jake K on Tue, Apr 19, 2016 at 15:49:09 from 199.190.170.30
Powder 8s!
It takes quite a bit of effort to get to those perfect slopes, so you don't need to be a perfect skier, but definitely motivated to put in some sweat equity.
That being said, there are always some knuckleheads who can't or choose not to ski the fall line (probably snowboarders!)
Sun, Apr 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Alta to Flagstaff and skied 3 laps in Upper Days Fork. We didn't have exceptionally high expectations considering the heat and how EPIC yesterday was, but the NE aspects skied even better than anticipated (E aspect = quad burning slush). Finished up the usual south side run back to Alta and thanks to a little breeze, the snow was supportable. Overall another great day - beautiful weather in the alpine and no one was around... we had Days Fork to ourselves. [3400']
PM - 17 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Comments
From james (runmehappy) on Tue, Apr 05, 2016 at 15:10:26 from 70.103.84.228
Just a casual 17 in the pm, no big deal. I am perennially jealous of your mountain adventures.
From Jake K on Wed, Apr 06, 2016 at 09:27:45 from 159.212.71.25
Gotta do something w/ all this daylight! :-)
Mon, Apr 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 8 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Tue, Apr 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - 6 miles w/ Andrea.
Wed, Apr 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps w/ Andrea [3000'].
Thu, Apr 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Fri, Apr 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps w/ Andrea [3000']. Butter smooth slush.
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 at 20:04:30 from 216.169.68.185
Amazing caloric expenditure this week!
From Jake K on Fri, Apr 08, 2016 at 21:13:34 from 67.166.113.191
You sound like my Fitbit! :-)
Sat, Apr 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles w/ Andrea and Devra on the Pipeline trail.
PM - 10 miles.
Sun, Apr 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 4 miles w/ Andrea.
PM - Shortest ski tour of the year. We went up Flagstaff and the snow was isothermal sugar mush, so it was a one-lapper [1650'].
PM2 - 7 miles.
Its always worth getting out for a little while...
Mon, Apr 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps [3000'].
Tue, Apr 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - Skinned GW laps w/ Andrea [3000'].
After the string of post-Daylight Savings Time midweek powder days during the second half of March, I figured the motivation for Brighton laps wouldn't come back until sometime around Thanksgiving. But it actually hasn't lost its luster... consolidated slushy snow + shorts skiing is a nice way to unwind after work and pass the time between spring snowstorms (fingers crossed for a few more big ones!). I still keep thinking I'll get back to running "training" at some point this year, but it will probably be a few more months.
Wed, Apr 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
Thu, Apr 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Fri, Apr 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Patsy, Twin Lakes Pass, Grizzly... 4 laps [3800']. GREAT snow! Thought it would be dense and creamy but it was light and graupely and the turns were sublime.
Sat, Apr 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Alta to Cardiff Peak - started w/ a North facing shot down Power Outage, over to Cardiac Ridge for some unbelievable East facing lines (x2), then once the sun started to come out we traversed over to Cardiac Bowl and lapped that for a while because it was amazing (x4) and then finished on the way out with a short NE run off Powerline and then the S side finisher from Cardiff Pass back to where we started. No words to describe how fun this was. All powder, all day. Definitely a finalist for my favorite outing of the season. I was stoked to 110%. [7200']
Sun, Apr 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Heaven's Gate - Stupid Chute - Tuna Chute - Grannys Chute - Patsy Trees [4500']. After knocking it out of the park yesterday we didn't think today could possibly be as fun, but it was! The NE/N/NW aspects were all holding dry, cold powder. Three straight days of hero snow and took full advantage... what a weekend.
PM - 8 miles on the Pipeline trail w/ Andrea and Rob.
Comments
From Amiee on Fri, Apr 22, 2016 at 14:12:47 from 174.52.198.55
What?!? Trail running party without me :(
From Jake K on Tue, Apr 26, 2016 at 09:30:24 from 159.212.71.17
I didn't know it was a "party" but the Murphy's brought BBQ chips so I guess it actually was! :-)
Fri, Apr 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea on the Rustler's Loop trail from the Kokopelli TH in Loma, CO. This area is right off the interstate and has some fantastic trails. The perfect place to get out of the car and stretch your legs during I-70 roadtrips.
Sat, Apr 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Skinned up Aspen Mountain w/ Andrea [3250'].
PM - Lift skiing at Aspen Highlands.
Sun, Apr 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Lift skiing at Aspen Highlands, with 2 x Highland Peak hikes [1450']
PM - Skinned up Aspen Mountain w/ Andrea [3250'].
Basically a reverse of yesterday with better ski conditions (the snow actually froze overnight) and bonus bootpacking.
Mon, Apr 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Ski tour w/ Andrea: Castle Peak! [4700']. The 4700 doesn't really do justice to the effort that went into this adventure. Starting from Ashcroft, its a long haul back to Montezuma Basin and ultimately up to the North side of Castle. But it was worth every step. Fun to ski a 14,000+ foot peak again... I haven't skied off the summit of a 14er since skiing Castle in May 2010 and then moving to Utah about a week later. My theory (which I know is wrong) is that being up that high gives me more energy. I think the proper condition/diagnosis is "alpine stoke" :-)
From Jon on Sat, Apr 30, 2016 at 14:10:05 from 96.33.87.148
Cool.
From SlowJoe on Sat, Apr 30, 2016 at 19:04:48 from 70.117.3.0
Asssssssspen
From Jake K on Sat, Apr 30, 2016 at 21:31:28 from 67.166.113.191
I don't know, Joe... the French are @s$h01es!
Tue, Apr 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 8 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Wed, Apr 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
Thu, Apr 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Solo dawn patrol powder 6-pack at Alta: Fred's Trees x 6 laps [7000']. Upper LCC got 40" of snow in 4 days just after the lifts stopped turning for the season... incredible timing! I have no action shots to prove how amazing this was... just the memories in my heart of deep snow and consistent face shots which in some cases led to tears of pure joy (both emoji and real). Among the best turns of the entire season. Swift. Silent. Deep.
I was so happy that, 8 hours after I finished, when I finally arrived at my hotel in Manhattan, I wasn't even grumpy about all the travel!
Fri, Apr 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles. North on the Hudson River Greenway.
PM - 6 miles. South on the Hudson River Greenway to Battery Park.
Sat, Apr 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 11 miles. Central Park.
PM - 5 miles. Back home!
Sun, May 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Collins lap at Alta [1850']. Too windy to be enjoyable so called it after one lap. Should have been patient and waited until the afternoon. Logging a dud for today is OK after amazing days on Mon/Thur.
PM - 18 miles (8 w/ Andrea).
When you see spindrifts like this, ridgelines are typically not a pleasant place to be...
Had some time on the plane the other night to do a recap of the first trimester of the year (am I using trimester correctly in this case?).
Check plus! Sun Valley, Short Swing, Maybird, Little Pine, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, Cardiff, Aspen... and re-visited some places that we skied in 2010-2011 but then neglected for 4-5 years when we weren't skiing as much. It has been a really good season so far. And we finally found the entrance to ski the Tuna Chute!
-Ski uphill more than ever before
To date I've logged 319K feet of climbing on skis, by far the most I've done in a ski season.
-Ski downhill like the 2009-2011 version of myself
I'm logging less air time (and less concussions), but I feel like I'm skiing powder, trees, and steeps as well as I ever have!
-Run new trails, climb new mountains, explore new canyons
All of those are warm weather endeavors.
-Take full advantage of the local trails and mountains that I love (don't take them for granted)
I'd say that from a skiing perspective, we have been taking full advantage of the Wasatch (and then some!) thus far in 2016.
-Epic wedding/honeymoon (our honeymoon will require superb fitness)
TBD in July/August
-Don't run 5000+ miles in a year (ever again)
I've actually run a lot more this winter than I thought I would (~75 miles/week)... but even as ski days will eventually transition to long runs, I'll probably never approach that kind of running volume for extended periods of time again. Although if you (even very conservatively) made some sort of conversion from uphill skiing to running miles, I bet my overall aerobic activity volume has been as high as its ever been.
That being said, so far this year I have run 99.93% easy miles... that is an exact number: I have run one fast mile out of 1340.
-Jump into some low-key races from time to time during the first half of the year
The first half of the year is only two-thirds over. There is still a chance this could happen but its seeming less and less likely. There are only so many hours in a day, and days in a week... with a busy work schedule and plenty of snow in the mountains, running workouts and races just haven't been at the top of my priority list. I haven't gotten to the point where I feel like I'm missing out on anything by not racing.
-Do a real marathon training cycle in the fall
Still planning on it!
-Run a PR in the marathon
Seems like a long shot. Anyone want to put odds on this?
-Be an asset to Saucony's team and good ambassador for the brand
I was selected for the team (for my 6th season) in January/February. The depth and talent level on the Hurricane team is better than ever - I'm excited to be a member of the team again, and even more excited that after giving up her spot in 2015, Andrea is back on board as a Saucony athlete in 2016 as well. I'm hoping that in the second half of the year, we can both make a big contribution from a racing standpoint.
Overall year-to-date grade: A
Comments
From james (runmehappy) on Wed, May 04, 2016 at 09:29:25 from 70.103.84.228
Loved reading that Jake. Now that the snow is starting to melt, hopefully we can get out on some runs and you can continue to check off your goal of taking full advantage of the local trails.
From Jake K on Wed, May 04, 2016 at 22:12:58 from 67.166.113.191
Pipeline = anytime!
You better not be hoping the snow melts too fast :-) Base is still over 100" at Alta at 9500', but falling fast :-(
Mon, May 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 6 miles.
