Miles:6.0
Time:1:07
Elev. Gain:1200 ft
Superstition Wilderness; First Water/Garden Valley
So after missing out on the glorious opening day of the year on the trails I was able to use my extra off day from work to hit the trails on a beautiful mild winter day that lit the trails afire with bright sunlight under a cloudless sky. I only had time for a shorter run since I wanted to make it back into civilization by mid day for the Rose Bowl and that I did with a short but extremely rocky 6 miler that brought me for the first time through Garden Valley which was decorated throughout with crystal clear pools, leftover from the recent snow fall on the upper reaches of the mountains surrounding the area. The trails however along this area are much more suited for hikers and horsemen, which there were plenty of, and this made for a overall slower go at it over the hour or so on the trail.
Overall I am very pleased in what my physical abilities afforded me on this day and am looking forward to a year of pleasing days both on and off the trails. Happy New Years!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Monday, December 26, 2011
Trail Contraband
Figured since my running life has been essentially non-existent over the last 7-10 days that I should post a few pictures I was able to capture on my last run in the Superstition Mountains which, after a recent cold spell, also left a few inches of snow on Four Peaks, just east of Phoenix. That is definitely a rarity. I am hoping my trip to St. George, Utah in the coming week will bring some more trail porn and miles and miles under my feet on the trails, we will see. Enjoy:
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Minimus In The Superstitions
Location: Superstition Wilderness; Dutchman Trail #104, Treadmill
Miles: 14.0
Time: 2:23
Vertical Feet: 1,400+
Dutchman Trail#104-
So I was finally able to head out to the trails in the Shadows of the Superstition's on a weekend instead of the measly 4 mile after work weekday runs that I had been trying to pepper into my already cluttered week and I must say that it was a welcome retreat from the aforementioned endeavors. It was a bit breezy but apart from that it was clear skies and I was feeling pretty good for a bit of a longer trail run to ensue.
The drive there was nice and apart from the fact that there was a couple of bus loads of boy scouts out rummaging through the trails learning the tricks of the mountains, I had a pretty good time getting out into the gut of the trail and delving deep into the canyons, passing Yellow Mountain along the way as well as the vista of the backside of Weaver's Needle. The elevation gain/change throughout the trail is not too significant but it is definitely enough to burn the lungs and fill the legs with lead. After hitting the 4 mile mark I enjoyed the views of the surrounding cliffs and took note of just how quiet this earth is when you let it watch you instead of you watching it.
Dug deep and carved my way out of the maroon canyon and floated back to the truck for a day well spent.
I had eluded before to the Trail Porn from the recent runs and that is no lie but my camera is at my wife's mercy/mother's house and should be getting it by weekend. Hopefully I will have another set of pics by then.
Miles: 14.0
Time: 2:23
Vertical Feet: 1,400+
Dutchman Trail#104-
So I was finally able to head out to the trails in the Shadows of the Superstition's on a weekend instead of the measly 4 mile after work weekday runs that I had been trying to pepper into my already cluttered week and I must say that it was a welcome retreat from the aforementioned endeavors. It was a bit breezy but apart from that it was clear skies and I was feeling pretty good for a bit of a longer trail run to ensue.
The drive there was nice and apart from the fact that there was a couple of bus loads of boy scouts out rummaging through the trails learning the tricks of the mountains, I had a pretty good time getting out into the gut of the trail and delving deep into the canyons, passing Yellow Mountain along the way as well as the vista of the backside of Weaver's Needle. The elevation gain/change throughout the trail is not too significant but it is definitely enough to burn the lungs and fill the legs with lead. After hitting the 4 mile mark I enjoyed the views of the surrounding cliffs and took note of just how quiet this earth is when you let it watch you instead of you watching it.
Dug deep and carved my way out of the maroon canyon and floated back to the truck for a day well spent.
