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UTVA 5k

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Location:

Bountiful,UT,USA

Member Since:

Jan 24, 2009

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

Winner of 1994 Teton Dam Half Marathon, 1:25:01.

Best Marathon: 3:23:40. (Deseret News 2006).

Completed Utah Grand Slam (2006).

Completed 8 Marathons in 1 year, the last four were each two weeks apart.

Marathons to date: 25.

Short-Term Running Goals:

Stay Healthy

Sub 3:15 Marathon

Train consistently

Finish in the top 10% at all races 

Long-Term Running Goals:

Sub 3 hr marathon

Complete a 100 miler

1st Overall at any race

 

 

Personal:

Hi, my name is Matt and I love to run! I especially enjoy trail running. I am married to Susie and we have six children Connor-10, Jed-8, Jaxine-7, Evan-4, Eliza-2, and Susanna-0. Look for me at your next race, I wear the same bright yellow Twinkies shirt at all my races.

Favorite Course: Mid-Mountain Marathon, Park City, Utah

Favorite Blogs:

Click to donate
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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
551.4736.730.000.00588.20
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.390.000.000.005.39

Happy New Year!!!

I went to Draper this morning and ran with Mary Ann, Craig, and Soren on the Porter Rockwell trail. The trail had some snow on it but was mostly clear. We ran the course of the New Years Day 5k, but I didn't stick around for the race. It was a great way to start the year.

This afternoon we took the kids bowling. They did great and I bowled a 70. Typical for me.

Since it's a new year, it's time for some new goals. My number one goal for this year is to keep my pain level low enough that I can get out of bed and run. This year I also want to qualify for Boston. I plan to do that at the Mesa Falls Marathon in August. I also want to run to the top of Bountiful Peak. This was on my list of things to do last year, but I never made it. Other than that, I just want to discover some new trails and make some more running friends. I will probably go on some wild adventures this year, but I haven't set specific goals for that.

2011 is going to be one exciting year. 

2010 Race Schedule
Jan 30: Kahtoolha Snowshoe 50k 8:04:18
Mar 27: Buffalo Run 50 Miler 8:59:55
May 15: Grandeur Peak 10 Miler 2:22:11
May 22: Timpanogos Trail Marathon 5:05:09
May 31: Memorial Day 5k 37:50
Jun 12: Teton Dam Marathon 3:23:44
Jun 26: Logan Peak Trail Run 5:44:03
Jul 10: RHPC 1/2 Marathon 1:47:55
Jul 24: Deseret News Marathon 
3:47:01
Jul 31: Speedgoat 50k 8:20:45
Aug 7: Jupiter Peak Steeplechase 2:37:36

Oct 9: Layton Marathon 6:12:04  

Comments
From Burt on Sat, Jan 01, 2011 at 19:44:58 from 24.121.213.70

Nice job Twinks. I hope that 70 wasn't with the kiddie rails up.

From Teena Marie on Sat, Jan 01, 2011 at 20:30:31 from 67.2.114.66

Happy New Year!!!!

(So ... Burt makes a good point ... were the bumpers up?)

Lovin' the good times with the fam!!!

Here's to 2011!!!! :)

From Twinkies on Sat, Jan 01, 2011 at 22:17:30 from 24.2.82.73

No the bumpers were not up. We had them come up for the kids, but go down for the grown ups.

I don't think I could do much better with the bumpers up though.

From Rye on Sat, Jan 01, 2011 at 23:54:15 from 174.27.115.129

You have inspired me to try snow shoes this winter....Monday I'm going to give it a try. As far as the bowling goes....at least you are a great runner.

From Smooth on Sun, Jan 02, 2011 at 00:59:14 from 67.2.79.80

Happy New Year! Glad you had a fun day with the fam.

Looks like some adventurous fun are in store for you in 2011. :) :) :)

From Kelli on Sun, Jan 02, 2011 at 17:57:31 from 71.219.84.215

Happy New Year to you, too!!!

I am no good at bowling, either. I need the bumpers on!

From jun on Mon, Jan 03, 2011 at 14:47:52 from 66.239.250.209

Hey man, nice to have you back. I can't wait to do some fun runs with you this year. I really look forward to doing Bountiful Peak, if I can get the invite. Good start to a new year.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.450.000.000.002.45

6:30 a.m. 14.2°F

 I ran on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in North Salt Lake. I had to cut it short because my right knee was acting up a bit.  

Comments
From Burt on Wed, Jan 05, 2011 at 11:08:46 from 72.223.84.236

No more oranges on those knees.

From jun on Wed, Jan 05, 2011 at 11:09:37 from 66.239.250.209

Bummer. Is it that same nagging problem you've been dealing with on and off for a couple of years now?

From Lily on Wed, Jan 05, 2011 at 11:30:38 from 67.199.181.73

Woohooo Twinkies! Nice work today in that chilly weather!

From Twinkies on Thu, Jan 06, 2011 at 00:18:48 from 24.2.82.73

Burt - I haven't tried orange on my knees yet, but I have tried black, blue, pink, and lime green.

Jun - Yes, it's the same issue. I have been dealing with it for twelve years now. Some days are better than others.

Lily - 14 degrees is not cold.

From Rye on Fri, Jan 07, 2011 at 23:18:54 from 168.103.42.50

Nice. Have you broke out the snowshoes? I tried it out the other day....pretty fun! Good luck with the knee.

From Twinkies on Sat, Jan 08, 2011 at 13:48:59 from 24.2.82.73

Rye - I haven't used the snowshoes yet. I was going to use them today, but decided not to. I guess I am waiting for a good storm to dump lots of fresh snow.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.000.000.000.004.00

Poor air quality. Sometimes you have to rise above it. That's what I did today. I went to the trailhead of the Wild Rose Canyon Trail. I was going to run in snowshoes today, but it hasn't snowed for over a week and the trail looked well packed. I decided to run with my inov8's. 

A 1/2 mile into the run I got above 5500 ft and came into clean air. The sky was clear and I could see the whole valley with this ugly grey blanket over it. It was awesome up there. At 3/4 of mile I took a little known detour. The main trail goes down a steep hill and then up a longer steep hill. I refer to this as the 'monster hill'. The route I take is a gradually up hill that is slightly longer but avoids the 'monster hill'.

 At 2 miles I decided to turn around. I had planned to go farther, but the trail was less packed and the snow was getting deeper. The snowshoes would have been great at that point, but I didn't carry them up. I was also getting deeper into cat country and since I was alone, it was probably a good idea to turn around. 

It was a super fun Saturday run. 

Comments
From allie on Sun, Jan 09, 2011 at 12:54:16 from 174.23.238.75

sounds like a great run. way to get up and out of the nasty air.

are you planning on kahtoolha again this year?

From Smooth on Sun, Jan 09, 2011 at 12:59:09 from 67.232.119.27

WAY to RISE above it! GREAT RUN!!!

From Twinkies on Sun, Jan 09, 2011 at 17:18:20 from 24.2.82.73

Allie - I will be doing Kahtoolha again, but only the 10k this year. I didn't get enough running in the last few months to do the 50k.

Smooth - Thanks, the air was great up there.

From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 16:02:36 from 66.239.250.209

Nice to see you back at it Twinkies. Come join us on Mt. Wire tomorrow.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.800.000.000.003.80

I met Jun and Wire (Scott) at Sunnyside trailhead at 5:45 this morning. We headed up towards Mt Wire. The boys were faster than I was and dropped me after about half a mile. The temperature was perfect and the mountain was awesome at that time in the morning. After about a mile and a half I caught up with them again. The must halve slowed down, because didn't pick up my pace. Just before we reached the top, I issued the challenge "First one to the top wins!!" and we and went into a sprint. Jun took the lead and I was close behind, but then I stubbled and Wire snuck past me. So Jun was the winner, followed by Wire, with me right behind. We made it up in 53:34. We rested at the top and took a few pictures. 

We went down the same way we had come up. I had never ran down the North side before. It is steeper than the route I usually and and my right knee complained a bit. Jun flew down and and beat Wire and I by three minutes. The complete run time was 1:17:10.

All this way done before the Sun came up. 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 11:29:06 from 66.239.250.209

Wow, you really want this Wire nickname to stick. For the record: Some on the blog are calling me Big Beacon.

Nice work today.

From Twinkies on Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 12:48:14 from 72.37.171.44

Wire is a lot shorter to type than Big Beacon.

From Lily on Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 15:50:48 from 67.199.181.73

Scott wishes we were calling him big something or other :) haha!

Matt I always think about you charging up the trail during the Red hot pink chics 1/2 last summer. You are strong and have lot's of potential. So no stumbling while running wire with wire ;)

From Twinkies on Thu, Jan 13, 2011 at 20:55:35 from 24.2.82.73

Thanks Lily. As I recall, you were the one charging at RHPC. I had no chance of catching you.

From Rye on Fri, Jan 14, 2011 at 15:12:08 from 174.27.73.180

I love mornings too. Great run! People miss out that sleep past 6am

From Twinkies on Fri, Jan 14, 2011 at 15:21:29 from 72.37.171.44

Rye - Have you ever tried to explain the why you get out of a warm bed to going running in the cold to a non-runner?

From Rye on Fri, Jan 14, 2011 at 15:24:16 from 174.27.73.180

I have tried ..... I don't get very far. Matter of fact I get some strange looks.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.620.000.000.006.62

I met up with some friends in Provo today and ran the Provo River Trail.

Comments
From RAD on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 15:34:52 from 67.172.229.125

Love the Provo River Trail! Hey, that is where we met :) Good times!

From Burt on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 15:39:08 from 72.223.84.236

Nice job Twinkies. Gotta love group runs.

From jun on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 16:20:00 from 97.126.233.112

Man, we were all crossing paths today. Nice run.

From Scott Wesemann on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 16:22:06 from 75.162.89.170

It looks like you're officially back at it. Nice.

From Twinkies on Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 17:52:52 from 24.2.82.73

Thanks guys, yes I am officially back at it. And it feels good.

From Twinkie the Kid on Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 14:18:42 from 24.2.82.73

Good job dad.

From Quick Jed on Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 14:27:47 from 24.2.82.73

good job

From Burt on Sat, Jan 22, 2011 at 14:29:55 from 72.223.84.236

We love you dad.

From Rye on Sat, Feb 05, 2011 at 21:02:13 from 75.167.131.224

Hey twinkies....looking for a report of some kind! Tried snow shoeing last weekend in Ashton. That's a blast! Worked some muscles that I didn't know I had.

From Twinkies on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 10:57:46 from 72.37.171.44

Hi Rye. Sorry there is not much to report. I haven't been running lately. My arthritis has been acting up and preventing my from running. I hope to get back to it soon.

From Rye on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 12:42:16 from 174.27.127.67

Bummer, hope you can recover and hit the trails soon!

From Scott Wesemann on Thu, Feb 10, 2011 at 15:56:49 from 66.239.250.209

Bummer Twinkies. Hope to see you out on the trails soon.

From Smooth on Sat, Feb 12, 2011 at 17:19:40 from 67.2.89.227

Here's hoping the warmer weather ahead helps with the arthritis!

Can't wait to see you out there running again!

From Rye on Sat, Mar 05, 2011 at 13:26:55 from 75.167.148.155

Weather is warming up. Hope that helps the arthritis!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.020.000.000.002.02

7 p.m. The weather is perfect. The mountains look awesome. Well . . . I'm tired of waiting for my body to heal, I'm going for a trail run. 

I ran 2 miles on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. My joints felt awfully stiff at the first, but after a mile I was warmed up and felt surprisingly good. Lots of folks out on the trail today. My average pace ended being 10:07. Not bad for not having ran since January.  

Comments
From Rye on Fri, Apr 01, 2011 at 22:52:10 from 71.209.6.105

Super! Here's to warmer days and healed joints.

From Bryce on Fri, Apr 01, 2011 at 23:34:45 from 71.199.55.103

Welcome back to the trails buddy! glad you got out. Keep it up!

From Burt on Fri, Apr 01, 2011 at 23:39:36 from 72.223.90.79

Awesome Twinkies!