PM - 10 miles.
Tue, May 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 6 miles w/ Andrea.
Wed, May 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 15 miles.
PM - Skinned Collins laps at Alta w/ Andrea [2900'].
We had grand plans for a sunrise Superior ski descent, but then saw this and had to abort. The sunset skiing was a fine alternative.
Comments
From SlowJoe on Fri, May 06, 2016 at 19:31:40 from 107.77.64.15
What if you hadn't looked at that? Boy would your face be red...
From DaleG on Sat, May 07, 2016 at 00:41:41 from 66.87.127.200
You chose wisely
From Jake K on Sun, May 08, 2016 at 11:32:30 from 67.166.113.191
Yeah I feel like taking Andrea into the line of heavy artillery fire would not have earned me too many bonus points.
Thu, May 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
Fri, May 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Sat, May 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles w/ Andrea,
PM - 8 miles.
Sun, May 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles w/ Andrea.
PM - Skinned Collins laps at Alta [3900']. About 6-7" of new (very dense) snow this weekend... keeping that mid-mountain base over the 100" mark. Good (creamy) turns above the angle station.
The crowds are starting to thin out.
Comments
From Steve on Sun, May 08, 2016 at 20:27:10 from 66.87.69.190
Awesome.
From allie on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 06:54:07 from 24.99.46.55
i was going to joke that you could ski on your wedding day, then i looked back and saw that you did in fact ski through july 10th in 2011...so it's possible!
From Jake K on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 09:54:25 from 159.212.71.69
Over 700" that season plus a cool May/June. Its possible but unlikely... we would need a couple monster May storms and a reversal of global warming.
That being said, it is still my dream to ski into the ceremony (and being in ski boots has another advantage - it makes me appear taller than Andrea).
My backup plan is to ride in on a Moose. I'll make the final call around Memorial Day, depending on the snowpack... I'm guessing it will take about a month to catch and train a moose should I have to resort to plan b.
From Rob Murphy on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 10:05:04 from 163.248.33.220
The cross country running gods will assure that all snow is melted by then.
From Jake K on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 10:07:30 from 159.212.71.69
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
From allie on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 10:39:05 from 24.99.46.55
i know a guy who could hook you up with a trainable moose. you would have to meet somewhere inconspicuous, like the sugar house tunnel or liquid joe's
From Jake K on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 10:41:19 from 159.212.71.69
I was going to say something about how its a shame that we're moving soon and I'll have lived within walking distance of Liquid Joes for 6 years without going inside.
And then I looked at their calendar.
http://www.liquidjoes.net/event-calendar/
From Steve on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 10:50:56 from 66.87.78.176
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ4T9CQA0UM
From Steve on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 10:51:48 from 66.87.78.176
Guy On A Buffalo. How could a guy with 10 million views be wrong? This is the way to do it.
From Jake K on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 11:04:48 from 159.212.71.69
Well, I think Rob is arriving via buffalo, so I don't want to steal his thunder!
From Steve on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 11:13:30 from 66.87.78.176
Rob drives a Prius
From Jason D on Mon, May 09, 2016 at 20:53:49 from 68.80.27.222
You make snow sound more appealing than it is. And by appealing I mean "to be eaten."
Two more things:
1. I just realized that you ran 104 miles last week.
2. I have two disproportionately sized cats that, although not as majestic as mooses, could solve the height problem. One is a hardcore meat eater and one is (I am almost convinced) a vegetarian. You know, because they'll need be fed at some point.
From Jake K on Tue, May 10, 2016 at 05:57:31 from 67.166.113.191
1. 96!
2. Dogs aren't allowed in the canyon where we are getting married, but I wonder if cats are?...
From Rob Murphy on Tue, May 10, 2016 at 07:31:26 from 163.248.33.220
No Prius Steve. Just a mighty Civic.
From Steve on Tue, May 10, 2016 at 08:15:32 from 66.87.127.4
:-)
Mon, May 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Tue, May 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles (4.5 w/ Andrea).
Wed, May 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - Skinned Collins laps w/ Andrea [2900']. I love when Alta does random post-season grooming.
Thu, May 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - Andrea and I went up to Alta and then realized we forgot our skins! Luckily we had one backpack so we strapped both pairs of skis to it and kicked a booter up Alf's High Rustler. The skiing was great and this ended up being a lot more fun than another round of Collins laps [1250'].
Fri, May 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - One lap off the high traverse at Alta w/ Andrea [1900']. Summer is making a very strong push right now but I'm not giving up yet!
Comments
From SlowJoe on Fri, May 13, 2016 at 20:48:02 from 107.77.80.90
Yeah, you can't let the seasons start bossing you around. That only encourages them.
From Jake K on Sat, May 14, 2016 at 06:14:30 from 67.166.113.191
I know! My hope is that if I keep pushing back, we'll get ONE more snow storm. That's all I'm asking for... then I can wait until November.
Sat, May 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles w/ Andrea and Jason.
AM/PM - Lift skiing at Snowbird. So hot out!
PM - 8 miles.
I can't wait until Snowbird closes on Memorial Day... because then we can go ski the Pipeline again!
Sun, May 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 11 miles w/ Andrea some other folks and a pair of cool dogs. Muddy, rainy run between Summit Park and the PC Running Company on trails that I didn't even know existed.
Mon, May 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 7 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Tue, May 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 11 miles.
PM - 10 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Wed, May 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Thu, May 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - Main Chute w/ Andrea [2400']. Skinned to the base and then booted the rest of way. I really needed this one since it felt like I hadn't skied in forever and was starting to get grumpy. A thunderstorm with copious amounts of lightning was just minutes away as we skied off the top - perfect timing!
Comments
From Derunzo on Sun, May 22, 2016 at 09:45:25 from 98.229.177.205
Hey Jake..... this guy is from my town. I don't know him as he graduated High School 24 yrs after me, but I was wondering if you or Andrea might have run into him in your backcountry endeavors?
From Jake K on Sun, May 22, 2016 at 10:00:14 from 67.166.113.191
Yes! I've been following Aaron's endeavors on Instagram all winter and while we haven't officially met - there were a couple days (including one just a couple weeks ago) where I realized in hindsight that we crossed paths during the day. What he is doing is really hard. Fun, but hard. Much tougher than cranking out 140 mile weeks simply because of the amount of time involved and the variable weather you deal with when you are skiing for so many hours every single day.
I'm a little jealous that as our season is winding down, he's hitting Colorado now for what is shaping up to be an epic May/June at their higher elevations.
From Derunzo on Sun, May 22, 2016 at 10:11:04 from 98.229.177.205
So cool! I love this stuff.
Fri, May 20, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Sat, May 21, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
PM - 5 miles.
PM2 - Little Chute [2200']. Timing wasn't ideal - got hammered with some wild spindrifts towards the top and actually had to transition about 50 feet below the top of the couloir. Good to ski a new line (we always gravitate towards Main). Little Chute is very aesthetic and a bit steeper.
Sun, May 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
PM - 8 miles.
PM2 - 8 miles.
Mon, May 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 12 miles (5.5 w/ Andrea).
Tue, May 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles.
Wed, May 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Thu, May 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 8 miles w/ Andrea... paced (or barely kept up with) her on some intervals,
Fri, May 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - Baldy / Little Chute [2500'].
Sat, May 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
9.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Suicide Chute + Little Chute! Great conditions in both. We were stoked for more but it was getting too warm [4000'].
PM - 9 miles (3 w/ Andrea).
Comments
From Derunzo on Mon, May 30, 2016 at 08:29:40 from 98.229.177.205
Pretty darn awesome!
From Jake K on Tue, May 31, 2016 at 09:37:12 from 159.212.71.173
Both lines are just wonderful aesthetic. We live in an amazing place, that's for sure.
Sun, May 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
9.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Main Chute + some other Baldy chute I don't know the name for + one more lap off the high traverse. Excellentness, especially Main Chute.
PM - 9 miles (4.5 w/ Andrea).
Mon, May 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
9.00
0.00
0.00
AM1 - Suicide Chute [1500']. It was awesome on Saturday so we went back for another round before the choke melts out. Today was even better.
AM/PM - Closing day lift skiing at Snowbird. A very formal affair.
PM - 9 miles (4.5 w/ Andrea).
This puts me at 96 days of skiing this season. At this point I might as well go for the century mark. Unfortunately it is about to get way too hot so I think I only have until the upcoming weekend and then I'll probably hang 'em up for the summer. The last four days were so much fun... easily our best Memorial Weekend ever... spring skiing and sunshine makes me very happy!
Comments
From Jason D on Tue, May 31, 2016 at 08:43:02 from 45.46.20.59
Fantastic. Love the attire.
From Jake K on Tue, May 31, 2016 at 09:36:34 from 159.212.71.173
Closing day brings out the best in ski attire. Lots of speedos, bikinis, etc. But we were the only ones in formal wear, but we take this sport seriously! :-)
Tue, May 31, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
9.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Baldy / Main Chute [2500']. Kept the long weekend momentum rolling. The snow below the chute needed another hour to soften up, but I had to get to work so I had to do some choppy combat skiing.
PM - 9 miles.
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Tue, May 31, 2016 at 09:59:34 from 163.248.33.220
I'm waiting for a tubing to work photo.
From Jake K on Tue, May 31, 2016 at 10:17:06 from 159.212.71.173
I mapped the route:
https://goo.gl/j0MSC5
I think the crux points will be going under the road at 5300S and 900E (red circle) and the area inside the red rectangle (I'm not sure how it gets through there). Even though I think its possible to tube under State Street, I'd probably get out of the water on the east side of the road just as I came out of Murray Park so as many co-workers as possible would see me crossing the street carrying my inner tube.