I had eluded before to the Trail Porn from the recent runs and that is no lie but my camera is at my wife's mercy/mother's house and should be getting it by weekend. Hopefully I will have another set of pics by then.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
A Hidden Gem(Nov.30 thru Dec.7)
Location: Superstition Wilderness/Treadmill
Miles: 17.4
Time: 3:01
Vertical Feet: 1,921
So as those who live in the Phoenix area already know so well, Arizona has been a bit on the chilly side the last few days. And when I say chilly I do not mean chile, as in green chile for which we in the desert are known for, I mean the thermometer has dipped into the 20's over the last few nights and has been regularly hanging out around the mid 30's mark for good portions of the day. Now I know those in the upper northeast and the eastern states in general are calling me a wuss but I come from a cold little berg on the Oregon coast that dips into the 20's occasionally with horrific winds and even I thought this past week was wickedly cold. Anyways, not to deter from the subject I actually found a few spots to get in some quality running over the week which left me content in that category. I was able to make it out to the Superstition Mountains twice, finding an absolutely beautiful piece of trail off of First Water Trail on the northeast side of the Supers. This trail with its packed singletrack, shaded and overgrown crevices, and overall unbelievable views of the back of the Supe's and also of neighboring Four Peaks have given me every reason to tag this trail as my favorite running trail in all of the Phoenix area and maybe in the state. Yes, it was that good! I love my winding singletrack and when you combine that with seasonal springs and the assorted mesquite and palo verde groves, this is hard to beat.
I was able to get about 12 miles in on the trails over the course of the week and loved every minute of it. I rounded off the rest of the runs with a couple of treadmill jaunts which were monotonous as always. However, both trail visits left me energized and feeling like I could of tackled another 3 or 4 miles each time. I am stocked that the trail motivates me to push further and further deep into the wilderness and detracting my mind from the obvious droughts of fatigue which would normally set in when I let my mind wander.
Side note, the Zane Grey 50 is unfortunately sold out which really took the wind out of my sails since I was earmarking that as my first "real" ultra. I emailed the RD regarding the waiting list and am awaiting a reply but I just thought I would throw that out there. Sucks royally but what can I do? Rookie mistake.
Trail porn pics to come soon!
Miles: 17.4
Time: 3:01
Vertical Feet: 1,921
So as those who live in the Phoenix area already know so well, Arizona has been a bit on the chilly side the last few days. And when I say chilly I do not mean chile, as in green chile for which we in the desert are known for, I mean the thermometer has dipped into the 20's over the last few nights and has been regularly hanging out around the mid 30's mark for good portions of the day. Now I know those in the upper northeast and the eastern states in general are calling me a wuss but I come from a cold little berg on the Oregon coast that dips into the 20's occasionally with horrific winds and even I thought this past week was wickedly cold. Anyways, not to deter from the subject I actually found a few spots to get in some quality running over the week which left me content in that category. I was able to make it out to the Superstition Mountains twice, finding an absolutely beautiful piece of trail off of First Water Trail on the northeast side of the Supers. This trail with its packed singletrack, shaded and overgrown crevices, and overall unbelievable views of the back of the Supe's and also of neighboring Four Peaks have given me every reason to tag this trail as my favorite running trail in all of the Phoenix area and maybe in the state. Yes, it was that good! I love my winding singletrack and when you combine that with seasonal springs and the assorted mesquite and palo verde groves, this is hard to beat.
I was able to get about 12 miles in on the trails over the course of the week and loved every minute of it. I rounded off the rest of the runs with a couple of treadmill jaunts which were monotonous as always. However, both trail visits left me energized and feeling like I could of tackled another 3 or 4 miles each time. I am stocked that the trail motivates me to push further and further deep into the wilderness and detracting my mind from the obvious droughts of fatigue which would normally set in when I let my mind wander.
Side note, the Zane Grey 50 is unfortunately sold out which really took the wind out of my sails since I was earmarking that as my first "real" ultra. I emailed the RD regarding the waiting list and am awaiting a reply but I just thought I would throw that out there. Sucks royally but what can I do? Rookie mistake.