From Twinkies on Sat, Apr 02, 2011 at 11:57:14 from 67.182.252.148

Thanks guys, it was great to get out.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.020.000.000.004.02

I ran about a mile on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Centerville, then detoured onto the Deuel Creek South Trail. The trail follows the creek bed and crosses the creek several times. Each crossing has logs with wire mesh over them. I went up the trail for a mile and crossed the creek 5 times. Then I headed back down crossing the creek 5 more times. There were several people out on the Shorline Trail, but I only saw one guy with three dogs on the Deuel Creek Trail. It is a much more difficult trail, but it is also ten times more scenic. Avg Pace - 15:38. I had to walk some of the uphills. I am out of shape right now, but I'll get there.

Comments
From Kam on Sun, Apr 03, 2011 at 22:29:43 from 174.23.120.174

Welcome back, Matt. I hope all is well with you.

From Lily on Sun, Apr 03, 2011 at 22:33:47 from 67.199.178.210

Twinkies lives! YES! haha

From jun on Mon, Apr 04, 2011 at 13:27:53 from 66.239.250.209

Welcome back. I hope this is a regular thing.

From Rye on Mon, Apr 04, 2011 at 13:46:11 from 71.209.6.105

Awesome run! Your body will remember the running! What do they say.......it's just like riding a bike. Well, sort of!

From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Apr 04, 2011 at 17:13:25 from 66.239.250.209

Twinkies is back- Awesome! Hope we can get out on some trails this year.

From Twinkies on Tue, Apr 05, 2011 at 00:06:08 from 67.182.252.148

Yes, I am back. Not running for the past few months was making me crazy. Oh wait, I was crazy before.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.100.000.000.003.10

Tonight's run wasn't intended to be a 5k distance, it just turned out that way. I went to the Centerville Trailhead of Legacy Parkway. I ran south because I wanted to check out the new trail that links the Legacy Parkway Trail to the Jordan River Trail. The new trail is great. I like it much better than the Legacy Trail. It is actually scenic. 

Avg pace - 9:49 

Comments
From Burt on Tue, Apr 05, 2011 at 00:10:01 from 72.223.90.79

Is this a PR? JK.

From Twinkies on Tue, Apr 05, 2011 at 00:20:26 from 67.182.252.148

It's a PR for that course.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.410.000.000.002.41

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It was super windy this morning. I felt like I was going to blow off of the trail. I was hoping the ground would be frozen, but it was muddy instead. It should dry out soon through.

Avg pace - 11:47 

Comments
From Rye on Tue, Apr 05, 2011 at 22:03:16 from 71.209.6.105

Nothing like mud on the calves!

From Twinkies on Wed, Apr 06, 2011 at 12:42:18 from 72.37.171.44

It was clay like mud that really caked on and made my legs heavier.

From Rye on Wed, Apr 06, 2011 at 13:02:35 from 71.209.6.105

I thought that clay soil only existed in southeastern Idaho for all the spud farmers. Wow, quite the workout with the added weight!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.550.000.000.001.55

Wild Rose Trail. A mile and a half doesn't sound like much, but you'll have to be patient with me as I ease back into things.

Avg pace - 15:20 

Comments
From jun on Wed, Apr 06, 2011 at 13:31:10 from 66.239.250.209

At least you're out there. That's all that matters.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.540.000.000.002.54

Since I was on the injured list this winter, I didn't get much of a chance to run in the snow. Mother Nature must be having pity on me, because the snow is coming down tonight. I headed out to the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It was covered with a nice white blanket. I don't know why, but I love running on a trail with 2 inches of fresh snow on it. It was 8:30 p.m. but I didn't need my headlamp. The lights in the valley reflected off of the snow and lit up the whole area. The best part was that it continued snowing during the entire run. I can't wait for tomorrow's run.

Avg pace - 12:01 

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.890.000.000.002.89

5:30 a.m. Mueller Park Trail. I made fresh tracks in the snow this morning. There was about six inches at the trailhead. The snow was wet and heavy, so there were a lot of low hanging branches that I had to avoid. The was one tree that looked like it might have fallen down from this storm. At the point where I turned around the snow was about a foot deep. 

Avg pace - 18:10 

Comments
From Burt on Fri, Apr 08, 2011 at 13:20:49 from 206.19.214.144

Sounds like an adventure.

From Teena Marie on Fri, Apr 08, 2011 at 16:07:58 from 67.2.71.182

5:30 in the morning in the snow?????

Oh man, you are crazy!!! (In a very good way!) :) :) :)

From Rye on Sat, Apr 09, 2011 at 08:56:05 from 174.27.65.38

Wow! That's nine more inches than we got. Glad to see you out and enjoying spring like weather.

From Twinkies on Sat, Apr 09, 2011 at 09:47:08 from 67.182.252.148

Burt - It was very adventurous

Teena - Yes, I am crazy

Rye - It's hard to look outside right now and think spring

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.500.000.000.004.50

I attempted to run/hike to Cave Peak this morning. The lower part of the trail was great, but as I got higher, the snow got deeper. The trail was difficult to follow and I ended heading up the wrong way. I made up to a smaller summit that was just south of Cave Peak. I was sinking past my knees at this point so I decided not to go all the way. It's hard to believe that there is that much snow up there this time of year.


Comments
From jun on Sat, Apr 09, 2011 at 10:43:32 from 63.224.107.110

Wow, that is awesome. Way to get out there.

From Rye on Sat, Apr 09, 2011 at 19:31:48 from 174.27.65.38

Wow! Enough already. Hope it breaks for you... That is weather wise.

From Smooth on Sun, Apr 10, 2011 at 21:22:11 from 67.2.74.200

Your pictures said it all...way to get out there! You are an extraordinary trail runner!!!

From Steam8 on Mon, Apr 11, 2011 at 08:44:53 from 166.70.55.77

Wow is right! In awe of your Saturday run!

From Lily on Mon, Apr 11, 2011 at 11:15:07 from 67.199.178.210

Well you tried and it still looked kinda fun!

From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Apr 12, 2011 at 12:50:59 from 66.239.250.209

Awesome! Good to see you back out. We need to hit some peaks!!

From Burt on Fri, Apr 15, 2011 at 23:49:19 from 72.223.90.79

Those pictures look spooky.

From DaleG on Sat, Apr 16, 2011 at 00:00:55 from 152.216.7.5

I'm too scared to run in the dark.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.150.000.000.002.15

Wild Rose Trail. At the park where I started, the was a little bunny rabbit running around. It must be getting close to Easter. When I came back, he was still there. I think he must have been hiding Easter eggs for tomorrow's hunt. 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Fri, Apr 22, 2011 at 19:10:38 from 66.239.250.209

Good to see you out there. How are you feeling?

From Twinkies on Sat, Apr 23, 2011 at 23:30:09 from 67.182.252.148

I am feeling better, but running everyday is too much right now. I am going to try for every other day next week.

From Teena Marie on Sun, Apr 24, 2011 at 11:14:06 from 67.2.100.158

Happiest Easter, Twinkies! :)

From Twinkies on Sun, Apr 24, 2011 at 11:58:05 from 67.182.252.148

Thanks Teena. Happy Easter to you too!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.650.000.000.002.65

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. I started the run at sunset. It sure seems cold for the end of April. The trail was dry except for a few puddles in the usually spots. 

Avg pace - 10:50 

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.080.000.000.004.08

Sometimes I have to set easy goals so that I feel like I am accomplishing something. Today's goal was to get out of bed and go for a run. I nailed it.

I ran the Wild Rose Trail. It was dry the whole way up with only a few patches of snow where I decided to turn around. I didn't turn around because of the snow. I would've enjoyed going higher and running in the snow, but I am not in good enough shape yet for longer runs. 

Comments
From Lily on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 10:18:41 from 67.199.178.210

Fun! you'll get back up there twinks.

From jun on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 10:29:47 from 66.239.250.209

It's still a good goal and you did nail it. And even better, you are still hitting the trails. Awesome.

From Twinkies on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 15:28:25 from 72.37.171.44

Trails keep me motivated. I have a treadmill in my basement, but rarely use it. Why would I when I have an awesome network of trails just minutes from my house.

From Lily on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 15:45:56 from 67.199.178.210

Exactly twinkies. Anytime you can get outside is better. Your fitness improves much faster self propelled. The tm can wreak havoc on your joints anyway

From Kathie on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 20:35:48 from 97.126.209.130

You will have to show me where these trails are. I only know of elephant rock. Do you run to the trail or drive to it?

From Twinkies on Thu, Apr 28, 2011 at 23:49:04 from 67.182.252.148

I'd be happy to show you these trails. The Wild Rose Trail starts at Trailhead Park. That is really the name of it. It is in North Salt Lake just South of Eagle Ridge Golf Course. I usually drive to the trailhead and just run the trails.

There are several other trails that are all within a five mile radius from my house. Bonneville Shoreline, Meridan Peak, Hidden Lake, North Canyon, Cave Peak, Kennney Creek, Holbrook Canyon, Sessions Peak, and Sessions Mountain. I probably missed one in there, but can't think of it right now.

From Rye on Fri, Apr 29, 2011 at 09:15:59 from 174.27.65.38

Way to get out! I woke up this morning with 2 inches of new fallen snow! Seems like we don't have to climb any elevation to get into snow this year.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.800.000.000.006.80

Mueller Park Trail. There was a fresh layer of snow on the ground this morning. At the trail head there were two other cars. The snow was only and inch deep at the start. I could see three sets of footprints on the trail ahead of me. About a mile up the trail I passed two lady hikers who had just turned around. There was only one sets of tracks ahead of me now. After another mile I passed the other hiker. The snow was getting deeper at the point. There was now four inches of fresh powder. By mile 3 there was 6 to 8 inches of powder on top of about 18 inches of packed snow. I would get into a good groove, then break through the packed stuff and fall down.

I came around a bend and there was a moose about twenty yards ahead of me. I stopped and she turned and stared at me for a minute then headed on up the trail. After going about hundred yards, she turned off the trail and headed up the mountain. I continued on up the trail. Wish I would've brought my camera today.

I made to Elephant Rock in 55 minutes, which is pretty good considering the snow and my current physical condition. I rested for just a moment and took in the view, then headed back down. Going down through the deep snow was challenging. The faster the I would go, the harder I'd fall. Luckily I was falling into fresh powder, so I never got hurt.  Once I got of of the deep snow, I could run without falling. the rest of the run felt great. My down time was 42 minutes. 

This has been my longest run since I started running again a few weeks ago. It felt good and I am looking forward to longer runs in the near future.

6.8 miles + 1200 vert + 5 falls + 1 moose = an awesome run. 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Sat, Apr 30, 2011 at 13:18:28 from 75.162.77.137

Awesome!! Good to see you back at it. We will have to hit the trails soon.

From jun on Sat, Apr 30, 2011 at 13:32:11 from 97.126.237.143

Yes!!!! Way to go Twinkies. You are definitely coming back into it quick. Tough day on that trail, way to go.

From Rye on Sun, May 01, 2011 at 19:20:31 from 174.27.65.38

Nice! Lots of snow pack for this time of the year. Hope it does not warm up too quickly. We will have water running everywhere. Keep up the good work.

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, May 02, 2011 at 23:17:58 from 24.22.239.183

I gotta love any run with a moose sighting!

From Bryce on Mon, May 02, 2011 at 23:52:31 from 76.27.58.194

Nice Twinkies, gald you are getting back after it! Sounded like a fun morning.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.870.000.000.002.87

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Today was a great success for my running career. Not because of the run, but because I made it back on Burt's Favorite Blogs list.

Thanks Burt. 

Comments
From Steam8 on Tue, May 03, 2011 at 10:11:10 from 166.70.55.77

Hahaa! Me too! I got Xed for some reason, but now I'm back! Glad you are too!

From Twinkies on Tue, May 03, 2011 at 10:44:09 from 72.37.171.44

I was taken off his list because I didn't run or blog for about four months while I was trying to get control of my health.

From Steam8 on Tue, May 03, 2011 at 11:07:16 from 166.70.55.77

Trying to get control of your health? What happened? Well, at least you had a reason to be taken off....I am still waiting to hear why I was taken off! ha!