My big dilemma right now is whether to do this on a legit rafting tube, or just go for broke and ride an inflatable alligator?
Wed, Jun 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles (5.5 w/ Andrea).
Tonight I lost nearly 7" of hair. I wasn't allowed to have it longer than Andrea's at our wedding. The sacrifices and compromises that I make... I should get a medal for this one!
Thu, Jun 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles.
PM - 9 miles.
Fri, Jun 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Collins lap w/ Andrea [1800']. We were planning on Baldy Chutes but one stupid cloud in the wrong place kept the snow frozen and we couldn't wait around.
PM - 10 miles (~5 w/ Andrea and Alistar the dog).
Sat, Jun 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
9.00
0.00
0.00
AM - Pipeline Couloir + Red Stack NE face [4800']. A fantastic morning. Caught the Pipeline in even better conditions than when we skied it last year, and then wrapped around and skied a new (to us) line on Red Stack to up the adventure ante. We were able to ski back to within 100 feet of the jeep at Creekside, which is sort of unbelievable considering the lower elevation and the fact the temperature is pushing 150 degrees (or something in that ballpark).
PM - 9 miles (4.5 w/ Andrea).
I really like this panoramic.
Squeezing out every last possible turn.
Sun, Jun 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
4.00
0.00
0.00
AM - A pair of hot laps on Main Chute to close out the '15-16 ski season [3900'].
We probably could (and I almost certainly would) stretch it out a little further, but Andrea and I are going to be gone the next couple weekends. The timing was perfect for the season finale - I hit 100 days right on the money. I think we took advantage of just about every flake of snow we possibly could have this year: Lots of Wasatch powder days. Road trips to Sun Valley, Jackson, and Aspen. Spring/Summer chuting. Explored new terrain and re-visited old favorites. Crossed a few items off the bucket list, and added plenty more. Chasing 100 days might seem silly in some ways, but 100 days on skis is 100 days in the mountains, sliding around on snow... and I don't know how you can really top that*.
Last winter my excitement for skiing was renewed, but this year it really became my primary passion again and I just loved it. I've already been thinking about the places I want to ski next year - Uintas, La Sals, Rubys, etc. There are so many places to explore and enjoy, even right in the Central Wasatch, that we haven't scratched the surface on yet.
I'm an everyday runner, but definitely not a year-round racer anymore. Going forward, there is a part of me that still wants to take another crack at racing a marathon before the next ski season begins. And there is also a part of me that wonders whether I even have it in me? I'm not sure if that makes me more or less likely to want to try. We'll see... the next two months are going to be even busier than usual, so "to train or not to train" will be a question for early August. My gut feeling is that I'll give it a shot.
*Maybe eliminating most of the early and mid-season Brighton laps?
PM - 4 miles w/ Andrea.
Comments
From Jason D on Wed, Jun 08, 2016 at 20:04:33 from 68.80.27.222
I'm struggling to read the "wondering if I still have it in me" part. As in desire or physically capable? I think for the former you'll know and for the latter that's a question of time. You've got a strong base going.
From Jake K on Thu, Jun 09, 2016 at 09:42:56 from 159.212.71.77
A combination of both... I know I can't articulate it very well. I tried thinking of a concise way to explain what I mean during my entire run this morning. I couldn't come up with anything under 2000 words :-)
There are so many variables that come into play. Even if I can get the physical part back, I don't know if there is enough space in the mental bucket to take it anywhere. But I need to mentally commit in order to really get back physically, in terms of running long/fast on the regular basis again. Where to begin?!?!
I've never been a big "balance" guy, but I do have more on my plate now than a few years ago, and if I'm going to run for competition, it needs to fit in and compliment my job, personal life, and other recreational pursuits. It definitely can. Running in general always does... what I'm doing now enhances everything else. What Andrea does will probably also influence what I do - I kept our dream of chasing the trials alive for years while she was hurt. Now that she is better again, my initial preference is so pursue things that was can pursue together. Its more fun that way.
I guess in an ideal world, I ski from December to sometime in June and then transition to more focused running with a couple races in the fall, then go back to skiing. I guess in the years to come there won't be the additional stressors of wedding planning, real estate transactions, etc. So maybe things will simplify a bit, before I get too old.
From Derunzo on Fri, Jun 10, 2016 at 06:12:44 from 4.31.155.157
Jake, off topic question here, but what do you think of the Saucony Nomad TR?
From Jake K on Fri, Jun 10, 2016 at 09:38:54 from 159.212.71.77
Funny how my blog has gotten to a point where a question about running shoes is totally off topic :-)
The Nomads are my all-time favorite trail shoes. I like them more than the Peregrines. I actually wrote up this little review last summer:
I love the slightly wider toe box and the outsole (nothing gets stuck). For some reason this shoe hasn't taken off, probably because it doesn't have a rock plate so hard-core trail folks are too gnarly for a shoe like this. But for people who don't do a ton of running on jagged rocks (like me!) they are perfection.
From SlowJoe on Wed, Jun 29, 2016 at 20:47:19 from 107.77.105.52
Have a good trip?
From Jake K on Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 10:03:08 from 199.190.170.22
We should have gone to the UK two weeks later... our money goes a lot further since the GBP tanked!
I'm impossibly behind on FRB but I posted some photos here:
I'm loving these yearly "work" trips to Europe. I'm not much of a city guy, but in terms of mega-cities, London is about as good as it gets - plenty to do, walkable, clean, and only a moderate language barrier (what the heck is "zed"?). The Wales countryside was different than the kinds of trips we typically take. Very nice - quiet and peaceful. It was sort of a gamble to take the trip so close to the wedding, but I'm glad we did it... good experience and ultimately we would have waited until the last two weeks before the wedding to finish planning anything anyways.
Mon, Jun 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Tue, Jun 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Wed, Jun 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles.
PM - 6 miles w/ Andrea.
Thu, Jun 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
Fri, Jun 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 15 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
PM - 5 miles.
Sat, Jun 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
9.00
0.00
0.00
PM - 9 miles w/ Andrea in Windsor, England.
Sun, Jun 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 4 miles w/ Andrea near Bath, Endland on some canal trails.
PM - 6 miles w/ Andrea in Brecon, Wales on more canal trails.
Mon, Jun 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles in Brecon.
AM2 - Hiked Pen y Fan w/ Andrea.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea in Dolgellau, Wales.
Tue, Jun 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles w/ Andrea in Dolgellau, Wales.
PM - Waterfall hike in Coed y Brenin Forest Park. Pouring rain!
Wed, Jun 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles w/ Andrea in Conwy, Wales.
Thu, Jun 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 7 miles w/ Andrea in the Chilterns AONB on the Ridgeway trail.
PM - Lots and lots and lots of London walking.
Fri, Jun 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles in London. Thames River loop.
PM - 3 miles w/ Andrea on the Thames.
Sat, Jun 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles w/ Andrea in London. Thames River Loop.
Sun, Jun 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
14.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles w/ Andrea in London. Hyde Park.
PM - 4 miles. Back in SLC. Long day!
Mon, Jun 20, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Tue, Jun 21, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Wed, Jun 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Thu, Jun 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 8 miles. Pipeline w/ Andrea and Rob.
Fri, Jun 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles (5.5 w/ Andrea).
Sat, Jun 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 18 miles (9 w/ Andrea). PR for Wheeler Farm loops (12).
PM - 4 miles.
Sun, Jun 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles w/ Andrea.
PM - 6 miles.
Mon, Jun 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles.
PM - 7 miles (4.5 w/ Andrea)
Tue, Jun 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles (6 w/ Andrea)
PM - 8 miles.
Wed, Jun 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 15 miles (7.5 w/ Andrea)
PM - 7 miles.
Thu, Jun 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 15 miles.
PM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
Fri, Jul 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
23.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 15 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Sat, Jul 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles (6.5 w/ Andrea)
Sun, Jul 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles w/ Andrea. Pipeline Trail.
PM - 6 miles.
Mon, Jul 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles.
AM2 - Brighton Lakes hike with parents.
PM - 6 miles (4.5 w/ Andrea)
Tue, Jul 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Wed, Jul 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 7 miles.
Thu, Jul 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 7 miles.
Fri, Jul 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles. Lots of friends staying at our house so we got a dope crew out for Wheeler Farm loops.
PM - Peruvian Pizza Party!
Sat, Jul 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles. Alta / Albion Basin run w/ Andrea, Rob, JA, and many more from team #AndreaJakeWedding
From Andrea on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 20:54:42 from 67.166.113.191
JAJA!
From allie on Fri, Jul 15, 2016 at 14:20:08 from 24.99.46.55
if you haven't seen it already, there's an altitudealcohol-induced surprise/mistake on your guest book skis.
actually, i'm just now wondering if james knows what JAJA means...
From Jake K on Sat, Jul 16, 2016 at 09:03:48 from 67.166.113.191
JAmesJAllie?
Mon, Jul 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
14.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 6 miles in Park City.
By the power vested in Rob Murphy, Andrea and I were finally married on Saturday. It was probably the best multi-day stretch of my entire life. All along, we had a vision of an action-packed weekend in the mountains that would leave everyone exhausted (and exhilarated) from dancing, laughing, and running/hiking at high altitude. It all played out in a way, and with an energy, that I can't even begin to describe - a perfect celebration not just of Andrea and I, but of the family and friends we love so much. I think the festivites reflected exactly who we are, and why we are together in the first place.
I'll have more photos and videos to post as they start to roll in (and after I get some sleep - I've been operating on pure adrenaline for the past two weeks!)... and I'll slowly get caught back up on my running log as well.
