I Am So Lucky

Some friends like to go to vampire movies together. (I can't, for the life of me, understand why.) Some friends like to go to a Katy Perry concert together. (I can't, for the life of me, understand why anyone would want to do that either.) Some friends like to get together and eat cinnamon rolls until they are sick. (THAT one I can understand!) Me and my friends.....we like to get together and RUN.

I had some friends coming to town from northern Utah who wanted to see some of the awesome trails that southern Utah has to offer. I put the word out and had some locals join as well as some friends from northern Nevada that came for the run. I decided I'd take them to one of my favorites, the JEM Trail on Saturday morning.

It's a beautiful thing to see a bunch of friends strung across the trail.

It took a bit of huffing and puffing but I was still able to keep up with the group despite stopping to take like 60 pictures. I very rarely see another runner out here so I take advantage of pictures when I can.

After running for a while we stopped for a breather and a quick group picture. These fine folks are me, Carol, Jen, Gary, Karrie, Shane, Terri, Garret, and Ashley.

Jen said "I haven't traveled this far to not get a jumping picture." And it would be far from me to ever turn down a jumping picture. We tried three others and the total amount of air we got in those pictures was precisely......let's see.......zero inches. We managed to get this one though:

The weather was basically perfect that morning.

We looped around the Hurricane Rim Trail to get back to our cars. Here's a photography trick: try shooting some pictures into the sun. That makes for some cool lighting.

This is my very favorite part of the trail with the towering Smith Mesa in the background.

I try to make sure I have a huge amount of fun on every training run or race. But this run was a whole different level of awesome. I had so, so much fun running, talking, and laughing with these guys. I wish I could take them on every single run I do. I feel so fortunate to live in such an amazing area and have such great friends. I am one lucky guy.

ONLY 4 MORE DAYS until the Antelope Island Buffalo Run 100 miler!!!!! CAN'T WAIT!!

Heaven In The Rain

There is this place in the middle of the southern Utah desert called Warner Valley. I feel like it's my own little piece of heaven. I've probably run more miles here than anywhere in the world. It feels like I know every square inch of the dirt out here. It's where I fell in love with trail running. I've never seen another runner out here so I'm claiming the land as my own.

A little while back I got in another great long run there. The scenery was even more amazing because I got caught in the middle of a beautiful rain storm.

It was insanely windy and I was getting pounded with rain. But that only lasted a few miles and then everything mellowed out. 

It was so cool to watch as the storm moved off into the horizon. It's moments like this that keep me coming back to my little slice of heaven in Warner Valley.

Sand Mountain Marathon Race Report - I WON!

Last week I ran the inaugural Sand Mountain Marathon. What? You've never heard of the Sand Mountain Marathon? Possibly because it didn't exist until a few days ago when I went out and ran 26.2 miles...around Sand Mountain.

The race registration was free priced right. Thankfully there was no long bus ride to the starting line. The course started on a little side trail I've never been on before. I hoped that it would lead to the towering cliffs of Sand Mountain. The trail had as much sand and rocks as Kenny G has hair.

I'm disappointed in the race organizers. The trail marking was terrible. Actually nonexistent. But I figured as long as I was climbing I'd be getting closer to my destination. After about an hour I reached this rock tower. That's a good sign. I added three rocks of my own to the top.

I soon realized that I was nearing my goal, the edge of the towering red cliffs. I was surprised to be the only racer who would be able to enjoy some amazing views. It could be because the race director (who happens to be myself) capped the registration at one.

I've been to other overlooks on Sand Mountain but never this area. The scenery was incredible. I didn't mind some of my race time ticking away to hang out here for a bit and soak in the views.

The entire expanse of the desert opened up in front of me.

One more picture before heading back down the mountain:

As you can see from all these pictures, there was one dominant color on the race course: RED. Mile after mile of red. And then out of the blue.....something that wasn't red. (Speaking of all these colors, I'm colorblind.)

When I got back down the mountain I stopped at the only aid station in the entire race. The aid station happened to be at the race director's rental car. Why a rental car? Because someone backed into the RD's car and it was in the shop. One aid station for a whole marathon?!?!? Seriously weak.

I wore the new Altra Olympus shoes for this marathon. They made it the entire 26.2 miles right out of the box. I LOVED them. They have more cushion, similar to Hoka shoes, except way more comfortable. Mark my words, you'll start seeing these shoes all over the place because they are basically awesome.

Once I got down Sand Mountain I finished my miles wandering around Warner Valley. I ran past the cliffs that I had stood upon miles earlier.

The race organization was clearly lacking in many areas. No course marking. One car aid station. And the race photography consisted of the race director handing me a camera and saying "Hope you like selfies." Jerk.

I couldn't find anything I didn't love about those Altra Olympus shoes. They were the perfect mix of cushion, tread, and comfort.