From Twinkies on Tue, May 03, 2011 at 19:14:39 from 72.37.171.44

It's a long story, but here's the short version. I have had arthritis for the last 13 years. Last October, it took an ugly turn that prevented me from running. At times, I even had a difficult time walking. I think that I have it back under control now and am running again.

From Steam8 on Tue, May 03, 2011 at 19:59:05 from 166.70.55.77

WOW! I never would have guessed it! I've had a similar thing with MS. October I thought I was having a turn for the worse too, but ended up being okay. Darn auto-immune diseases! Glad you are back at it and feeling better. Sure makes you appreciate the good days of being in shape and out running!

From Steam8 on Tue, May 03, 2011 at 19:59:51 from 166.70.55.77

Woo Hoo! Thanks for putting me on your list! haha! :)

From Burt on Wed, May 04, 2011 at 17:00:09 from 206.19.214.144

LOL! Steam8, you were taken off because I was taken off yours!

Twinkies was taken off because of my no blogging for a month rule :)

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.270.000.000.002.27

Wild Rose Trail. Quick little run with lots of vert. I will have to check, but I think there is 1500 ft vert gain in the first mile and a half.

Comments
From Rye on Wed, May 04, 2011 at 18:50:27 from 174.27.100.112

Wow! That it huge. Great job!

From Scott Wesemann on Thu, May 05, 2011 at 18:30:22 from 66.239.250.209

Sweet Twinkies!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.800.000.000.006.80

I ran the Mueller Park Trail for the second Saturday in a row, but this time I saw two moose. The first one surprised me. I was on the switchbacks only a half mile up the trail. I usually don't see moose down that low. It was a young bull. The second one was just before Elephant Rock. It was a calf. I was hoping it mother wasn't nearby. Luckily I never saw it parents.

The trail was nice today. The last mile still has lots of snow. The are stretches of clear trail followed by snow to hike through, then another good stretch. I made it up in 52 minutes, 3 minutes faster than last week. On the way down, after I was past most of the snow, I opened things up a bit. It felt great and my mile 6 time was 7:10. The down time was 33 minutes, 9 minutes faster than last week. 

Comments
From jun on Sat, May 07, 2011 at 23:59:49 from 97.126.225.125

3 minutes off last week is huge considering it's just over 3 miles to the top, that's a minute off each mile. Way to go.

From Bryce on Sun, May 08, 2011 at 14:10:44 from 76.27.58.194

It's coming back quick Twinkies!

From Rye on Mon, May 09, 2011 at 14:08:24 from 168.103.139.178

Nice...a moose charged me years ago in a canoe going down the Henrys Fork in Island Park when I was about ten years old. It still gives me nightmares!

From Scott Wesemann on Mon, May 09, 2011 at 17:25:32 from 66.239.250.209

"Like"

From Burt on Tue, May 10, 2011 at 18:45:17 from 206.19.214.144

I would punch the moose right in the nose just like Clark Griswold.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.660.000.000.002.66

Late run on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It was a muddy mess, but that's was what I expected since it has been raining for the last two days. I hope the trails dry out soon.

Comments
From Rye on Wed, May 11, 2011 at 15:31:52 from 168.103.139.178

We have a bright ball of fire in the sky in Idaho Falls today. Not sure exactly what it is but it feels great!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.100.000.000.001.10

Ran a mile with my two boys tonight. They are training for a 5k at their school next Friday. Connor finished the mile in 12:14 and Jed finished in 12:19.

Comments
From Burt on Fri, May 13, 2011 at 13:01:59 from 206.19.214.144

Fun times.

From Steam8 on Sat, May 14, 2011 at 23:13:49 from 166.70.55.77

I love that you are training with them! How fun! The 5Ks with the kids are so much fun!!

From Rye on Wed, May 18, 2011 at 16:38:52 from 71.209.62.116

That's awesome!

Race: UTVA 5k (3.1 Miles) 00:39:03
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
12.400.000.000.0012.40

Today I ran the UTVA 5k with my kids. It was a 5k for their school. They are homeschooled, but UTVA is an online program that they use. There were about 50 kids at the race.  Our whole family ran this race. Connor ran by himself. I pushed Evan and Eliza in a double stroller and ran along side Jed. Susie ran with Jaxine. Susie is also carrying one in the oven. 

Connor took off and ran great. He finished in 29:27. I think he finished eight over all. Jed and Jaxine stayed close together for the first half. Jaxine slowed down for the second half. Jed kept a steady pace the whole time and finished in 39:03. After finishing with Jed, I ran back with the stroller and ran in with Jaxine. She finished in 45:07. This was her first 5k.

After we came home, I ran a bit more. I went to the Mueller Park Trail. The trail was incredible today. The rain had made every very green. I made it up to Elephant rock in 43:40. There were only patches of snow up to the rock. I decided to go up further. About 3/4 of a mile above the rock there is a bridge crossing. The bridge had lots of snow, so I decided to turn around. 8.5 miles total on the Mueller Park Trail.

I am thinking of putting together an unofficial half marathon race on the Mueller Park Loop Trail. Anyone interested? 

Comments
From Lily on Fri, May 20, 2011 at 18:21:40 from 67.199.178.210

I'll do it!

From Scott Wesemann on Fri, May 20, 2011 at 19:00:32 from 66.239.250.209

Awesome! Family 5K's are the best. It sounds like a great course. I would do it.

From Burt on Fri, May 20, 2011 at 23:47:53 from 72.223.90.79

Way to go Ricksters!

From Smooth on Wed, May 25, 2011 at 18:55:27 from 67.2.121.30

AWESOME family 5K! Sounds like everyone had a fun time!

From Steam8 on Thu, May 26, 2011 at 20:40:07 from 166.70.55.77

5Ks with the fam are the best. Connor at 29 is great! I've never hear of Mueller Park....but, I think it would be fun to do...I would come in dead last and make everyone feel so good about themselves!

From Rye on Thu, May 26, 2011 at 23:59:43 from 174.27.71.83

Nice twinkles! Running with the fam is awesome. Mileage looks great! Keep it up.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.600.000.000.003.60

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. I meant to get out earlier this week, but it just didn't happen. The trail was nice and dry today. 

Comments
From Burt on Sat, May 28, 2011 at 11:23:32 from 72.223.90.79

We understand. You were recovering from your last race, and you needed some time off :)

From Rye on Sat, May 28, 2011 at 21:22:50 from 168.103.128.41

Dry? I thought you guys got pounded with rain not too long ago. Nice...

From Twinkies on Sun, May 29, 2011 at 00:05:07 from 24.10.183.5

It was dry, but it's raining again now.

Race: Woods Cross Memorial Day 5k (3.1 Miles) 00:49:14
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.100.000.000.003.10

Snow on Memorial Day? Really?

 Took the boys, Connor and Jed, to a 5k this morning at 7 a.m. The weather did not cooperate. During the race we got rained on, snowed on, and hailed on. We got soaked. I asked them part way through if they wanted to finish, and they both said that they did. So we kept going. Didn't stick around for the pancake breakfast. Came home and had breakfast indoors instead.  

Comments
From Kam on Tue, May 31, 2011 at 15:23:38 from 68.66.163.179

Mmmm. Pancakes.

From Steam8 on Wed, Jun 01, 2011 at 00:45:23 from 166.70.55.77

What troopers! I love that they wanted to finish! I am sure you were so proud of them!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.600.000.000.003.60

Is there mud on your shoes?

Mine got caked with mud this morning. I ran on the Bonneville Shoreline trail in North Salt Lake. There is a half mile section of the trail that is clay like mud and really sticks to my shoes. It's been three weeks since my last run. It felt great to get out and run again, but two miles into the run, I could tell that I am way out of shape. So it's time to recommit myself to running regularly and start working on some new goals.  

Comments
From Lily on Mon, Jun 20, 2011 at 12:27:43 from 67.199.178.210

There is on mine!

you can do it Matty! Keep getting out every morning. You know you can :)

From Twinkies on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 01:05:21 from 24.10.183.5

Thanks Lily.

From DaleG on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 01:10:58 from 76.27.13.205

Glad to see yo back to running again.

From Twinkies on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 01:12:56 from 24.10.183.5

Thanks Dale.

From Steam8 on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 01:14:20 from 166.70.55.77

I've been wondering where you have been! Glad you got your shoes muddy today...nothing like it! :)

Get to it!!

From Twinkies on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 08:54:20 from 24.10.183.5

Steam8 - The answer to where I have been lately might surprise you. The last few weeks I was on a business trip to Cairo, Egypt and Cadiz, Spain.

From Steam8 on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 10:36:59 from 166.70.55.77

How LUCKY! I was actually feeling sorry for you and wondering if you were okay! What waisted energy!!! ha! Better post a couple of pics to make me more jealous!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.000.000.000.004.00

This morning I attempted to run the Holbrook Canyon trail. The small creek that runs down the canyon was roaring fast with the most water that I have ever seen. I only made it up about a half mile before I came to a creek crossing that didn't have a bridge. I looked around for alternate options but didn't find any and headed back down. I was not going to attempt to cross that creek. That would've been suicide.

I finished off the run with a few miles on the roads near the temple. I saw four dear munching grass on the hillside. I invited them to come running with me, but they weren't interested.  

Comments
From Steam8 on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 10:38:12 from 166.70.55.77

Sounds like the perfect morning run! I love the roaring rivers this time of year. Nice call....you would have ended up washed down the canyon a couple of miles! ha!

From Burt on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 13:27:03 from 206.19.214.144

What are you laughing at Steam? There's nothing funny about suicide.

From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 13:38:12 from 66.239.250.209

Twinkies- We need to get out on some trails man. Good to see you getting out.

From jun on Tue, Jun 21, 2011 at 17:22:54 from 205.158.160.209

Glad you're able to get back out there again.

From Twinkies on Wed, Jun 22, 2011 at 09:43:08 from 24.10.183.5

Steam - the roaring creeks are impressive.

Burt - Agreed.

Scott - Sounds good. This week is a bit busy but perhaps next week we could do Mt Wire or something.

Jun - It feels good to run again.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.810.000.000.004.81

I'll call today's run Giant Switchbacks.

Switchbacks 

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.560.000.000.005.56

Legacy Parkway Trail. Today's run felt very good. This was the first run in a long time that I ran sub 10 minute miles. That still isn't fast, but it's improvement.

Comments
From jsh on Thu, Jun 23, 2011 at 11:05:07 from 63.253.43.114

Love these kind of runs where everything just feels good. The speed will be back before ya know it!

From Twinkies on Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 11:09:43 from 72.37.171.44

Thanks Josh.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.800.000.000.006.80

Mueller Park Trail. At the trailhead there were signs that said the trail was closed 1.5 miles up because of the Kern River Gas Project. I headed up anyway and when I got the the pipeline ditch I ignored the signs and headed across. The better part of the trail is above the pipeline. I hope they finish this project soon, because it is making an awful mess.

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Fri, Jun 24, 2011 at 14:24:56 from 66.239.250.209

Nice work Matt.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
10.670.000.000.0010.67

I started at the Wild Rose Trail and headed all the way up to Three Dudes. Three Dudes is a group of rock formations. This trail has is awesome, but it has some serious vert. It's nearly 3000 ft of gain. 2929 ft according to Garmin Connect. I reached the dudes right at sunrise. I rested for a bit then headed back down the same way.

This week was a progressive week. Each run was further than the day before. This wasn't planned, but I noticed it was the case on Thursday and decided to continue it on Friday and Saturday. 

Comments
From Steam8 on Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 00:49:03 from 166.70.55.77

Wow..I couldn't do a progressive trail run like that day after day. I have to give myself a day off in between! I'm so glad you are back at it since your vacation!

From Twinkies on Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 09:39:19 from 67.164.194.215

If I took days off, I wouldn't be able to run as fast as you.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

Here are some pictures from yesterday's run.

Up 
Heading up

Dude 
Me with Dude #2

Trail Kill
Trail Kill! 

Comments
From Steam8 on Mon, Jun 27, 2011 at 00:46:59 from 166.70.55.77

Love the trail kill...YIKES!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.720.000.000.004.72

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. The trail was dry today. The run felt pretty good. It's nice to be able to run 4 miles again without feeling like I going to die.