A special thanks goes out to Rob (The Mountain Minister!) and the entire Murphy family. They were much more than friends, they were family... and they played as big of a role as anyone in making this such an amazing weekend for everyone involved.
Comments
From Rob Murphy on Mon, Jul 11, 2016 at 20:57:53 from 24.10.247.181
Great pictures. Those sparklers were nice.
From Bret on Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 11:30:22 from 76.120.138.2
Awesome - Congratulations to you both
From Jake K on Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 11:34:36 from 199.190.170.21
I can't wait to see the post-sparkler / water bucket surprise shots. The photographer took almost 5000 pictures so it might take a while for her to sort through those.
From Holt on Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 12:55:13 from 67.2.239.245
Good stuff Jake! Congrats to you two.
From Josh E on Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 15:11:26 from 205.235.104.4
Congratulations to you and Andrea, Jake.
From Jason D on Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 18:41:40 from 68.80.27.222
Congratulations to you and Andrea, Jake. That's a beautiful setting.
From DaleG on Tue, Jul 12, 2016 at 18:49:55 from 152.216.15.5
Congratulations!!!
From JD on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 09:32:12 from 70.96.78.247
congratulations Jake and Andrea!
From allie on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 17:39:54 from 24.99.46.55
how many weddings have at least 15 guests willing to run uphill at 8500 feet? :)
i'm so happy for you two. it will be hard to top that mountain party, even if the peruvian dash makes a comeback.
thank you for the opportunity to finally fulfill my dream of altitude dancing to usher's YEAH!
From Jake K on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 20:01:21 from 67.166.113.191
Thanks gentlemen.
Allie - how many weddings have 15 people do that run TWO DAYS IN A ROW? (especially after just wrapping up the flip cup a few hours before)
I don't how we can top it. Maybe ask Rob for an annulment, then do it all over again next summer. But I think I'll just call it good - one wedding, out on top.
I think I pumped my fist and yelled "YES, I love this song!!" at almost every song during the dance party. In hindsight, I sent them a playlist about 72 hours before the reception, so I guess that wasn't too surprising. Just the right amount of Usher, Taylor, and Savage Garden... perfect balance.
From allie on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 20:20:10 from 24.99.46.55
journey, madonna, nelly. you hit it all!
From Rob Murphy on Wed, Jul 13, 2016 at 21:17:51 from 24.10.247.181
There was no Prince. That was really bad and ruined everything.
From jtshad on Thu, Jul 14, 2016 at 08:47:40 from 173.198.176.201
Congrats to the two of you! Looks like a great time!
From Jake K on Thu, Jul 14, 2016 at 09:49:58 from 199.190.170.28
I gave Chad and Kristo two lists:
1) Songs to definitely play
2) Songs/artists to not play under any circumstances, even if requested. This included tunes such as Cotton Eyed Joe, YMCA, Chicken Dance, Sweet Caroline, and artists such as John Mayer and Prince
From butlerbrunning on Fri, Jul 15, 2016 at 15:37:05 from 104.52.197.67
Congrats.
From SlowJoe on Tue, Jul 19, 2016 at 19:02:11 from 107.77.72.45
Congrats Jake and Andrea! A very late congrats... Pictures look awesome, a wedding that would actually be fun to attend!
What happened to the jeep getting towed away? Traded it in for a minivan already?
From Jake K on Wed, Jul 20, 2016 at 09:12:28 from 159.212.71.69
The white wolf did it's usual "start blowing green/brown gunk all over the ground". Fortunately it happened just as I was pulling up the lodge so none of the adult beverages were harmed. It got towed down to the valley, something (who knows what?) was fixed, and allie/james gave me a ride to go pick it up a couple days later. It all worked out perfectly. I actually (semi-joking) predicted it would break down about 15 minutes earlier (with no warning), so it turned out to be fairly funny when it happened.
You gotta give the jeep credit for contributing to the #WhatCouldGoKrong theme for the weekend.
From JTB on Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 10:38:41 from 70.103.84.228
Congrats to you both! I am glad that Chad and Kristo worked out.
From Jake K on Mon, Aug 08, 2016 at 12:34:53 from 159.212.71.17
Chad and Kristo were top-shelf. Everyone loved them!
From Kilia on Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 03:50:52 from 77.58.84.65
Hi Jake..... I've been reading your blog for a while now and couldn't resist to respond when you wrote you're staying in Grindelwald. I've been here for a week now with my parents and staying a few more days. Maybe will cross path somewhere on a run. If I see someone flying by I'll know it's you and Andrea 😀 Hope you'll enjoy your stay.
From Jon on Sat, Aug 06, 2016 at 12:57:52 from 96.33.87.148
Wait, wait, wait- you're going to the Alps? Awesome, enjoy it!!!
From Jake K on Mon, Aug 08, 2016 at 12:30:56 from 159.212.71.17
Kilia - Just catching up on messages as we got back this morning. Funny that we might have crossed paths in Grindelwald of all places! Quite a place, huh? We loved the town and all the cows. We hiked all over the mountain from the First gondola and also spent time in Gimmelwald/Murren. Such a beautiful area. What kinds of things were you doing there? Hiking?
Jon - Yep, just got back early this morning after 18 days. We spent a week in the Swiss and French Alps (Chamonix!!!) and the rest of the trip in the Italian Dolomites (even better!). It will take me a bit to organize all our photos and do some sort of recap, but all in all - it was unreal... the best trip (by far) we've ever taken (and we've done a lot of great ones). Some of our pics that we posted along the way are here:
Drove from Zurich to Grindelwald after a long day/night of flying
Walked around the town a bit
Debated whether or not to go for an evening hike / jog...
Decided to just go to bed and slept for 13+ hours!
Sat, Jul 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
Day 2
Took the gondola from Grindelwald to First (this is our honeymoon after all - no unnecessary suffering!)
Hiked to Lake Bachalpsee, then to Faulhorn, then across Schwarzwaldalp, then back to Schreckfeld. There was driving rain at times (we ran those parts), and cows... cows everywhere.
From Tom K on Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 13:56:17 from 66.87.148.97
WOW! That is amazing! Spontaneous yodelling could happen! Hope you had a great trip!
From Jake K on Fri, Aug 12, 2016 at 14:08:55 from 70.212.38.158
The trip got exponentially BETTER from here. This ended up being one of the more boring days :-)
I'll slowly catch up over the next week as I get through my photos.
From Bret on Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 11:10:03 from 216.234.133.229
Love the the cows with their bells. I did a cycling tour there a few years ago -and I remember stretches of road where all you heard was the wind and the sound of cowbells.
The photos looks outstanding!
From Jake K on Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 13:47:25 from 159.212.71.69
The cows are really something. The are the trail bosses, that's for sure!
Sun, Jul 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
4.00
0.00
0.00
Day 3
Ran 4 miles around Grindelwald.
Tram/Train to Murren via stereotypical ultra-efficient Swiss public transportation. Murren is only accessible in this fashion - no cars are allowed there. The town is really cool, perched up on a cliff above the Lauterbrunnen Valley (which is the Swiss version of Yosemite).
Hiked up to the Schilthorn. It was a grind, so we snuck on the tram for a free ride back down.
Mon, Jul 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
6.00
0.00
0.00
Day 4
Ran 6 miles w/ Andrea - Murren to Grutschalp and back.
Murren to Gimmelwald (not to be confused with Grindelwald) Via Ferrata. For the most part it was a very easy route, but had an awesome exposed section and some fun bridges.
Picnic by Staubbach Falls back down in Lauterbrunnen.
Drove to Chamonix.
Tue, Jul 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
4.00
0.00
0.00
Day 5
Ran 4 miles around Chamonix.
Took the Flegere / Index lifts up and hiked across the mountain on the north side of the valley. First to Col du Lac Cornu and then to Planpraz, where we took another lift back down to the valley.
The skies on the gnarly side of valley looked clear, so we took the cable car up to Aguille du Midi and hung out up there for a few hours.
Wandered around town and finished the day by hot tubbing for a long time.
Wed, Jul 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
Day 6
Ran 5 miles around Chamonix - town and nordic trails.
Back up the Flegere/Index lifts - hiked to Lac Blanc, then up above the lac/lake, then to Lacs des Cheserys, and back to the Flegere refuge to complete one of the most stunning loops we have ever walked.
Hot tub recovery.
Another evening of Chamonix wandering. Had dinner outside right in the town center while a jazz group was playing. It couldn't have been any more perfect.
Comments
From Amiee on Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 13:36:50 from 155.98.164.36
I love clouds!
From Jake K on Mon, Aug 15, 2016 at 13:44:06 from 159.212.71.69
I love clouds that add drama to landscapes but don't cover them up for too long.
BREAKS in the clouds are the best.
Thu, Jul 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
Day 7
Ran 7 miles in Chamonix - town and nordic trails.
Took the lift up to the top of Grand Montets for some viewing pleasure.
Hiked from Lognan out to the Argentiere Glacier.
Listened to some CosmoJazz at the glacier icefall.
Drove from Chamonix to Lake Garda (Malcesine).
There's a helicopter in the photo above (for scale)
Fri, Jul 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
Day 8
Ran 6 miles in Malcesine on the path along Lake Garda.
Canyoning!!! I didn't know what to expect going into this adventure, and I'm not sure how to describe it beyond: IT WAS SO DOPE!!! We basically spent hours working our way down a canyon by sometimes rappelling down but mostly JUMPING OFF waterfalls. It was crazy fun. We came out of the canyon on a beach in Limone, jumped in the lake, and then our guide bought us beers. None of this would have been allowed in the USA. I lost my wedding ring but at least I lost it with a good story!