Those of you on the east coast, I wanted to let you know that my shirt is available to serve as a fluorescent lighthouse to guide ships in fog and rain storms. You're welcome.

The finish line festivities were terrible. Absolutely no spectators. No party. Just stop the Garmin and you're done.

Here's the good news: I WON THE MARATHON. Granted, I was the only one who ran the marathon. Granted, the race was capped at one entry. Granted, this is the first and last time I will ever win a race. But I won! Instead of a medal, the race director provided this cup of heaven, also known as Dr. Pepper. Super Big Gulp. Super unhealthy. And super delicious.

I feel so blessed that my body has been eager to run and recover quickly. With this 26.2, that made a marathon, 50 miler, and 100 miler within 33 days. I think maybe that's my record.

The course scenery was beautiful. Will I run the Sand Mountain Marathon again? Definitely. Will that race also end with 44 ounces of heaven? Definitely.

A Variety Of Randomly Awesome Things

Do you like random things? Well, great! In that case, on the seventh day God created cinnamon rolls. I've never understood the popularity of vampire movies. I had a one-eyed hamster when I was a kid. Here are some other random things:

A few days ago I had to make a detour on the way home from work. There were some awesome storm clouds building near Zion National Park so I followed them for a bit to take some pictures. Here is my favorite:

I was honored to be asked by Ultrarunner Podcast to write some responses to their "5 Questions" section. You can read the Questions and Answers HERE (along with details on my adoration of Dr. Pepper.)

Who doesn't love a gnarly post-race foot picture? I collected this puppy at the Jackpot 100 a few weeks ago. It's the biggest blister I've had, but it was worth it for a PR. (Toe nail polish courtesy of my daughters.)

Do you want to see a completely fascinating website? (Please say yes. Please say yes.) This guy at www.gravityglue.com has some absolutely incredible pictures of stacked rock towers. I guarantee amazement. Do yourself a favor and check it out. Go to the "My Work" section. I was so impressed that I have tried a few of my own. Here is one of mine but trust me, this pales in awesomeness compared to the pictures on this website. 

I was so happy to be asked to give a rundown of the Zion 100 course for Trail Runner Nation's podcast. Should you care to listen to the interview, click HERE. (My section is after a short interview with a running coach.)

My friend Mirna is a self-described "fat, black runner". Not just a runner, but a marathon and ultramarathon runner. Check out her latest blog post HERE. It touches on weight, race, and the love of running. It's sassy and funny and inspiring and I love it.

And I suppose that is just about all. Happy Thursday!

When Someone Says A Trail Is "Sketchy"

Many years ago I went to Moab, Utah with my sister-in-law and her husband Matt. They are avid hikers. We were on a new trail and there were some sections that weaved along steep ledges. There were technical, challenging sections. Some sections made us nervous. We came across some hikers coming toward us and asked how the trail was up ahead. They smiled and said "Well, there are some parts that are a bit sketchy."

We soon realized that "a bit sketchy" meant "downright frightening". Being afraid of heights, I found a way around one sketchy section which involved taking off my shoes, wading through water, and creating instant blackmail material had my in-laws taken a picture.

Matt lives close by and we still find our way onto trails sometimes. Last week was one such time. I was anxious to check out a new trail he had found called Nephi's Twist. Matt got a similar grin to the girl in Moab years ago when he mentioned that "there are only a few sketchy parts".

My trail bravery has improved since those Moab days so I figured I could handle sketchy. The first parts of the trail involve no sketchy-ness. This is Matt:

Still not too sketchy:

Then some short, steep climbs.

After this we reached an awesome trail right on the spine of a ridge that weaved through the desert. It had a hint of sketchy. Maybe in my younger Moab days this would have been difficult but these days it wasn't too bad.

We continued on a series of steep uphills. Then steep downhills. Steep up. Steep down. And an occasional level chunk.

In no time the amount of sketchy steadily increased.

Then mucho sketchy. Steep climbing. It's a good thing I opted to go with the Altra Lone Peak 1.5 shoes before the run. They have the best grip of any of my shoes and I needed every ounce of grip I could get. Matt caught one particular climb. Notice how I'm pretty much VERTICAL going up the trail.

Here is a sample of the uber-sketchy. There wasn't anywhere on the trail where a slip would force you to meet your maker. But a slip would definitely leave a chunk of your chin on the trail and then some flesh as you tumble down a hill.

The trail eventually circles around to where it started. I was thankful for the incredible views and the cool pictures we caught.

Here is what is ABSOLUTELY, ABSOLUTELY INSANE: hard-core mountain bikers go down this trail! I wouldn't bike this trail if you offered me a million dollars and tickets to a meet-and-greet with MC Hammer. If you dare, watch this GoPro video of some guys going down the trail. It is downright frightening.