Comments
From Tara on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 00:24:00 from 75.169.147.17

Thanks for the past comment. So being new to Bountiful I am wondering what runs you would recommend? I get nervous running in the mountains, should I?

From Twinkies on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 10:01:35 from 67.164.194.215

The mountain trails are probably best if you have someone with, but I run them alone on a daily basis. Bonneville Shoreline Trail is nice without getting deep into the mountains. Unfortunately, through most of Bountiful the trail is a road named Bountiful Blvd. The trail can accessed in North Salt Lake off of Eagle Point Drive or at Twin Hollow Park on 900 East at the other end of Bountiful.

Another good trail is the Legacy Parkway Trail. It has 14 miles of paved trail and 4 miles of gravel trail. It can be accessed at several points along the trail. Check out http://utahoutdoorsports.com/LegacyParkwayTrail.aspx

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.000.000.000.005.00

I started at Twin Hollow Park and headed up the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to Deuel Creek. I turned and went up the canyon. This trail crosses the creek several times. Bridge #1 was in good condition. Bridge #2 had moved downstream about 5 feet but was still usable. Bridge #3...what happened to Bridge #3. It was no where to be found. I head back down and finished off the run on the Shoreline trail. I ran over to Parrish Creek and then back to the park.

Comments
From Steam8 on Tue, Jun 28, 2011 at 18:25:57 from 166.70.55.77

Nice run...I wonder if the other two bridges will be there after this runoff?

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.160.000.000.006.16

Ran on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Centerville. I headed over to Ricks Creek and went up to an awesome waterfall. On an interesting note, Ricks Creek was named after my Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather.

Comments
From jun on Wed, Jun 29, 2011 at 10:08:22 from 205.158.160.209

Looks like your miles are starting to build up pretty quick. Way to go. That section of trail is beautiful.

From Scott Wesemann on Wed, Jun 29, 2011 at 18:54:44 from 66.239.250.209

Twinkies is back. You are getting in some good runs. Awesome.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.380.000.000.003.38

Legacy Parkway Trail. I slept in this morning and only had time for a short run.

Comments
From Rye on Thu, Jun 30, 2011 at 10:07:59 from 174.27.65.237

Sleep is not overrated! Nice week of consistent runs. How goes the training? Are you where you want to be right now?

From Twinkies on Thu, Jun 30, 2011 at 11:06:09 from 72.37.171.44

My training is going good at the moment. My endurance is getting built back up, but my speed is far away from where I'd like to be.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.380.000.000.003.38

Bonneville Shoreline Trail - North Salt Lake. Today's run turned out to be the exact same distance as yesterday's run. The Shoreline trail has more elevation, yet I finished 10 seconds faster than yesterday. It was a good run.

Comments
From jsh on Fri, Jul 01, 2011 at 10:51:31 from 63.253.43.114

Great job man! Way to consistently knock out some good runs.

From Steam8 on Fri, Jul 01, 2011 at 11:00:48 from 166.70.55.77

Where does the BST start in North Salt Lake? I was suppose to run the one in Draper today but my nephew wants to run on the road! :( Nice you have your run done and cut some time off!

From jun on Fri, Jul 01, 2011 at 11:07:49 from 174.23.174.163

Nice man, i'm pretty jealous

From Twinkies on Fri, Jul 01, 2011 at 18:13:14 from 67.158.131.48

Thanks guys. Steam - the BST in North Salt Lake is off of Eagle Point Dr. The trail has been moved about a quarter mile west because of the Kern River Gas project, but the trail is open.

From Steam8 on Fri, Jul 01, 2011 at 18:21:40 from 166.70.55.77

Eagle Point Dr..I'll have to look it up. Sounds like fun!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
11.070.000.000.0011.07

At parents house for the holiday weekend. Did a eleven mile loop with my Mom and Dad. They are training for a half marathon in August. I recently signed up for my first official race of the year. I will be running the Bairgutsman on August 6th. 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Sun, Jul 03, 2011 at 17:31:15 from 75.162.75.96

Nice run Twinkies. You are coming back. Let's get out for a run soon.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.030.000.000.005.03

I met up with Rye today. Not only is he a good runner, but he is also a really cool guy. We ran around the Idaho Falls green belt and also around Freeman Park. It didn't cool off much last night, so it's going to be a hot 4th of July. 

Happy Independence Day everyone.  

Comments
From Rye on Mon, Jul 04, 2011 at 10:10:32 from 174.27.65.237

Hey Twinkies... not the terrain that you are used to but hope that you enjoyed it nonetheless!

From Burt on Mon, Jul 04, 2011 at 11:00:31 from 72.223.90.99

Awesome.

From Steam8 on Mon, Jul 04, 2011 at 17:55:47 from 166.70.55.77

Sounded like a fun run! What are you doing in Idaho Falls?

From Twinkies on Mon, Jul 04, 2011 at 19:24:15 from 72.24.21.108

I'm eating super nachos and funnel cakes.

From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Jul 04, 2011 at 19:41:54 from 205.158.160.209

Happy 4th Twinkies!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.670.000.000.002.67

Headed out on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail at dusk. Watched an amazing sunset over Antelope Island. 

Comments
From Rye on Wed, Jul 06, 2011 at 08:02:46 from 174.27.117.243

Gods beauty is all around us. Glad you were able to enjoy some of it!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.580.000.000.004.58

I ran the lower portion of the Wild Rose Trail today. I must be one of the few people that knows that this trail exists. It is not being used and is way overgrown. I might have to run it again tomorrow, just to pack the weeds down better.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.170.000.000.004.17

Wild Rose Trail. 

Comments
From Steam8 on Thu, Jul 07, 2011 at 12:23:59 from 166.70.55.77

You've got to be in great shape! You've been hitting the trails everyday! I wish I knew all of these trails...but I don't know the Bountiful area!

From Twinkies on Thu, Jul 07, 2011 at 23:55:40 from 67.164.194.215

Steam - I am not in shape right now. I just really enjoy running on trails.

From Steam8 on Fri, Jul 08, 2011 at 00:10:57 from 166.70.55.77

I love the trails too, but I can't hit different ones everyday! I wish I had more trails to hit that were closer. I have Bells Canyon and I am getting a bit tired of it....but when you are a mom with kids at home it works.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.500.000.000.005.50

Sunset run. I started on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in Bountiful and headed North. Crossed Deuel Creek, Parrish Creek, and Bernard Creek, After Bernard Creek I headed up the mountain and looped back to Parrish Creek. There is some fun single-track on that hillside.  

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
15.000.000.000.0015.00

I was only planning on running 14 today, but I was having so much fun in the mountains that I did an extra mile. I started at the Bountiful "B". I headed up the Ridgeline Trail, then up the Buckland Ridge Trail. It comes out onto Skyline Drive. I went up Skyline Drive about a mile, then got on the Tuttle Loop Trail. At the end of it I headed on a gravel road around the backside of an unnamed peak. I would have summitted it, but I didn't have anyone with me to take a picture of the peak jump. Maybe next time. While on the gravel road I came across two runners heading the other direction. They asked me if I was training for Wasatch. It was then that I realized I was on part of the Wasatch 100 course. Ultra runners that I have seen running are always friendly. The gravel road came out onto Skyline Drive. I headed down it back to the Ridge Trails and went back down them to the car. It was a good run with a crazy amount of vert. 

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Jul 09, 2011 at 23:28:04 from 174.27.117.243

Nice run! I am amazed how quickly you can jump into that distance! Sounds like scenic route too. Have a great sunday and another great week of running!

From jun on Sun, Jul 10, 2011 at 00:37:43 from 174.23.174.163

Crazy is right. Way to go. You sure are back into the swing of things in a big way. Time to start planning some runs.

From Bryce on Sun, Jul 10, 2011 at 00:42:52 from 76.27.58.194

Nice run Twinkies. Gald you are back at it strong.

From Scott Wesemann on Sun, Jul 10, 2011 at 02:15:52 from 75.162.77.136

Awesome! I would like to come run that with you in the next few weeks. Let me know if you want to do it again.

From Twinkies on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 09:00:42 from 67.164.194.215

Thanks guys. My endurance is coming back, but my speed...well...we won't talk about my speed.

If any of you are interested, I am planning on doing this route again on Jul 30th.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.590.000.000.003.59

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. I was surprised that my legs weren't more sore from Saturday's run. Today's run was a little slow, but I felt quite good.

Comments
From jun on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 12:02:16 from 205.158.160.209

Goes to show how much stronger you are getting that you can recover so quick. This should be a really good week for you.

From Burt on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 14:45:21 from 206.19.214.144

I think it was the bugs you ate.

From Rye on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 15:11:36 from 71.209.23.251

Yum yum.... nothing like some good dietary fiber to make those runs count! Nice job Twinkies!

From Lily on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 19:07:15 from 67.199.178.210

Yeah that's crazy you ran so far Sat and feel so good today. Way to go!

From Twinkies on Mon, Jul 11, 2011 at 23:27:57 from 68.227.95.60

I don't eat bugs on purpose. I just happen to inhale a few when running trails that have lots of bugs.

From Kam on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 00:20:37 from 174.23.239.10

Don't be ashamed of eating insects on purpose. http://www.renewable-energy-news.info/insects-sustainable-food-source/

You are just "going green"

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.010.000.000.004.01

I am in Pensacola, Florida for a few days for work. I ran along Tippin Ave today. The run was alright but it wasn't as good as running on trails. I wish I knew where some trails were around here.

Comments
From jsh on Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 10:45:43 from 63.253.43.114

At least you're gettin out there. It's always tough for me to run when I'm out of town.

From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 12:15:42 from 66.239.250.209

I was in FL for a few years and I'm sure you were sweating enough to make Burt proud. It sure looks like you're back to your old form.

From jun on Tue, Jul 12, 2011 at 15:41:55 from 205.158.160.209

There are trails in the Keys. They just happen to be covered by water.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.000.000.000.006.00

For those of you who visited my blog earlier today, and thought 'Oh no, Twinkies didn't make it out today.' Your wrong. I just got out a little late and I ran on a full stomach.

I went out to a steak house for dinner tonight. I had a delicious lobster tail, baked potato, and some steamed broccoli. I topped it of with a giant triple layer oreo ice cream desert thingy. After dinner, I went back to the hotel, put on my gear, and cranked out six miles. I didn't pay attention to my pace the entire run. I figured I was doing about eleven minute miles. When I checked afterwards, my average pace was 9:33. Woohoo. I need to eat lobster tail more often.

Comments
From Smooth on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 14:07:28 from 67.2.104.79

Lobster tail! Lucky you!

Glad you cranked out 6 albeit late at night! :) Have a safe and fun trip!

From Kelli on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 16:55:30 from 71.219.75.108

HOW did you not barf???? ICK.

From Rye on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 22:10:26 from 71.209.52.51

I'm with Kelli....love lobster but I am afraid I would have lost the whole thing and then some.

From Kelli on Thu, Jul 14, 2011 at 22:34:51 from 71.219.75.108

And lobster barf would be disgusting!

From Twinkies on Fri, Jul 15, 2011 at 00:04:15 from 68.227.95.60

It's a strange thing, but running with food in my tummy has never been an issue for me. I have only puked once while running, and that was because I had the stomach flu.

From Kelli on Fri, Jul 15, 2011 at 23:28:18 from 71.219.99.3

You need to teach me your ways, I can barely drink water and run! It causes problems in long distance races.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.430.000.000.002.43

2.43 miles before bed.

Race: RHPC Double Feature (13.1 Miles) 01:56:38
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
16.400.000.000.0016.40

Today I took my family to the Red Hot Pick Chicks (RHPC) race. We made it a family event. Connor, Jed, and Jaxine all wanted to run the 5k. I pushed Evan and Eliza in the a double stroller and ran with Jed and Jaxine. Connor ran ahead of us. The course is an out and back on the Provo River parkway trail. At about .75 mile Jaxine wanted to walk. We only walked for a little bit because Jed really wanted to run. By 1.5 miles Jaxine was about done and walked again. Jed didn't want to stop and ran on ahead. At 1.8 miles, Jed was about 50 yards ahead of us and Jaxine was getting slower. I didn't want Jed to get lost, so I put Jaxine in the stroller with the other two and ran fast to catch up to Jed. He was a trooper and ran the whole rest of the way. We turned the second to last corner and saw Connor coming back towards us. He had gotten lost. We ran together towards the park. As we got close to the park I made Jaxine get out and finish the race. Connor and Jed finished about a minute ahead of us, and we came in at 38 minutes. 