Beach walking in Torbole
Ran 5 miles w/ Andrea along the lake... her idea and a total death march because it was so hot out! But running along that lake is totally worth it - so beautiful!\
Lots of town walking and wine wandering after dinner on the water.
Sat, Jul 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
Day 9
Ran 11 miles on the Lake Garda path.
Took the tram up to Monte Baldo and went for a hike along the ridge overlooking the lake. It was a little cloudy so we didn't get quite the views we hoped for, but it was still a good walk.
Walking along and swimming in the lake.
More town wandering before/after dinner. We really liked Malcesine.
Comments
From Andrea on Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 08:10:02 from 63.241.111.230
Caffeine overload!!
From Jake K on Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 08:15:26 from 159.212.71.17
Yes it should go on the permanent record that this is the day I drank way too much coffee and THEN had a triple espresso and then lost my hearing and nearly passed out on the Funivie del Baldo!
From Amiee on Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 09:52:53 from 155.98.164.36
Does that sign mean you have to take off your swimsuits before entering the water?
From Jake K on Thu, Aug 18, 2016 at 09:57:20 from 159.212.71.17
I think it means cover your nipples when walking on the cobblestone section of town.
Sun, Jul 31, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
Day 10
Ran 9 miles along Lake Garda (5.5 w/ Andrea) and finished just as a storm rolled in
Drove up to Madonna di Campiglio
It rained most of the day, so we walked around the town but didn't try anything fancy.
Ran 4 miles w/ Andrea on the Giro di Campiglio trail. She crushed me.
The sun finally came out a bit so we enjoyed the views from our hotel balcony before the fanciest dinner ever. We did not have the right clothes :-)
Mon, Aug 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
Day 11
Slept in and had a nice breakfast in lieu of jogging
Weather looked OK so we decided to go for Bocchette Centrali. Andrea already described it pretty well in her post. Essentially we hammered out a long, beautiful approach, then did a classic Via Ferrata route in the Brenta Dolomites. The climbing itself was fairly easy. The landscapes were amazing... our first real taste of the Dolomites. We were hooked!!!
Another overly fancy dinner at Lorenzetti, but we knew what to expect this time.
Comments
From SlowJoe on Sat, Aug 20, 2016 at 11:13:19 from 107.77.80.59
Unreal... Must go on a trip like this.
From Jake K on Sun, Aug 21, 2016 at 16:30:39 from 67.166.113.191
Delta books about 11 months out, so I'm already tracking rewards travel for next summer. How far can we go for the least amount of points? :-)
Tue, Aug 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
Day 12
Ran 4 miles around Madonna di Campiglio
Whitewater Rafting on the Noce River in Val di Sole. This trip ended up being nonstop awesomeness. Sustained III/IV rapids (the most fun kind) and we ended up in a raft with just the two of us and three river guides, so it was a fairly elite crew! Fabiano led the way, and he was everything you would expect out of a guy named Fabiano.
Drove to Kastelruth
Ran 7 miles at Alpe di Suisi w/ Andrea. At the RUNNING PARK. Where else does something like this exist? To be honest, most people were nordic walking, but its still nice to know running is valued in some capacity! Needless to say, this was one of the more scenic runs we've ever done.
Wed, Aug 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
Day 13
Ran 5 miles around Kastelruth and Suisi
Drove over to Ortisei and took the lift up to Secada. We started the hike and within seconds were just blown away - nothing seemed real! The Gruppo le Odle is among the most beautiful and contrasting mountain ranges I've ever seen. We did a nice loop walk to train type thing and took that back down the mountain (for free!).
Drove to Alta Badia / San Cassiano via Val Gardena - more places that seems totally fake.
Went up to Falzarego Pass and decided to do an evening hike to Cinque Torri since the weather was still good. We got up to the top and the evening light was hitting the towers just right... it was amazing. One of the best days of hiking ever!
Andrea ate an entire pizza in 4 seconds for dinner :-)
Thu, Aug 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
Day 14
Ran 5 miles on the San Cassiano (Armentarola) nordic trails
Via Ferrata Degli Alpini. Great scrambling-type route. We developed our own internal ethic for ferrata routes - climb it on your own, only use the cable or aids if you can't figure out or pull off the move. A lot of people just haul themselves up the cable... we think our method is more fun (and definitely more challenging).
Took the tram up to Lagazuoi and then descended through the WWI tunnels. Such a fascinating area!
Hiked up to Sass de Stria - which is perfectly situated for 360 views of the Falzarego Pass region.
Fri, Aug 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
Day 15
Ran 5 miles w/ Andrea on the nordic trails
RAINOUT! We went to Cortina (too ritzy-ditzy!) and walked around as much as we could considering it was a cold downpour most of the day.
This is the only day that I didn't take a single photo. Luckily, we'd make up for it the following day...
Sat, Aug 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
5.00
0.00
0.00
Day 16
Ran 5 miles on the nordic trails
We got fantastic weather for our last full day in Italy and definitely took advantage. First stop was Via Ferrata Brigata Tridentina - another really fun route with plenty of scrambling.
After the descent from Brigata Tridentina, we regrouped at the car and thought about how long it would take to drive back to Zurich... and whether we could fit in one more ferrata route...
The decision was obvious - we took two lifts from Corvara and climbed the Via Ferrata Piz da Lech route. Another awesome route and there was no one else out in the afternoon. An amazing day to cap the trip!
Drove from Alta Badia to Zurich
Comments
From Russ on Fri, Aug 26, 2016 at 09:11:16 from 74.114.3.253
Amazing photos and descriptions, thanks for taking the FRB crew along on your European adventure (sounds better than you taking us along on your honeymoon - that's just creepy).
From Jake K on Fri, Aug 26, 2016 at 13:52:02 from 159.212.71.84
Thanks Russ. I'm having a hard time getting my post-Europe entries back up to date because anything that doesn't involve hanging off the side of a mountain just seems like a letdown!
One of the key traits of being a good internet citizen is finding the balance of just the right amount of creepiness. You have nailed it :-)
From Russ on Fri, Aug 26, 2016 at 16:15:59 from 74.114.3.253
Laughing out loud!!! Hilarious, thanks for reassuring me that I've hit just the right creepy factor. As a middle-aged man I have nearly perfected it.
Maybe to help with the post-Europe entries you could write them very dramatically? "It was a (sort of) dark and (not so)stormy morning. As I laced up my shoes the pent up feelings of adrenaline laced through me...." That's nearly as good as being on the side of a mountain, close to death.
AM - 14 miles (8.5 w/ Andrea) on the trails near the Zurich airport. Then flew home, missing the Delta meltdown by just a few hours.
Mon, Aug 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 6 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
Tue, Aug 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
PM - 8 miles.
Wed, Aug 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
PM - 5 miles.
Thu, Aug 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Fri, Aug 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 18 miles.
Sat, Aug 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles along the Embarcadaro in San Francisco. I wanted to do the Golden Gate Bridge run, but couldn't get myself out of bed in time. Nice hotels and their nice beds make it hard to wake up!
Sun, Aug 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 18 miles (9 w/ Andrea). Wheeler Farm x 12 to tie my Wheeler Loops PR for the second time in three days.
PM - Mt Superior South Ridge w/ Andrea and Amiee. The best scramble in the Wasatch!
Mon, Aug 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Tue, Aug 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
PM - 8 miles.
Wed, Aug 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 7 miles. Track workout w/ Andrea - 12 x 200m (200m) in 37.2 seconds average. First run on the track since September 2014.
Thu, Aug 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 11 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
PM - 8 miles.
Fri, Aug 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Sat, Aug 20, 2016
Race:
Dash for Donation 5K (3.107 Miles) 00:16:46, Place overall: 1
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
16.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles. Dash for Donation 5K in 16:46 (5:36, 5:28, 5:06, :35).
PM - 8 miles.
I knew breaking 17 minutes on the SHP course wouldn't be easy, and it wasn't! The first half-mile felt insanely hard. After about a mile I looked back and saw that Andrea and another girl were the closest competitiors, which was a huge relief. Did a little math at two miles and realized I needed to rally to break 17. Fortunately I had some juice left and ran a pretty good last mile. I was happy with the effort... I think I slightly exceeded my expectations.
Comments
From Jason D on Sun, Aug 28, 2016 at 21:06:32 from 24.127.111.174
Good cutdown. I'm seeing red, bold, and mileage. You've got an excellent base going.
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 10:01:39 from 159.212.71.25
Thanks Jason.
At first I was like "what does he mean by RED?" and then I eventually figured it out.
I'll say it again - that first mile was HARD! If I do some more races this fall, I need to probably do more than 20 minutes at 8:30 pace to warm up :-)
Sun, Aug 21, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 21 miles (14.5 w/ Andrea). Jeremy Ranch!
Mon, Aug 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Tue, Aug 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (5 w/ Andrea)
PM - 8 miles.
Wed, Aug 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles. Back to our new home track (Cottonwood) w/ Andrea - 16 x 200m (200m) in 36.8 seconds average.
Thu, Aug 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Fri, Aug 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (5 w/ Andrea)
PM - 8 miles.
Sat, Aug 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles w/ Andrea, Devra, and Jake A on the Dimple Dell gully trails.
PM - 9 miles. Wheeler Farm 5K tempo (time trial?) in 17:05.
Sun, Aug 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 21 miles. Jeremy Ranch. First ~11 w/ Andrea, Abby, and Rob. The Murphys joined the rest of their family at Mormon Flats while Andrea and I ran another 4 miles back to the start. Then I did another out & back to the Morgan county line by myself, same thing I did last Sunday.