I turned around and started the half marathon. I was currently in last place with the nearest runner at least 3 miles ahead. I was doing about 9 to 9:30 minutes miles. I started calculating things in my head and figured I could catch the tail end of the runners by mile 7. The canyon was nice today. A bit windy going up, but the weather was good. I saw Lily coming back down and gave her a high five. She was five or six miles ahead of me and I knew I had no chance of catching her. After her I passed several of the other pink ladies making there way down, and a few guys. At the waterfall I passed RAD coming down and she told me that here goal was to stay ahead of me. She was currently over two miles ahead of me, but I took the challenge and tried to catch her. Just before the turned around, I saw Jon and Kelli. They were the tail end of the race. I just had to catch them and I wouldn't be in last. About a half mile later I had caught up with them. I chatted with them a bit, then headed on. My downhill pace was between 8 and 8:30, with several of the miles right on 8:15. I was able to maintain that pace through the to the end. I never did catch RAD. I finished with a total time of 2:34:38. Which gave me a time of 1:56:38 for the half. After the race I ate some delicious goodies and visited with a few of the runners. This is a fun race with lot's of fun people.

Comments
From Lily on Sat, Jul 16, 2011 at 14:40:10 from 67.199.178.210

I love this race and I always leave feeling bad that more FRB runners don't come and run and eat with us after wards. They are missing out! You are a great Dad and a great example to your kiddos Matt!

From Kelli on Sat, Jul 16, 2011 at 15:22:01 from 71.219.99.3

Sorry about the lipstick medals for you r kids! But your son sure did look cute with it all over his adorable face! Hope it washed off well. Congrats to your little ones on the 5k, it is a long ways to go for a 6, 7, and 9 year old. I am very impressed!

From RAD on Sat, Jul 16, 2011 at 15:41:10 from 76.27.16.189

HA! I stayed ahead!! :) I do have SOME pride after all. Can't be beat by 3 miles! It was great to see you and the family again. You did a great job chasing us all down, and are a wonderful example to your family. I'm sure your kids love it! They sure looked happy :)

From Rye on Sat, Jul 16, 2011 at 23:39:54 from 174.27.119.243

Nice report! Looks like this should be race to put on my calendar for next year. Way to be involved with the kids!

From Smooth on Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 23:54:06 from 67.2.66.250

You DA MAN!!! WAY to run with the kids and then chase down the chicks! :)

Wish I could've been there to see you and your cute kids again!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.640.000.000.002.64

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. It was still dark when I started my run. I guess I need to get out my headlamp again if I want to run early in the morning. 

Comments
From bye-wing on Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 13:03:43 from 12.228.219.122

The Bonneville shoreline trail looks like a fun trail run.

Was nice to meet your family Saturday, and those cute little chapstick eating kids. :)

From rAtTLeTrAp on Mon, Jul 18, 2011 at 13:42:54 from 75.244.178.180

Trails in the dark? The headlamp sounds like a good idea :)

From jun on Tue, Jul 19, 2011 at 00:07:23 from 174.23.174.163

The light transition is really at it's high point right now. We lose a lot more light every day. At least you were on the trails.

From Rye on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 00:14:57 from 174.27.75.120

What's up Twinkies?

From Twinkies on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 00:45:04 from 67.164.194.215

Hi Rye. I just got caught up on my blog. I have been out the last week camping at family reunions. We first went to my family reunion at a campground near Grand Targhee. We went from there to my wife's family reunion at Sawtell Mountain Resort in Island Park. It was a fun week.

From Rye on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 01:25:04 from 174.27.75.120

Now back to reality with work and all. Glad you had a nice time! Holy cow, that's alot of camping and playing around. Good luck getting back into the swing of things!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.060.000.000.003.06

Ran on the Deuel Creek Trail before heading off to do some camping with the family.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.000.000.000.004.00

Camping at reunion flats is Wyoming. Ran with my dad from our campground to Targhee Canyon campground and back.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
8.000.000.000.008.00

Ran up the trail towards Table Rock. I made it up to a steam crossing that required me to get my feet wet to continue. Didn't feel like getting wet, so I headed back down. I was planning on running 10 miles, but settled for 8 and made it back in time for breakfast.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.640.000.000.003.64

I just got caught up on my blog. I am back home after a week of camping at family reunions in Idaho and Wyoming. Got in a few good runs while I was there. 

Tonight I ran the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to the radio towers. This run is becoming my staple run this summer. I seem to do it more than any other run. It is a easy trail that I can run anytime, but has enough difficulty to still challenge me and make me improve.

If anyone is interested in joining me this Saturday, I am planning on doing a 20 mile run on the mountain trails above the Bountiful 'B'. There are some great trails up there and the route will include a peak bag or two. Let me know if you would like to join me.

Comments
From Tara on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 01:18:13 from 75.169.158.37

So I always want to run on the Bountiful shoreline trail bc it runs just above my house, but I am so scared of animals getting me. One time I stopped to read a sign about Moose and then I saw one and it scared me to death. Snakes are okay, but I don't want to be chased by anything....do you ever see crazy animals up there? Should I be scared?

From Twinkies on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 01:26:46 from 67.164.194.215

I have had many encounters with moose while trail running. Generally if you keep your distance, its not a problem. That being said, I haven't seen any on the shoreline trail. I see a lot of deer on that trail, but they won't chase you. The crazy animals are usually higher up in the mountains.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.500.000.000.004.50

I started on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail today. After crossing Parrish Creek, I headed up the Parrish Sunset Trail. The trail doesn't get much use and is a bit overgrown. I guess I should run it more often and get it broke in.

Comments
From Victor D on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 10:20:43 from 208.13.72.2

Your shirt is pretty spectacular. Keep on running!

From Twinkies on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 11:34:00 from 72.37.171.44

Thanks Victor.

From Steam8 on Thu, Jul 28, 2011 at 12:55:29 from 166.70.55.77

Don't let that trail get overgrown! Get out there more often Twink! I want that shirt....and if I ever see it, I will steal it!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
19.650.000.000.0019.65

Met Scott and Matt VH at the Bountiful 'B' at 5:00 a.m. We drove up to the Bountiful aid station of the Wasatch 100 course. Our plan was to run from there to Francis Peak and back following the course route. Since we started in the dark, we set out on the wrong trail. It led us up the mountain rather than along side it like we were expecting. We decided to continue that direction and run the course on the way back. After summitting Centerville Peak, we bushwacked our way to Skyline Drive. Once on the road, we ran up to Bountiful Peak. The views were great. We ran some good downhill miles on Skyline Drive over to the maintenance shed. We decided that we would not have time to go to Francis Peak, so we hopped on the Wasatch 100 course. We were doing a good job of following the course until we came to a stream crossing. We couldn't see any trails on the other side of the stream and assumed that we had taken a wrong turn somewhere. We spent the next two hours running around and trying several other alternate options. We stopped to talk to a biker, but he wasn't familiar with the course either. While we were up on a ridge, that we had decided wasn't right, Matt called his wife and she read him the route description off the website. It turns out that we were right the first time. We just had to go down stream a little bit. The first part of the trail after the stream was very overgrown. We finally made it back up to the parking area about two hours later than planned. I ran out of water towards the top and got some out of a small creek. Hopefully it was safe to drink. It was an incredible run and we saw some areas that few people ever get to see.

Here is our route using Google Earth. The red is the route that we took and the yellow is the Wasatch 100 course. You can see all our detours.

 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Aug 01, 2011 at 14:45:50 from 66.239.250.209

That was a ton of fun even when we got lost. You looked pretty good out there man. You are definitely getting back to your old form.

From Burt on Mon, Aug 01, 2011 at 15:49:57 from 206.19.214.144

Awesome map.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.800.000.000.001.80

Ran a mile and a half with my three oldest kiddos on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. This was their first trail run. They loved it.

Evan, who is 4, also wanted to run. I told him that I would run with him when I got back. When I headed out with Evan it was just starting to rain. I asked if he wanted to run in the rain and he said "Yes." We drove to the park. By the time we got there it was pouring. I asked him if he wanted to wait until tomorrow. He said "No, I want to run now." So we got out and ran on the sidewalk around the playground. We got completely soaked. I asked "Should we get in the car?" He responds "That wasn't very long." So we continue to run around the playground. On the third lap it started hailing. I asked again, "Should we get in the car?" He says "Let's do one more." So we ended up with four laps and got drenched. I think Evan is going to be a die hard runner. It makes me so proud.

Comments
From Steam8 on Wed, Aug 03, 2011 at 00:06:23 from 166.70.55.77

OH, I love it! Evan sounds like my little 4 yr old Jake! Kids are so much fun! What a bunch of troopers you have! Sounds like one of the best double runs all summer!

From Scott Wesemann on Wed, Aug 03, 2011 at 18:00:15 from 66.239.250.209

That's awesome! You need to get that boy a Twinkies shirt.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.250.000.000.002.25

I was going to run the Bonneville Shoreline Trail this morning, but I when I headed out it was dark and I didn't have my headlight. I ended up running on the roads. I kept it easy this morning because I am running Bairgutsman tomorrow. As I was heading home, two racoons crossed my path. It that a good sign?

Comments
From Bryce on Sat, Aug 06, 2011 at 01:00:55 from 76.27.58.194

If it were one Racoon....well then it would be horriable, but two, you're gonna kill 'Gutsman. Good luck tomorrow.

Race: Bairgutsman (10.67 Miles) 02:55:38
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
11.920.000.000.0011.92

I'm back......

This was my first official race since I started running again. I wanted to test my legs out and see where my fitness was at. The course was changed from precious years because of Farmington Canyon being closed. The course usually goes up a mountain trail and comes down the road. This year it went up the trail, then came back down the same trail.

At the startline I ran into fellow blogger Matt (Dorsimus). When we started, he took off at a faster pace than I wanted to do. So I just settled into a comfortable pace and figured I would save energy for what was ahead. The trek up was challenging. It was mostly single track with little room for passing. When we got above the tree line, the trail opened up a bit. I was able to pass people. I was surprised at how much energy I had at this point. I was able to pass about thirty people between there and the top. One of which was Matt. Near the top I had to start stepping aside for the leads runners who were coming back. The nice thing about an out an back race, is that you can count the number of people ahead of you and know what your position is. As I got to the aid station at the top, I could see that I was in about 30th place. I decided to set a goal for coming in the top twenty. Several people at the aid station we taking their time and catching their breath. I was in and out quickly, which moved me up to about 23rd.

The downhill was a blast. Technical downhill is one of my strong points. As I was coming down though, several runners were still coming up. At this point I was paying more attention to my footing than to position. One of the runners coming up told me I was number 18. Wow, I was in the top twenty already. Time for a new goal, Top Ten. I continued to pass people as we got back to the treeline. Runners were more spread out now I would go a ways without seeing anyone. But each time, as I came upon one of my fellow competitors, they stepped aside and let me continue bombing down. One of them commented to me after the race that I was running downhill at crazy speeds. At the end of the trail we hit road. I tried to run fast on the road, but didn't have much left in the tank. About a quarter mile before the finish, Ryan, a friend on mine that I usually beat, appeared from behind. I pushed hard to try to stay ahead, but he outkicked my to the line. 

Not that was fun. I definitely liked the alternate course and hoped they make that the route for next year. This race has the best finishers medals. They also were very organized. The results haven't been posted yet, but I think I finished in 12th to 14th place. If you feel like trying a race that pushes the limits of insanty, I recommend Bairgutsman. After I got home and took off my shoes, I realized that I had bloody toes on both feet. Battle wounds.  

Comments
From Becky1 on Sun, Aug 07, 2011 at 12:38:53 from 76.23.13.133

Good job!!!

From Teena Marie on Sun, Aug 07, 2011 at 12:40:41 from 67.2.120.31

Don't you dare let those bloody toes get infected!!! SERIOUSLY!! :)

Seriously, sounds like the name of this race is very fittiing!

Nice comeback!!! :)

From Twinkies on Sun, Aug 07, 2011 at 18:29:32 from 67.164.194.215

Thanks Becky.

Teena - My toes are much better today. The name is fitting, in fact, the tag line on the T-shirt reads "No false bravado, you're going to bleed."

From Dorsimus on Mon, Aug 08, 2011 at 12:16:49 from 173.58.207.5

Nice work man! Good to see you out there, and you were looking strong! I actually think I prefer this course as well (not that I've run the other one, but its not hard to imagine how running a dirt road would compare), maybe they'll consider keeping it.

From Maurine/Miles on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 00:29:20 from 97.117.56.85

This race is still on my bucket list. Maybe next year.

Good job.

From Bryce on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 00:32:07 from 76.27.58.194

I'd say you are back! Well done out there, strong as usual.

From MatthewVH on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 02:35:45 from 67.2.72.159

Congratulation on getting in the top 20. I would like to do that one next year.

From Steam8 on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 03:10:23 from 166.70.55.77

Yay Twinkies! I'm so glad you had a fun race! Great job on coming in so fast! Hope the toes are healing up.

From jsh on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 11:15:33 from 63.253.43.114

Glad to hear you're back in form. Sounds like you ran a strong, smart race.

From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Aug 09, 2011 at 17:24:00 from 205.158.160.209

You're back!!! Excellent work Twinkies. That made me smile.

From Burt on Wed, Aug 10, 2011 at 15:53:02 from 206.19.214.144

When you say the course changed from precious years do you mean when you were going through puberty?

Great job on that technical downhill running!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
9.600.000.000.009.60

AM - I would like to use the excuse that it took me two weeks to recover from Bairgutsman, but that's not true. I have been busy lately, but I was able to get out this morning and do a few miles on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. My favorite trails are still closed because of the pipeline work. It looks like they are getting close to finishing though, so hopefully they we re-open those trails soon.

PM - I headed out and ran another 5 miles on a different section of the Bonneville Shoreline trail. After two miles my left shoe felt loose. I looked down and it was still tied, so I ignored it. A few minutes later, I had to stop because it was getting worse. When I went to tie it I released that the lace had broken. I tied as best I could and finished the run. I only have about 100 miles on these shoes, guess I am just rough on them. Time to buy some new laces.

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Aug 20, 2011 at 21:46:19 from 174.27.104.121

Hey twinkies....life happens! Glad you were able to get out. There is still some excellent weather ahead of us.

From Twinkies on Sun, Aug 21, 2011 at 11:11:24 from 67.164.194.215

Thanks Rye. I will be up your way next weekend for the Mesa Falls marathon.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.200.000.000.003.20

I ran the Mueller Park trail while it was still dark this morning. The trail is still closed 1.6 miles up because of the pipeline project. I hope they finish that up soon. I miss running that trail. It's one of my favorites.

Comments
From Dorsimus on Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 14:12:46 from 75.162.133.33

That is a great one! I was just wondering yesterday if it was open yet.

From Twinkies on Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 15:00:02 from 72.37.171.44

I just looked up their website, and they list Nov 1st as the date for access to all closed trails.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.950.000.000.004.95

Legacy Parkway. Five miles nice and easy.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.440.000.000.006.44

I ran on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail to Ricks Creek. On the north side of the creek, I found a new trail heading up the mountain. Unfortunately, I didn't have time to check it out. I am running a marathon of Saturday so I am trying to keep things easy this week. It's hard to do when I love to run up unknown mountains trails just to see where they go.

Comments
From Steam8 on Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 19:51:46 from 166.70.55.77

I love unknown trails too! Be careful about looking for rattlers though! What marathon this weeK?

From Twinkies on Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 20:50:44 from 67.164.194.215

The Mesa Falls Marathon in Island Park, Idaho. It's one of the most scenic marathons.

From Steam8 on Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 20:55:05 from 166.70.55.77

Is it a trail run marathon with lots of elevation or a road marathon?

From Twinkies on Thu, Aug 25, 2011 at 21:00:28 from 67.164.194.215

It's a little of both. The first ten miles are on gravel roads, the three miles on paved roads. After that is goes downhill for three miles on a gravel rail trail. The rest on on roads into Ashton, Idaho. There is a large hill at mile 18 that is about 3/4 mile long, but other than that, it is an easy course.

From Lulu Walls on Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 17:03:02 from 155.101.137.249

Have fun in Ashton. I was thinking about doing the half - looks like a beautiful course!

From Scott Wesemann on Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 19:24:40 from 205.158.160.209

Good luck with your race Twinkies. That sounds like a fun race.

From Twinkies on Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 21:59:38 from 67.158.181.64

Thanks for the support gang. I just got to my parents house in Idaho.

Lulu - If you decide to run this next year, do the full. The half runs the second half, and the less scenic half, of the course.

Race: Mesa Falls Marathon (26.38 Miles) 04:01:22, Place in age division: 6
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.0026.380.000.0027.38

Today I ran the Mesa Falls Marathon. I have been waiting for a year to run it. I was registered for it last year, but was unable to run. The race director was nice enough to hold my registration for this year. This was my second time running the course. I ran it back in 2004.

The course is very scenic. It starts in a forested area and the first ten miles are on a gravel road. I really enjoyed this part and settled in at about an 8:35 pace. Everything was feeling great. The next 3 miles are on paved road. The pavement just wasn't that exciting for me, but I kept the pace about the same. At mile 13 we passed all of the half marathoners waiting to start. Their start was 2 hours after ours. I was glad that I made it passed them before the all took off.

Just after that is my favorite part of the course. It's a rail trail with a gradual downhill grade for 3 miles. My body loves to run trails, so without realizing it, I picked up the pace to 8 minute miles. About 1.5 miles down the trail, the first half marathoner blew past me. It really played with my mental game when these guys with fresh legs passed me. The trail wasn't long enough, and soon we were back on the road. This was the first time I saw my family. My parents, wife, and two of my kids were there to cheer me on. The rest of the course is on roads, and none of the roads are closed to traffic, so I saw them several more times. The support was great.

At mile 17 there is a large hill. I was still feeling pretty good, so I went into one of my lower gears and headed up the hill. On top we came out of the forest and ran alongside grain and potato fields all the way into Ashton. The sun was out and it was getting hot. After that there are a few rollings hills but nothing too bad. Between miles 19 and 20, I could tell that I had reached my max for what I had trained for. My longest run this year was sixteen miles and I only started training in June. My body was tired and the heat wasn't helping. I tried to keep some kind of pace up, but the last few miles were slow. I was able to run the whole thing though and finished at 4:01:22. I came in 6th in my age group. I was surprised that my placing was that high. 

At the end of the race when they give each runner their medal, they also give out a coupon to get a free huckleberry milkshake at the local ice cream/soda fountain shop. It was delicious. It was definitely worth running 26.2 miles. This is one of my favorites races and I highly recommend it. 

Comments
From Russ on Sat, Aug 27, 2011 at 20:46:15 from 24.72.198.228

Nice! We did the Grand Teton Relay last week, which started in Ashton and went up to Mesa Falls and around, so I became familiar with many of the roads you described. Some year I'll do the Mesa Falls marathon. There's a great New York Times piece on it from a few years ago and it sounds like a fantastic race. Great job today.

From allie on Sat, Aug 27, 2011 at 22:40:47 from 24.10.191.18

sounds like a very cool race. i especially like the huckleberry milkshake part. nice job, twinkies.

From Rye on Sat, Aug 27, 2011 at 22:55:31 from 174.27.85.204

Congrats, wish I could have been there with ya! Those shakes are awesome. Well deserved. Have a nice weekend and enjoy this Idaho weather... It's been nasty hot!

From Rye on Sat, Aug 27, 2011 at 22:56:16 from 174.27.85.204

I almost forgot... did you run into Jeff Shadley. I'm sure he won the race.

From Kelli on Sat, Aug 27, 2011 at 23:24:30 from 71.219.67.82

OH, had I known the race gave out free ice cream, I would have been there! And Huckleberry to boot! DELISH!

Nice job on the race and powering through those last miles, they are always tough!

From Neil on Sun, Aug 28, 2011 at 00:12:58 from 97.121.4.242

Congrats and enjoyed your report. Mesa Falls was my first marathon. Love that race. The milkshake was so thick you almost needed a spoon. Gotta get back there again.

From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 12:52:29 from 205.158.160.209

Huckleberry shakes are soooo good! I'm totally craving one now. Congrats on another marathon! Good to see you back in the game.

From Kam on Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 18:31:54 from 68.66.163.179

Congrats, Matt. There's nothing like huckleberries in August.

From Bern on Mon, Aug 29, 2011 at 22:02:58 from 71.32.194.39

No milkshake for me. I had my heart set on that Frostop root beer mug across the street.

From Twinkies on Tue, Aug 30, 2011 at 10:22:34 from 72.37.171.44

Thank you for the nice comments everyone. It was a good race to start things back up after my disaster in Layton last year.

From jtshad on Tue, Aug 30, 2011 at 11:37:54 from 204.134.132.225

It was great meeting you and good job on the race. It is indeed scenic (loved the view of the Tetons around mile 4.5!). It is a kinda tricky race between the forest service roads, pavement and trail and the switching you do back and forth.

That hill is tough and the heat this year was a killer! Great job pushing through that last 10k.

Yes, indeed the milkshakes were great! The have great ice cream there as well for which we had to take our kids there twice over the weekend.

Keep up the good running.

From Burt on Tue, Aug 30, 2011 at 15:58:51 from 206.19.214.144

Excellent job Twinkies.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.620.000.000.003.62

I went out for a recovery run on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Everything seemed to be functioning properly. My quads are still a bit tender, but running wasn't difficult. The wind was wicked this morning. It was a crosswind for most of the run. Had it been a head wind, I would've been standing still, or perhaps going backwards.

Comments
From Rye on Thu, Sep 01, 2011 at 21:51:11 from 174.27.81.91

Hey Twinkies, nice run. Anything else planned this year? How was your recovery?

From Twinkies on Fri, Sep 02, 2011 at 00:22:53 from 67.164.194.215

My recovery is going well. Nothing else planned for a little while. I am just going to focus on building up my strength and speed.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.004.150.000.004.15

Evening run on the Legacy Parkway Trail. I wasn't planning on running fast tonight, but there was a guy who started just behind me, and my competitive nature took over. I decided not to let him pass me. He stayed about the same distance behind for 3 miles. On the last mile he dropped back a bit. I shouldn't have run that fast, but I enjoyed it.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.500.000.000.003.50

I ran the Kenney Creek Trail this morning. It's just as rough and overgrown as it always is. 

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
8.500.000.000.008.50

In Mammoth Creek in southern Utah for a family reunion. Ran 8.5 miles on some jeep trails through the woods. I feel fully recovered from the marathon last weekend. Time to start some serious training. 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Sep 06, 2011 at 17:22:09 from 205.158.160.209

I love running on vacation. Way to get out Twinkies.

From Twinkies on Tue, Sep 06, 2011 at 17:33:40 from 72.37.171.44

Thanks Scott. I might see you on Friday. I will be pacing someone from Big Mountain to Brighton.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.120.000.000.004.12

I ran up the Wild Rose Trail this morning. The pipeline work is still going on, but the trench is covered, so it is easy go get across. It was a good early morning run. 

I just picked up pacing duties for the Wasatch 100. I will be pacing from Big Mountain to Brighton.  

Comments
From Kelli on Thu, Sep 08, 2011 at 19:16:09 from 71.219.67.175

OH, have fun!!!!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
35.500.000.000.0035.50

At the last minute, I became a pacer for the Wasatch 100. Jeff Gleason, from Pennsylvania needed a pacer from Big Mountain to Brighton. I volunteered to help him out.

I got to Big Mountain plenty early. I was there just a few minutes before the top guys came through. It was fun to see them come through running strong. I hung out, visited with some friends and cheered people on for four hours. Then Jeff came in. Jeff was running the Grand Slam of Ultras, which ment that this was his fourth 100 miler in twelve weeks. He was looking strong.