Mon, Aug 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Tue, Aug 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (4 w/ Andrea).
PM - 8 miles.
Wed, Aug 31, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
24.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 12 miles. Track - 20 x 200m (200m) in 36.7 seconds average. 98 degrees and headwind!
Thu, Sep 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
PM - 8 miles.
Fri, Sep 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles. Wheeler Farm 5K in 16:35.
PM - 7 miles w/ Andrea. Rockville to Grafton ghost town and back.
I'm not sure running gets much better than this!
Comments
From allie on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 10:13:29 from 24.99.46.55
i hope you used the run for clean water mile markers
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 10:19:43 from 159.212.71.84
I just do 55 laps around the pig pens because its a good reminder to keep running and not be obese.
Sat, Sep 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
7.00
0.00
0.00
AM/PM - Hiking in Zion Canyon - Observation Point and Watchman trail.
PM - 7 miles. Grafton.
Sun, Sep 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 20 miles (10 w/ Andrea). Rockville / Grafton.
PM - Hiked up East Northgate Peak in the Kolob Terrace and then did some bonus wandering near the hoodoo-ish formation near the Hop Valley trailhead. On a busy weekend in Zion National Park, we had the terrace section pretty much to ourselves.
Mon, Sep 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
Hiked the Virgin River Narrows top-down from Chamberlain's Ranch to Temple of Sinawava. One of the most spectacular walks we have ever done. You can't help but just be in awe the entire time. Also, neoprene socks are amazing.
Pictures don't really do the scenery justice. But imagine 8 hours of this...
After I took this last photo I put my camera away for the rest of the hike because I knew I wouldn't get such good natural light and take a better shot (possibly ever).
Comments
From Bret on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 11:17:47 from 216.234.133.229
Really amazing scenery - thanks for sharing!
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 11:35:56 from 159.212.71.84
Skip Park City on your next Utah trip with the family and go here. You will love it. A long weekend at Zion has become an annual thing for us.
From Rob Murphy on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 12:03:35 from 163.248.33.220
I was going to hike that once but I didn't want to get wet.
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 12:15:09 from 159.212.71.25
Required for this one, even when the water levels are as low as they get. We walked in the river for roughly 14 of the 16 miles. It was never much deeper than your knees, most of the time ankle/shin high. Between the extra-cushy neoprene socks and being in cool water all day, your feet definitely aren't sore even after that much hiking :-)
From jtshad on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 13:10:07 from 141.221.191.225
Beautiful! Definitely have to do that part of our next visit to ZNP.
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 13:21:39 from 199.190.170.30
FYI there's a bit of logistics involved in the top-down route... you need to get a permit (best done well ahead of time) and arrange transport (we used Zion Adventures) to drop you off at the start.
But if you start in the main canyon, you can hit a lot of the very scenic parts by walking up river ~4-5 miles and then just returning the way you came.
From Bret on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 13:25:56 from 216.234.133.229
Sounds like a great idea, Jake!
From Amiee on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 13:36:38 from 24.2.77.1
Shew! I was starting to worry THE END on Sun, Aug 07, 2016 was really the end... Rad photographs!
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 07, 2016 at 16:53:16 from 199.190.170.31
The word rad just isn't used enough. That's a good description for the narrows. We kept saying "this is like Little Wild Horse / Ding / Dang... on major steroids... with a river running through it"
There's never an end, I just needed another set of dope photos to get myself motivated to catch back up. Recapping the Euro trip was exhausting, although not nearly as exhausting as the trip itself!
From Russ on Fri, Sep 09, 2016 at 11:41:55 from 74.114.3.253
Fantastic pictures, thanks Jake! I did that trip 24 years ago (that makes me feel ancient) and it was amazing. We overnighted so had packs on but it was such a cool experience. I did NOT get any pictures near as rad as yours, so thanks for reviving some great memories.
From Jake K on Sat, Sep 10, 2016 at 08:33:07 from 67.166.113.191
That's cool, Russ. Definitely one of the more unique places to setup camp for the night.
I bet one of the big differences between now and 24 years ago is that when you get to the end of the trail where most of the people are lingering, there were a lot less people holding up full-sized ipads to take pictures back then :-) Early 90s... so that was like iPad 1 era?
From Jon on Sat, Sep 10, 2016 at 14:30:12 from 96.33.87.148
Looks rough.
From Russ on Sun, Sep 11, 2016 at 07:45:02 from 63.158.87.14
LOL Jake (I literally did). Our 1992 iPads were pretty similar to today's, except they had no screens, no memory, and used 35mm film. But other than that, pretty close.
Tue, Sep 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - 15 miles.
Wed, Sep 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles. Gloves!
PM - 10 miles (7 w/ Andrea).
Thu, Sep 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles. Track - 16 x 200m (200m) in 36.1 seconds avg.
Fri, Sep 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Sat, Sep 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 16 miles. Jeremy Ranch. First 12 w/ Andrea (out & back), then 3.3 milestempo from the start to the next cow gate in 17:43 (5:23/mile avg). Andrea picked me up after a short cooldown,
PM - 6 miles.
Sun, Sep 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
24.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 18 miles. Jeremy Ranch. First 12 w/ Andrea (out & back, same as yesterday), then another cow gate out & back.
PM - 6 miles.
Mon, Sep 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
10.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Tue, Sep 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
14.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 9 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
PM - 5 miles.
Wed, Sep 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles. Track - 12 x 200m (200m) in 35.8 seconds average.
PM - 5 miles.
Thu, Sep 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
8.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
Fri, Sep 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 3 miles w/ Andrea.
Sat, Sep 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 21 miles in 2:00:20 at the TOU Marathon (5:43/mile average).
I'm very happy with how this felt, and glad that I pulled the plug before risking wrecked legs. They need more time to harden up - a month of hot/cold 200s and 5K tempos after 8 months of zero fast running doesn't quite get the body adapted to the demands of a full marathon. But that being said, this run was definitely a confidence builder.
Rumor has it that this might be the last edition of the TOU Marathon, which is pretty sad. Such a great race, but the times, they are a-changin'...
Comments
From allie on Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 16:21:21 from 24.99.46.55
cool pic, and i like the green/blue singlet.
tooo sad if TOU dies. hang on to those moose trophies.
From Jake K on Tue, Sep 20, 2016 at 16:43:33 from 159.212.71.84
Its the best uniform out of all the ones I've had. Blue shorts! I'm going to try and break it out a few more times this fall :-)
I wrecked one of my moose trophies because I was going to build a moose mailbox for our new house but then I realized how much I hate projects. Now I'm semi-motivated to finish what I started so at the very least, TOU will live on at Wheeler Farm.
From Andrea on Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 07:16:51 from 67.166.113.191
Nice picture! Great job matching :)
From Jake K on Wed, Sep 21, 2016 at 09:10:11 from 159.212.71.69
There's no denying that my color coordination was at an elite level!
Sun, Sep 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
12.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (5 w/ Andrea).
PM - Hiked from Mill D to Desolation Lake.
Comments
From Jason D on Fri, Sep 23, 2016 at 20:37:45 from 24.127.111.174
Your summer to fall window is like what 1-2 weeks at most? I'm back in the flat Midwest, which means the foliage elevation contrasts are out the window. I hear it's nice up north though. I love fall!
From Jake K on Fri, Sep 23, 2016 at 21:04:28 from 67.166.113.191
Haha - right now it feels like summer to WINTER in 1-2 days. It was 90 degrees earlier in the week and now this is happening as I type...
I think the transition period seems quick because of the elevation difference. The leaves at 9-10K change quick (Desolation Lake is 9200'). Then the colors work their way down to the valley over the rest of September and October. Its actually kind of neat - you get like 2 months of fall foliage if you follow the elevation and then head down to Southern Utah later in the season.
Fall is arguably peak season for running. Strangely I really like hot summer running so that comparison might be a tie for me.
From Jason D on Fri, Sep 23, 2016 at 21:51:37 from 24.127.111.174
I thought that it was probably elevation after I typed that. Two months of foliage sounds fantastic.
So I see on the Instagram that you are thinking fall marathon. CIM? Looks like a cheeky little jaunt at TOU the other day too. I wish I had the time and money to travel there. I've got the itch but no real options given the late start to the summer/fall.
From Jake K on Sat, Sep 24, 2016 at 20:10:50 from 67.166.113.191
Yeah I'm trying not to get too far ahead of myself... work is busy and I don't want to overfill the bucket... but I'd like to take a shot at another marathon before switching back over to ski boots. CIM would be the one - it fits the what I'm looking for better than any other race (time frame, competition, travel logistics, etc). Even if I only manage to do mileage + strides for a couple months, I think I can run a pretty decent marathon without the complicated training schemes :-)
From Jason D on Sat, Sep 24, 2016 at 20:49:38 from 24.127.111.174
Your mileage has been solid for a while. A midweek workout and quality long run every weekend would seem doable without any more time commitment than you have currently. But yeah. You could have run sub-2:30 if you stuck it out at TOU. Not sure if that is "pretty decent" or not.
I just checked...8 weeks of marathon specific workouts and a 2 week taper starting this weekend.
From Jake K on Sun, Sep 25, 2016 at 20:40:36 from 67.166.113.191
You are definitely right - that's all I did during my entire Chicago buildup, and what I did during the last block of training leading up to CIM as well. It seems so easy on paper, I just need to get myself motivated enough to do a workout during the work-week! Time commitment is the easy part - I already run so much to begin with, running faster more often would actually cut down the amount of time I spend running :-)
I think if I just do it for a week or two... well then, like you said, then there's only another 6-7 weeks, so that's actually not too difficult.