We headed out, with Jeff leading and me pushing from behind. Jeff didn't need me to keep him on pace, he just liked having company along the way. We maintained a pace of about 3.5 miles per hour. walking all the uphills and running everything else. Just before the Lambs Canyon aid station we had to put on our headlamps. The rest of the run was in the dark.

The aid stations were great. Cookies, chips, and soda were what I usually grabbed. At Mill Creek I had some spaghetti that was great. 

About thirty miles in, my legs were feeling stiff. But I couldn't complain because Jeff was at 70 miles. We stayed strong all the way to Brighton. We got there a little before 4 a.m. At Brighton he changed to a different pacer who took him to the finish. He finished in 33:13. It was a fun evening. 

Comments
From jun on Sat, Sep 10, 2011 at 23:30:05 from 174.23.185.55

Hey, it was great to see you at Brighton. Glad you got so many good miles in. It was a beautiful night, for sure.

From Steam8 on Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 13:34:02 from 166.70.55.77

I didn't know you were a pacer! How cool! I think that would be so much fun! About 30, I would hope your legs would be feeling sore! The elevation would just be killer! How fun though!

From Burt on Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 18:43:30 from 206.19.214.144

You are one cool cookie, Twinkies.

From Jon on Tue, Sep 13, 2011 at 21:49:32 from 74.177.125.83

Sounds like fun!

From Twinkies on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 00:00:06 from 67.164.194.215

Thanks guys. If any of you need a pacer in the future, let me know. It was a ton of fun and I can't wait to do it again.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
2.680.000.000.002.68

I told my wife I was heading out for a run and she said "Wasn't 35 miles enough?" No way. Ha ha. She thinks I'm crazy. I ran on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and everything felt great. No recovery issues. I saw four deer while out tonight. They probably think I am crazy too. 

Comments
From Tara on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 00:07:33 from 75.169.158.51

I kinda hate seeing animals on the trail. Have you seen a couger on the trail...the animal kind:)? That seems to be the rave/scare these days in Bountiful.

From Twinkies on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 00:16:10 from 67.164.194.215

I have never seen a cougar. The scariest thing that I have seen was a bear. But that was not in Bountiful. It was on a trail just outside of Yellowstone about 18 years ago.

I really enjoy see wildlife while I'm out running. Seeing a group of antelope run across the hillside or seeing a horny toad scurry off the trail make the run more exciting.

From Twinkies on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 01:02:37 from 67.164.194.215

Check out this blog post

http://burt-mccumber.fastrunningblog.com/blog--Today-I-saw-two-ladies-and-big-hairy/04-15-2010.html

From Tara on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 18:39:23 from 75.169.153.162

I laughed so hard! That is great! Did he do that because of a past joke or because we happened to talk about it?

From Twinkies on Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 19:30:02 from 72.37.171.44

He did it the last time there was a cougar scare going around.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.250.000.000.003.25

Legacy Parkway Trail. Just a couple of easy miles before the sun came up.

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Sep 17, 2011 at 09:53:46 from 70.58.163.66

Glad to see that you are still getting out and enjoying this great weather! It's great to be alive and well!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.220.000.000.006.22

There was a 10k going on today in Bountiful, but unfortunately I had other commitments and could not make it to the race. So instead, I ran the unofficial 5 a.m. version of the race. I was the only participant in the race and therefore took first place. The course is an easy out and back course. It goes 1.25 on a straight flat road, then get on the Legacy Parkway Trail. On the trail, the was one puddle just after two miles. I average 8:10 splits and maintained a steady pace through the whole thing. I finished in 50:57. Not a great 10k time, but I'll take it.

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Sep 17, 2011 at 12:12:23 from 70.58.163.66

Nice win for you! I'll have to do that some time. Good for the ego!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.820.000.000.006.82

Mueller Park Trail. I got a new pair of shoes. They are Hi-Tec Berkley's. They felt great out on the trail this morning. The weather is getting colder, but the temps are perfect right now. 

Some thoughts on running shoes. Running shoes are and I am cheap. I saw lot's of runner's at the Wasatch 100 wearing Hokas. They are supposed to be a great trail shoe, but come with a price tag of $175. The shoes I just bought cost $28. I think I would be better off with 7 pairs of Hi-Tec's than one pair of Hokas. 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Sep 19, 2011 at 19:14:52 from 205.158.160.209

The Hokas are very sweet on mild terrain, but on technical mountain terrain I'll take your Hi-Tec's.

For something like Pony Express the Hokas would be dreamy though.

From Rye on Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 19:13:28 from 174.27.71.115

Nice run twinkies. I'm cheap too, but not your kind of cheap. I usually buy last years model shoes and they are just fine but without the price tag that comes with new shoes. I'm chuckling at myself right now..... what's a HOKA? I run on the road too much!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.400.000.000.003.40

Bonneville Shoreline Trail. I was having a hard time getting going this morning. Just couldn't find any motivation. Then a biker passed me on the trail. It's kind of strange but that got me going. I chased him over the next two hills. I didn't ever catch but had motivation again. Turned out to be a decent run. 

Comments
From jun on Wed, Sep 21, 2011 at 11:13:21 from 205.158.160.209

Maybe the lack of mojo this morning was universal. Glad you got your legs under you though.

From Steam8 on Thu, Sep 22, 2011 at 18:52:34 from 166.70.55.77

Having someone pass you always gets you going! ha! I bet the trail is beautiful right now!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.100.000.000.003.10

Ran a 5k with my kids for their elementary school. Connor PR'ed at 26:43 and Jaxine PR'ed at 38:30. Jed was doing great, but he twisted his ankle after only half a mile and walked the rest of the way. Evan ran too. It was his first 5k. He and I came in at just over an hour.

Comments
From Steam8 on Sat, Oct 08, 2011 at 17:50:53 from 166.70.55.77

How fun! The 5Ks with my kids are my favorite days!

From Burt on Mon, Oct 10, 2011 at 13:02:30 from 68.14.209.26

Awesome. How old is Connor? That's an excellent time. Wait, I see it's listed in your profile info. I'm guessing he's 11 because I assume you put that up in 2009 when you first joined the blog. But if he really is 9, then I'm even more impressed with his time. I'm also 99% sure that Connor is a boy's name, so feel free to punch me if she's a girl.

From Twinkies on Mon, Oct 10, 2011 at 15:24:47 from 72.37.244.84

Connor is 9, but he will be turning 10 next Sunday. And yes, he is a boy. He has ran a few 5k's this year and has done quite well.

From Rye on Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:28:38 from 75.174.3.10

Nice Matt! You are a great dad. Are you training any? Burt... my wifes name is Dani.... Do I get to punch you?

From Burt on Tue, Oct 11, 2011 at 23:35:40 from 72.223.91.148

Well, yes. I deserve a good punch right between the eyes.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.380.000.000.003.38

Wild Rose Trail. 5:30 a.m. The moon was very bright this morning, which was a good thing because my head lamp died two minutes into the run. I ran on a brand new trail today, that is an off shoot of the Wild Rose Trail. It was just cut last week. In fact it is not quite complete. There is a section about 400 yards long that still needs to be done. The city of North Salt Lake must have gotten some money from the Kern River Gas Project and I really like how they are using it. The new trail is about two miles long and is very runnable.

Comments
From Steam8 on Fri, Oct 14, 2011 at 18:09:32 from 166.70.55.77

That sounds fun. The moon has been so beautiful this week.

Watch out for rattlesnakes!

From Twinkies on Fri, Oct 14, 2011 at 19:23:40 from 72.37.244.84

I like rattlesnakes, they taste like chicken.

From Rye on Fri, Oct 14, 2011 at 22:21:50 from 174.27.76.167

Full moons are awesome! These past few nights have been bright to say the least. Nice run Matt.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.740.000.000.001.74

Ford Canyon Trail. A short little run in a light rain.

Comments
From jun on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 11:25:32 from 205.158.160.209

Wish you were going to be out at the PET this year. Bummer.

From Twinkies on Tue, Oct 18, 2011 at 11:31:13 from 72.37.244.84

I would I like to be there, but since my wife is due in just ten days, I had better stay close to home. Good luck out there.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.800.000.000.003.80

Cave Peak Trail. I headed out at 6 a.m. this morning. I forgot that it is hunting season and I didn't put on my orange vest. I usually don't see anybody on the trails in the early hours. But today I passed three different hunters. They probably didn't appreciate the fact the I was the first one to the top of the mountain and scared off all the wildlife. 

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Oct 22, 2011 at 15:31:41 from 174.27.83.149

Be careful, you could be on the dinner table!

From Tara on Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 18:32:28 from 75.169.143.231

Heard you were going to join us yesterday. Next time! Yeah, there were hunters everywhere we turned yesterday. It made us all nervous!

From Tara on Sun, Oct 23, 2011 at 18:33:49 from 75.169.143.231

Oh yeah, and every move in the bushes made us think there were cougars! I actually got scared for a second, but maybe Kam a little more than me:)

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.600.000.000.003.60

This morning I ran Cave Peak Trail. This trail is only 1.8 miles long, but it is very challenging. It has three steep sections. Each one is longer and steeper than the one before. Those sections are considered not runnable, even by my standards. Today I decided to see how much of them I could run. I made it up the first section without stopping, but I only made it a few steps up the second one before being slowed to a power hike. The third one was also power hike. I hit the top at 35:05. That's a new PR for this route. The downhill is challenging as well. I managed to stay upright on the steep sections. Downtime was 19:20.

Today is my wife due date, but no baby yet. Perhaps by the end of the day. 

Comments
From Burt on Thu, Oct 27, 2011 at 12:17:53 from 72.223.91.148

I'll keep my fingers crossed.

From Rye on Thu, Oct 27, 2011 at 21:53:34 from 174.27.115.108

Hope everything goes well for the wife and baby. You are a great dad! Enjoy the moment.

From Kam on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 at 01:54:10 from 68.66.163.179

Good luck with the baby.

From Scott Wesemann on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 at 19:21:37 from 205.158.160.209

Sounds like a fun/tough trail. Good luck to you and your wife.

From Steam8 on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 at 22:00:36 from 166.70.55.77

What a great run before a great day! Did the baby come yet? I don't know how much running you will be getting in with a new little one in your house keeping you up at night! So excited for you. I would love another little one at my house! Let us know! I hope all goes well!!!!

From Twinkies on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 at 22:35:39 from 67.164.194.215

Thanks for the support. It's now Friday night and still no baby. We went on a two mile hike this afternoon, hoping that would jump start things. But this baby seems to be content to stay inside.

From Steam8 on Fri, Oct 28, 2011 at 22:44:05 from 166.70.55.77

Haha! I'm so excited for you! Having a baby is the best day(s) of your life! I wish I could talk my hub into another one. Can't wait to see a pic of baby Twinkie! I hope all goes well!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.060.000.000.004.06

Wild Rose Trail. I did four miles this morning in the dark. My light broke just before I started. I haven't had much luck with lights lately. I scared a group of hunters who didn't see me coming. The probably thought I was nuts. 

 Two days overdue now. Still no baby. 

Comments
From Rye on Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 20:53:27 from 174.27.124.34

Halloween Baby????

From Kam on Mon, Oct 31, 2011 at 21:03:18 from 174.23.231.209

Don't believe a word the dr says about due dates. Average uninduced gestation is 41 weeks.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
0.000.000.000.000.00

It's official. Susanna is now part of our family.

 

Comments
From Smooth on Wed, Nov 02, 2011 at 23:17:49 from 75.162.83.50

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! She is a doll. Looks healthy and so sweet! Makes me want to hold her! :)

I really like that name! I answer to that too! :) :) :)

From Steam8 on Thu, Nov 03, 2011 at 09:00:06 from 166.70.55.77

OH!!! Twink...she is beautiful! Congratulations!!!!

From Rye on Thu, Nov 03, 2011 at 09:26:14 from 75.174.19.85

Matt, you have out done yourself once again. Congrats and enjoy that new one. She is beautiful!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.700.000.000.004.70

Today I ran the Ridgeline trail which is off the the Wild Rose Trail. There weather was perfect. Felt good to get out.

Here is another picture of my new little angel.