And if I "only" got in the long run + strides most weeks (200s count as strides), I actually think I could potentially break 2:30 off that... and I would be happy with that. 2:29 is definitely "pretty decent"
Mon, Sep 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
17.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Tue, Sep 20, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 14 miles (6.5 w/ Andrea).
PM - 5 miles.
Wed, Sep 21, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 14 miles.
PM - 5 miles.
Thu, Sep 22, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
PM - 9 miles w/ Rob.
Fri, Sep 23, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Sat, Sep 24, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles. Track - 16 x 200m (200m) in 35.6 seconds average.
PM - 6 miles w/ Andrea.
Sun, Sep 25, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 20 miles at Jeremy Ranch (12 w/ Andrea, 6 w/ Rob). The usual double out & back.
PM - Strolling around at Guardsman Pass and Brighton on a perfect fall afternoon. I like the addition of white to the fall colors, but I want it all to melt quickly and then return with a vengeance in exactly two months.
Comments
From Yasir on Wed, Sep 28, 2016 at 05:00:44 from 99.20.240.16
Just beautiful.
Mon, Sep 26, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 10 miles (6.5 w/ Andrea).
Tue, Sep 27, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Wed, Sep 28, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
19.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles. Wheeler Farm 10K in 34:15 (5:31/mile avg).
PM - 9 miles on the Pipeline Trail w/ Andrea.
Thu, Sep 29, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 6 miles w/ Andrea.
Fri, Sep 30, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 8 miles w/ Andrea. Park City Rail Trail.
Sat, Oct 01, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
13.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 13 miles (4.5 w/ Andrea). Track - 20x200m (200m) in 35.2 seconds average.
Sun, Oct 02, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 21 miles at Jeremy Ranch (14.5 w/ Andrea & Rob).
Mon, Oct 03, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 12 miles.
Tue, Oct 04, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
22.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 12 miles.
Wed, Oct 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles. Wheeler Farm 5K in 17:34. [Placeholder for iOS14.1 "unhappy hamstring at faster paces" emoji]
PM - 8 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
Thu, Oct 06, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
Fri, Oct 07, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles.
PM - 10 miles (6 w/ Andrea).
Sat, Oct 08, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
14.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 10 miles in San Francisco.
PM - 4 miles.
Comments
From allie on Wed, Oct 12, 2016 at 06:53:44 from 24.99.46.55
i'm so jealous
https://goo.gl/t46vjI
From Jake K on Wed, Oct 12, 2016 at 08:43:07 from 199.190.170.29
He hasn't really aged.
Want some celebrity gossip? He was eating a sandwich. Not kidding at all.
Sun, Oct 09, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
21.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 21 miles at Jeremy Ranch.
Comments
From Russ on Mon, Oct 10, 2016 at 15:34:00 from 74.114.3.253
Very nice. 2 questions:
1) Lots of miles lately, what you training for?
2) You've been running 20 miles a day for a while, what's the difference in feel doing 20+ in one run versus splitting it into two runs like you've done during the week?
From Jake K on Tue, Oct 11, 2016 at 10:15:32 from 199.190.170.24
1) CIM... sort of... my motivation is rapidly waning at the moment, but it gives me something to do until ski season.
2) Mon-Fri I'm run-commuting most days, so that's the primary reason for the split. Physically I don't know that I really even notice a difference - I'm so used to it at this point. Mentally I guess the 20 milers could get boring in theory but I've been doing almost all of them in wonderful locations, and Andrea has been running 12-14 miles w/ me most weeks, so in those ways they are probably easier (plus I get to sleep in on weekends!).
From Yasir on Wed, Oct 19, 2016 at 07:15:06 from 99.20.240.16
always checking your blog for motivation cant wait to see you back on your crazy form.
From Jake K on Thu, Oct 20, 2016 at 10:03:17 from 199.190.170.24
Thanks Yasir. I appreciate it.
Russ - I ended up deciding over the past week not to run CIM and just bag racing for this year. But I don't blame you for jinxing me with your question! :-)
From Russ on Thu, Oct 20, 2016 at 13:15:43 from 174.208.18.65
Oh snap! I would blame me. Sorry it won't work out, would've been fun to see what you can do, but kudos for listening to your body. I think you're well coached...
From Jake K on Thu, Oct 20, 2016 at 17:26:50 from 199.190.170.24
To be totally honest I dug myself back into a hole because I didn't listen to my body (or brain). Having a race on the schedule is like a bad drug for me - it gets me to do stupid(ish) thing. I'm much better off just running purely for fun. So that's what I'm sticking to from now on.
From DaleG on Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 00:11:56 from 170.72.45.138
Did you become injured?
From Jake K on Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 12:51:25 from 199.190.170.24
I woke up an old foe (right hamstring) from a long slumber and then ran through the discomfort (despite knowing better) until it downright hurt. It only took a couple days off for it to feel better but my downward spiral was already in full swing by that point and I threw in the towel on racing. Ultimately, probably a good thing... winter is coming and I want to be healthy when its time to ski.
From DaleG on Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 14:14:24 from 170.72.45.138
You chose wisely to focus on your winter activities
From Jake K on Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 17:21:06 from 67.166.113.191
I agree :-)
From Jason D on Mon, Oct 31, 2016 at 19:43:48 from 24.127.111.174
Glad things turned around quickly. You'll be in fine shape for ski season.
From Jake K on Tue, Nov 01, 2016 at 12:44:51 from 199.190.170.31
Gosh I hope so. My resting heart rate is pushing 50 these days (was 39-40 before I started "training" again)... that's going to be trouble for me on the early-season climbs when Andrea is gliding away from me :-)
Although there's no snow in the short or long range forecast, so I probably have at least another month to get myself back on track.
Mon, Oct 10, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
20.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 8 miles.
Tue, Oct 11, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
18.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 12 miles.
PM - 6 miles.
Wed, Oct 12, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
15.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 5 miles w/ Andrea.
PM - 10 miles.
Thu, Oct 13, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
11.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 8 miles.
PM - 3 miles.
Fri, Oct 14, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
.
Sat, Oct 15, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
.
Sun, Oct 16, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
.
Mon, Oct 17, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
.
Tue, Oct 18, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
.
Wed, Oct 19, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
3.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 3 miles.
Thu, Oct 20, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
3.00
0.00
0.00
AM - 3 miles.
Sat, Nov 05, 2016
Running Miles
Swimming Yards
Bike Miles
0.00
0.00
0.00
I started keeping this journal when the idea of running CIM came up on my radar. I knew I'd want to look back and remember what I was thinking leading up to the race. Ultimately it didn't work out, but that actually made the record-keeping potentially even more valuable for future reference.
Monday 15-Aug-2016
Google reminded me last week (the day we got back from Europe) that today (August 15) is "16 Weeks to CIM." I'm not even sure when I put this in my calendar -
maybe sometime over the winter or spring?
Running vs Training/Racing? They can be very different things, and I can't seem to decide which path I want to pursue. Running enhances everything else that I do. Racing requires another level of focus and commitment. Sometimes that is great, but it can also take something away from other aspects of life.
It has been a solid 18 months since I've done any type of structured running. Chasing OTQs and PRs doesn't fire me up the way it once did. I have a great life as it stands... I'm somewhat afraid to do anything that could jeopardize what we have going right now. I've realized that I don't need to be fast in races to be very, very happy.
Every once in a while, however, I start to think about how it would feel to hammer to final miles of a marathon again. I think about how I'd like to prove to myself that I am still relevant as a competitive runner. I think about how I might strike the balance - keep the training fun and less structured - and still run fast. I have no interest in year-round training/racing... that takes away from skiing, which is such an important part of my life. Mid-December to mid-June is off-limits; I want to be sliding around the mountains on skis. But the late summer and fall seasons are ideal for more running. Andrea and I both want to chill out a bit... this year has been packed with major travel and major life events and major projects (all good stuff!)... shifting focus to running for a couple months until the snow starts falling again seems (in theory) like it could be a nice way to approach the last part of 2016.
Tuesday 23-Aug-2016
Last week felt like a "real" week of training. We did 200m repeats on Wednesday (my first time running on the track in nearly two years), then a 5K race on Saturday and a Jeremy Ranch long run on Sunday. I'm starting to need 9 hours of sleep every night!
I applied for an entry to CIM last week, with a nudge of encouragement from Andrea. I haven't heard back from them yet.
I also decided to register for the TOU marathon, which is less that four weeks away. My goal there will simply be to see if I can handle running 2.5 hours at a good pace. I'd be thrilled to average ~6:00/mile pace. If I can do that, then I think that breaking 2:30 by CIM would be a very realistic goal.
I'm not going to get fancy with my training. Easy miles, weekend long run, and hopefully stay focused enough to do something short on the track every week (200m reps) while my legs adjust to quicker paces again. Essentially my plan is "have fun and wing it."
Friday 02-Sep-2016
It was 98 degrees out on Wednesday afternoon and I was doing 200s on the track and at some point I realized it felt good to run fast(ish) again.
I registered for CIM today - they are super generous and gave me an elite spot, even though I haven't run a fast mark in almost two years. I guess this is a last chance of sorts!
I'm happy with my progress over the past couple weeks and I'm feeling pretty good right now. It helps that work is "normal" right now - I haven't had many days where I have needed to be in the office super-early or late. That helps, especially with sleep... where I have been racking up the hours. At some point work will get crazy again (guaranteed, like it or not) and that's when finding the appropriate work/life/run/sleep balance becomes so important.
The weather is about to cool off. I will actually miss the hot weather and 90-100 degree afternoons. I don't know exactly why, but I like running in the heat. I also like skiing in the cold (patience, Jake... don't get too far ahead of yourself!). Fall is good too. I actually like every season.
Monday 12-Sep-2016
Too busy for anything but bullet points:
-12 weeks to CIM.
-4 days to TOU. Andrea's trip to Singapore was cancelled due to a Zika outbreak, so she'll be there - which decreases my chances of being stupid and running too hard.
-Improvement over last 5 weeks (post-Europe) has been better than I could have hoped.
-I've actually stuck to my plan of trying to get in some faster running every week!
-Labor Day trip to Zion was awesome. Craving more desert this fall.
-The screws are tightening at work...
Monday 03-Oct-2016
-Weeks are flying by. I never even wrote up a proper TOU recap. Essentially I stuck to my plan - I would have finished if I was on ~2:35 pace or had a chance to win... but I was going faster and had nothing to gain by even jogging in for the last five miles, so dropping at 21 ended up being a great move. It allowed me to get right back to running.
-Right distal hamstring attachment was a little sore after the track workout on Saturday. Might be time to stop doing 200s?
-I go back and forth between thinking I can do something special (low 2:20s) and then at times think simply breaking 2:30 might be totally over-reaching.
-Enjoying the Jeremy Ranch long runs, and especially happy that Andrea is able to run 12-15 miles with me every week.
Wednesday 05-Oct-2016
Aborted AM workout due to hamstring. Uh oh.
Monday 10-Oct-2016
It doesn't seem like my hamstring wants to handle anything resembling the running I used to do (especially as it gets colder out and I can't get myself to care enough to do the prehab/rehab-type stuff)... but I can run an endless amount of enjoyable easy miles, so hopefully that's enough to break 2:30 (which has become my "A" goal).
Thursday 13-Oct-2016
Spoke too soon - hamstring has reverted to post-Chicago '14 levels. I shouldn't be running at all, but did last night and this morning (Andrea is in China and running helps me not get too lonely). Anyways, my leg has been getting worse with every mile. I'm going to take some time off from running. I think I'm just throwing in the towel on racing this year. I love being able to run every day and don't need to race, so if training for a race prevents me from being able to enjoy my running (ie. I'm hurting) and potentially keeps from doing other stuff, then logically it doesn't make sense to pursue racing anymore. I'm not necessarily talking about things like charity 5Ks and turkey trots, but the days of competitive marathons may be over. I just want to get up every morning and feel good when I head out for a run.
Thursday 03-Nov-2016
I've completely self-destructed over the past couple weeks. My motivation level for doing projects around the house (the kind with tools) has been exponentially higher than my motivation level for running more than two laps around the farm, which is really saying something!
In some ways this is a good thing (or will be eventually). Maybe I have finally learned my lesson. A brief history of the past two years...
Christmas 2014: "I'm still not fully recovered from Chicago, so I'm taking the spring off from racing."
A week or two later I got into London and decided to go. Training went OK for a bit and then...
Spring 2015: Pre-London implosion and subsequent downward spiral...
"I'll be back to normal by the summer and take another shot at a marathon this Fall"
Summer 2015: Not back to normal. Got bummed out again and downward spiraled because I felt like I failed at the marathon (again) (before I could even start training this time).
Fall 2015 / Winter-Spring-Summer 2016: Forgot about racing altogether and actually got fairly fit by just running for fun. Most importantly - I was VERY HEALTHY!!! I can't think of one time in this roughly twelve month period where my hamstring (or anything else) gave me issues.
Fall 2016: Talked myself into running CIM, despite being on the fence about it. It went perfectly fine for a bit and then...
October implosion and subsequent downward spiral (pattern developing?)
A year ago I found myself on the fence, but figured I would just naturally gravitate back towards (some scaled-back version of) regular racing. Now, I really don't think its happening at any time in the foreseeable future. And I'm honestly fine with that. I'd probably even say relieved at this point. I had a great stretch from 2011-2014, and 1:06/2:21 are personal bests that I'm very proud of. I had dozens of good races and lots of experiences that I wouldn't trade... but at the same time, I don't have the desire to chase those experiences again. I'm content with what I have accomplished. If there's anything I feel like I left on the table, it is obviously breaking 2:20 for the marathon. But I'm so far away from running at that level again, and I know what it takes to be in that universe, so it simply isn't something I see myself going after again. When faced with so many open doors to good opportunities in front of me, there's not much to gain by banging my head against one behind me.
I already withdrew from CIM and I'll let Saucony know this week that my spot on the team is up for grabs in the upcoming year. I probably should have given up my spot at the end of 2015 (there are certainly athletes that deserved the opportunity more than I did), but part of me thought maybe there was a bit of magic left (Saucony did, too - that's why they gave me another chance)... and if there was anything that motivated me to run one more fast marathon, it was that I felt like I owed it to them for all of their support over the years. I know I'll miss being a part of that family, but its time for someone new to take advantage of the opportunity. Its not like my loyalty will shift... $1000 cash to the first person that catches me running in a pair of non-Saucony shoes (trust me, it won't ever happen!).
So that's that. It can start snowing now.
Saturday 05-Nov-2016
Reading back through this journal has been valuable. Even though I haven't raced much the past two years, I guess I kept thinking I should or would, and that created self-imposed pressure which contributed to falling apart several times. While I don't want to shut the door completely (bold proclamations about recreational endeavors are silly at best), I'm going to approach 2017 with the idea that I'm not racing at all (other than Dash for Donation, of course). As I wrote on August 15th, running enhances everything else that I do... and there are a lot of things other than racing that I want to do.
None of this really needs explanation, but I have received a lot of support from this blog over the years, so I feel like explaining myself and "closing the loop" was appropriate.
Comments
From Eugene on Mon, Nov 07, 2016 at 17:28:44 from 130.160.194.5
I've only been on this blog for around a year and a half, but your blog, along with Paul and Conner's, were always fun to read in my early blogging days to just see how crazy some people can train, and how their times can show off because of it. It was inspiring to me then, and still is. I really enjoyed reading this entry, it seemed like the final pages of a book I never got around to finishing until now. Very well spoken.
Have a spectacular skiing season!
From Yasir on Tue, Nov 08, 2016 at 09:51:39 from 99.20.240.16
Thank you for giving us an inside look it takes guts to do that. Like Eugene said you inspire us I check this blog for your workouts pics and you even gave me tips when I asked thanks. love it man. I'm getting to get closer and closer with runners in this blog and they are becoming more and more real than just a nick name I just ran IMM with Dan. Ejnoy skiing man ill keep checking. :)
From DaleG on Thu, Nov 10, 2016 at 00:17:02 from 152.216.15.5
I hope you'll keep posting on here. I always enjoy reading your entries.
From Bret on Thu, Nov 10, 2016 at 10:56:44 from 62.232.173.228
Great post Jake - appreciate you sharing some very comprehensive thoughts. Hope you keep skiing and running for enjoyment and sometimes that enjoyment will be some fast racing too (sans injury).
From Jon on Thu, Nov 10, 2016 at 15:58:59 from 96.33.87.148
Wow- lots of history and deep thinking. I enjoy your running, adventures, and pontificating. Welcome to the non-competitive runners group! It's kinda nice to do what you want without worrying about missing a workout. And like you said, there's more to life than running, though that's always going to be a part of us.
From Amiee on Fri, Nov 11, 2016 at 13:12:10 from 24.2.77.1
I think the Swell Explorer's Club needs to get back together :)
From Jason D on Thu, Nov 24, 2016 at 15:24:00 from 70.210.78.142
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Andrea, Jake. I'll get back to reading your long post when I can catch up on my blogging. Cheers.
From Jacob Flaws on Mon, Nov 28, 2016 at 17:16:51 from 128.138.65.174
I was floored by reading the depth of reflection you gave in your post, specifically the Nov. 3 entry. It seems like you are a person who understands priorities in life and that is worth more than any PR could ever bring! I look forward to reading of your future endeavors!
From Jake K on Sun, Jan 15, 2017 at 21:16:46 from 67.163.83.238
Thanks for the nice comments and sorry it took me so long to respond.
I'll make this a bit of a post script...
I think at this point I'm just going to let my FRB continue to fade away and instead do a better job of keeping Wasatch and Beyond updated with skiing pictures and other stuff. Between that and Instagram, it seems like more than enough social media. I know at some point I'll want some stats, so I've reverted to logging some things in the old marble composition book but honestly haven't totaled anything up since October.
When the snow is good, I want to spend as much time skiing powder as possible. That's my main passion. It's GOOD right now. I've only run 4 of the past 17 days, so that tells you how life has been in the Wasatch Mountains recently :-) Top shelf stuff. Big smiles all around. Sweat equity and powder turns. As good as it gets.
Winter/Spring for skiing, Summer/Fall for hiking and running and desert. I just want to do a bit of everything, take advantage of all the good opportunities we have, and mostly continue to have a lot of fun. The fire for competition is long gone. I think it was already gone when I decided to run CIM, so wasting Labor Day to Thanksgiving of this past fall is probably my only regret of the running years, but I suppose if I didn't try, I might not have ever known for sure and could have repeated the cycle again and again. Like all things, you can find a positive spin and learn something.
The fire to create cool experiences for Andrea and I is what drives me now (and in some ways that's what I was trying to do all along, but it manifested itself differently for a few years). I think our current method of operation is much more sustainable and healthier long-term. We are very happy :-)
I appreciate all the support and great interactions here since I joined. It motivated Andrea and I to take our running to another level. I've definitely missed the interactions on here over the past two years or so. When the blog was cranking it was a lot of fun (and way too distracting!!).
Keep in touch - I'm very easy to find on other platforms. There's aren't many Krongs!