 

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Nov 05, 2011 at 22:49:39 from 174.27.70.71

Christmas in November for your family! Looks like you and your wife have some good help. Oh, great run today. Are you heading to IF for Thanksgiving? We could do another run?

From jun on Sat, Nov 05, 2011 at 23:02:38 from 174.23.189.233

Congrats. She's beautiful.

From Twinkies on Sun, Nov 06, 2011 at 09:10:44 from 67.164.194.215

Thanks guys. Rye - I will be in IF for thanksgiving. I will probably run in the Run to Feed the Hungry 10k. I'll let you know my schedule as it gets closer.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.000.000.000.006.00

5:30 a.m. I started out on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail and headed over to Ricks Creek. On Ricks creek there is an awesome cascaded waterfall. I tried to get a picture today, but is was early and still too dark. Here is a photo of the falls that I took a few weeks ago when I hiked it with my family.

 

Comments
From Lulu Walls on Mon, Nov 07, 2011 at 15:04:52 from 155.100.212.208

Wow! So where is that?

From Twinkies on Mon, Nov 07, 2011 at 15:48:04 from 72.37.244.84

It's above Centerville. It's even better in person. If you want to see it sometime, let me know and I'll show you the route I run.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.830.000.000.006.83

Mueller Park Trail. The trail was soft packed snow all the way up. At Elephant Rock there was more snow than I expected. It was about 8 inches deep. The run down felt great. I love winter trail running.

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Tue, Nov 08, 2011 at 17:12:36 from 205.158.160.209

That's a fun trail. Way to get out and hit it.

From Rye on Tue, Nov 08, 2011 at 20:07:53 from 174.27.70.71

Nice! Getting any sleep lately?

From Twinkies on Tue, Nov 08, 2011 at 20:29:52 from 72.37.244.84

Yes I have. I have gotten good at changing diapers and rocking a baby back to sleep without ever waking up.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
7.770.000.000.007.77

Started out on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail in North Salt Lake. Ran up passed the radio towers and drop into City Creek. The trail was hard packed the whole way. 

It was cold this morning (about 20 degrees Fahrenheit), but that didn't bother me. For those who have a hard time running in the cold, I'll share a little secret with you. Start your run by running uphill. The steeper the hill, the better. Running uphill creates a fire inside and warms up your whole body. Once your body is warm up it stays warm for the rest of the run.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.600.000.000.003.60

Ran up to Cave Peak this morning. My calves were a bit tight today, but I made it up in a descent time. 

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
11.000.000.000.0011.00

I got in my car and drove to the Wild Rose trailhead. It was raining slightly as I drove. At the trail head it had stopped raining. I headed up the loop trail and then up the ridge. On the ridge there was a strong cross wind. It snow off and on but the snow never got too bad. The wind on the other hand continued to get worse as I went up. I had to lean into the wind in order to stay upright. At one point I was leaning at about a 45 degree. This is the strongest wind I have ever ran in. It nearly blew me off the mountain. I was headed up to Dude Mountain, but turned around about a mile short of the top for safety reasons. After a few miles downhill, the wind was descent again and the rest of the run was great.

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Nov 12, 2011 at 10:41:34 from 75.174.19.85

Hey Matt, good week for you. It blows in Utah too?????

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.420.000.000.005.42

Mueller Park Trail. First snowshoe run of the season. It was a ton of fun, but my snowshoe muscles are weak.

Comments
From Steam8 on Mon, Nov 14, 2011 at 19:59:23 from 166.70.55.77

I bet it was fun!!! The weather was so amazing today! What a day!!

From Rye on Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 18:44:58 from 174.27.70.12

Way to get out in the elements! I think I would take a nose dive running in snow shoes. Guess I should give it a try sometime.

From Lulu Walls on Thu, Nov 17, 2011 at 22:38:45 from 166.70.240.95

There is that much snow up there? Fun!!!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
9.780.000.000.009.78

I ran on the new trail that connects the Legacy Parkway Trail to the Jordan River Parkway Trail.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
9.010.000.000.009.01

Wild Rose Trail. The fresh snow was incredible this morning. I was hoping to run in snowshoes today, but there wasn't enough snow at the start of the trail. Up higher there was plenty, so maybe after one more storm, I can use the snowshoes again.

Comments
From Steam8 on Sat, Nov 19, 2011 at 18:05:46 from 166.70.55.77

You should have made your way down here if you wanted to use the snowshoes! It was a beautiful morning to run in the snow. I bet running in snowshoes give you and amazing workout!

From Burt on Mon, Nov 21, 2011 at 13:10:15 from 68.14.209.26

What's up with all the snow? I see nothing down here. Nothing!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.670.000.000.004.67

Treadmill. I was going to run further but running on the hamster wheel drives me crazy.

Race: Run to Feed the Hungry (6.2 Miles) 00:47:18
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
1.006.200.000.007.20

I was  bit overdressed. Usually, this race is freezing, but today the weather was great. This was the fastest that I have ran in over a year. I was able to maintain a sub 8 pace for the entire race. It felt good to run somewhat fast again. There was a good turnout for the race, about 2000 people.

Comments
From Rye on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 13:07:38 from 75.174.19.85

Hey Matt, sorry I didn't make it. Man, my wife has got me real busy! It's all good though. Nice run! Have a safe trip home.

From Kelli on Fri, Nov 25, 2011 at 17:27:56 from 71.219.83.156

NICE JOB!!!! The weather was great for Thanksgiving, you never know how to dress this time of year.

From Steam8 on Sat, Nov 26, 2011 at 22:57:33 from 166.70.55.77

Nice job! What a great time!! Temps were 30 degrees warmer than last year...hard to know how to dress! You have got to be feeling so great about your run. yeehoooo!

From Rye on Sat, Dec 03, 2011 at 01:26:34 from 75.174.2.137

Twinkies..... Where are you?

From Burt on Tue, Dec 06, 2011 at 17:05:35 from 68.14.209.26

Great job Twinkies!

Rye - Twinkies asked me to tell you that he's not talking to you.

From Scott Wesemann on Mon, Dec 12, 2011 at 14:39:30 from 205.158.160.209

Hey Twinkies- Where have you been? Hope you're not injured again.

From Twinkies on Wed, Dec 21, 2011 at 19:38:00 from 67.164.194.215

Hey guys. Sorry for the absence. I have been away on business travel with limited internet and email access. I was in Cairo, Egypt and Masirah, Oman.

From Rye on Thu, Dec 22, 2011 at 09:34:22 from 70.58.163.66

Sounds like fun!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.200.000.000.005.20

It's good to be back home and run trails again. I have been out of the country on business travel for the last few weeks. I went to Cairo, Egypt and Masirah, Oman.

This morning I ran on the Wild Rose Trail. There was a thin layer of fresh snow. No one else had been out yet, so I got to make first tracks. The wind was  little cold when I got started, but I warmed up quickly. It was a good run to get things going again. 

Comments
From Scott Wesemann on Thu, Dec 22, 2011 at 19:05:51 from 205.158.160.209

Good to see you back Twinkies. Nice run.

From Twinkies on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 at 10:23:40 from 67.164.194.215

Thanks Scott.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.810.000.000.006.81

Mueller Park Trail. 5:30 a.m. 14 degrees. This was my first time on this trail since the big wind storm that came through. I was a bit surprised by how many trees had fallen down. But I was even more surprised by how many had been cleaned up and cleared off the trail. There were only four threes that still laid across the trail. The snow on the trail this morning was perfect. It made for great traction and a smooth run. These are the kind of conditions one can only experience by running in below freezing temps. I made it up to Elephant Rock in 45:39. I ate a frozen shot blok and then headed back down. Down time was just under 32 minutes. Not real fast this morning but it felt great.

Comments
From jun on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 at 18:34:50 from 174.23.163.223

Welcome back to America. It's great to see you out hitting the trails like old times. What are your plans next week? You should come check out our run on Ann's trail up to View Benchmark Peak.

From Steam8 on Fri, Dec 23, 2011 at 19:59:10 from 166.70.55.77

I bet the frozen Shot Blok was goood! I ate frozen beans today..I am all out of shot bloks! ha! Nice run!

From Rye on Sat, Dec 24, 2011 at 10:51:19 from 174.27.90.151

Twinkies glad that you are back and running! Are you staying home for Christmas? If you are heading to IF make sure to drop me a line. We. can run up sunnyside or something. Merry Christmas!

From Twinkies on Sat, Dec 24, 2011 at 11:53:37 from 67.158.130.8

Craig - I am in Idaho right now but will be back home on Wednesday. I don't have to work next week, and it would be great to get a run in with you.

Steam8 - Tis the season.

Rye - I am at my parents in Newdale this year. I don't know if we will make it down to IF or not.

From Dorsimus on Tue, Dec 27, 2011 at 13:09:47 from 67.2.26.13

Great to see you out and about! :) I was just thinking about Mueller Park, I need to run that one of these days - I love it in the winter.

Maybe we can run on Thursday - eh, Jun? I'll be down there then.

From Twinkies on Tue, Dec 27, 2011 at 15:39:21 from 67.158.130.8

Dorsimus - Thursday works for me. Let's plan on it.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
10.900.000.000.0010.90

Merry Christmas. I am at my parents house in Newdale, Idaho for the holidays. I have forgotten how cold it can get here. It was frigid this morning. -4 degrees frigid. I ran seven mile by myself and then my brother joined me for the last 4.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
4.690.000.000.004.69

I was going to run first thing in the morning, but decided to wait until it was a little warmer. Turned out that I didn't get out until 5:30 p.m. when it was getting cold again. It still warming than on Christmas Eve.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
5.090.000.000.005.09

Five easy miles with my brother.

Comments
From Kelli on Tue, Dec 27, 2011 at 16:25:48 from 71.219.80.158

Your back! You did not post for so long I stopped checking in!

Hope you had a Merry Christmas!!!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
3.790.000.000.003.79

I headed north out of town. I was moving at a good pace and it felt very comfortable. I didn't realize that I had a slight tail wind pushing me along. When I turned around, the tailwind turned into a head wind. My easy pace was no longer comfortable. I stayed strong and pushed through the head wind the entire way back.

Comments
From jun on Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 12:18:18 from 205.158.160.209

You and Matt talked about doing Mueller tomorrow. Count me in, except I think I'm going to do a double. I need the miles.

From Steam8 on Thu, Dec 29, 2011 at 12:54:39 from 166.70.55.77

Haha! I always have that happen to me! I am feeling good and cruising along and think to myself that I am in great shape......then, I turn around and realize I had wind at my back and I was running downhill! ha!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.800.000.000.006.80

Mueller Park Trail. I was supposed to run this with Craig and Matt this morning, but we had some miscommunications.  Ended up running by myself. The trail was icy in spots, which made it challenging. This my sound funny, but it needs more snow. The temperature was perfect and I took off my gloves and headband because I didn't need them. All of the fallen trees have now been cleared out. Thank you to all the workers and volunteers who cleaned up the trail.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
6.000.000.000.006.00

Bonneville Shoreline Trail to Ricks Creek waterfall. Decent run in the early morning hours.

Comments
From Steam8 on Fri, Dec 30, 2011 at 17:28:44 from 166.70.55.77

Nice run Twinkie...I bet it was beautiful this morning!

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
14.170.000.000.0014.17

Mueller Park Loop. On Thursday, I ran the Mueller Park Trail and noticed that there was not a lot of snow on it. Today I decided to run the full loop. I started at my house which is three miles from the trailhead. I made it up to Elephant Rock in 1:22. Above Elephant Rock the trail was hard pack and very runnable. Near the top the snow got soft and I was post holing. I made it up to Rudy's Flat in 2:10. It was just starting to get light outside. The run down North Canyon was nice hard packed snow. At the end of the trail is a dirt road. The road was extremely icy. Probably the worst I have ever seen it. I was slipping and sliding all over the place, but never fell down. I made it back home in just under three hours. Not a bad time for a winter loop.

Comments
From Rye on Sat, Dec 31, 2011 at 16:03:06 from 174.27.84.223

Hey Twinkies, great week for you! Hope that you have a great year and life is good for you.

Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
551.4736.730.000.00588.20
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