Trail porn pics to come soon!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A Month Of Not Much
Location: South Mountain, Pass Mountain, Silly Mountain, Treadmill
Miles: 54.4
Time: 9:46
Vertical Feet: 9,216
My allergic reaction to my blog has renewed my desire to spend time at my keyboards once again. I keep promising myself that I will spend more time documenting my slow, sometimes pitiful advances on the trails yet somehow life gets in the way.
I can honestly say that I am happily free of prior engagements for atleast the next couple of weeks so this should for sure give me a little bit more time to actually reacquaint myself with some actual results in regards to my running, especially volume wise.
I have been able to get out a few times and even took part in a 26k race at Usery Mountain Pass that even further showed my lack of time on the trails when my quads and hamstrings locked up to a standstill 12 miles into it. But I believe I do see some light in the tunnel since I have had a couple of very encouraging runs that reminded me that all the miles over the last year and a half on the trails are finally starting to pay off in a minute kinda way.
I will post some snapshots of the last few weeks of running when time permits but for the time being I just wanted to update my own mind and remind myself that I still have legs that protrude from my lower torso so I might as well use them to move briskly over open terrain.
So, in a hand basket, adios.
Miles: 54.4
Time: 9:46
Vertical Feet: 9,216
My allergic reaction to my blog has renewed my desire to spend time at my keyboards once again. I keep promising myself that I will spend more time documenting my slow, sometimes pitiful advances on the trails yet somehow life gets in the way.
I can honestly say that I am happily free of prior engagements for atleast the next couple of weeks so this should for sure give me a little bit more time to actually reacquaint myself with some actual results in regards to my running, especially volume wise.
I have been able to get out a few times and even took part in a 26k race at Usery Mountain Pass that even further showed my lack of time on the trails when my quads and hamstrings locked up to a standstill 12 miles into it. But I believe I do see some light in the tunnel since I have had a couple of very encouraging runs that reminded me that all the miles over the last year and a half on the trails are finally starting to pay off in a minute kinda way.
I will post some snapshots of the last few weeks of running when time permits but for the time being I just wanted to update my own mind and remind myself that I still have legs that protrude from my lower torso so I might as well use them to move briskly over open terrain.
So, in a hand basket, adios.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Prescott Trip/Run Log
TOTAL MILES: 7.7
TOTAL TIME: 1:19
TOTAL ELEVATION(FT): 1717
YEARLY MILES: 302.1
YEARLY TIME: 50:17
Goldwater Park/Prescott-4.2 miles
Since my long awaited trip/run at the Grand Canyon was shelved for the time being, I will tell that story another time, I decided that since I had the time off from work already through Tuesday that I would instead take a trip up a couple of hours northwest of Phoenix to hang out with my buddy Jon in Prescott for a few nights. I have been up there enough to know that the Pine forests are a definite must for anyone interested in hitting the trails so I found a nice little spot to enjoy a short run along Goldwater Lake, west of downtown. The fall colors were in full form leaving the trails and surrounding area full of beautiful autumn colors bouncing to and from, reflecting off the calm lake. The run was nice and almost entirely on packed dirt and pine needled trails. I was able to take a route that wound along the shores of the lake in snaked its way through the Pine forests that shaded the west end of the lake. It was a beautiful short run and my legs felt surprisingly good for not getting good sleep or really any runs in in the week prior. Save for some stiffness and soreness due to the concrete pounding at the tail end of the run it was a good time.
Thumb Butte/Prescott-3.5 miles
After growing bored of the stagnant nature that sometimes accompanies Jon and the cast and crew that can convene in the living room at his abode, I fought through the "smoke" of the living quarters and headed out early Monday morning for the short drive up to the Prescott landmark, Thumb Butte. Rising to 6600ft above the city, Thumb Butte is a inner city gem that grants any runner with a swift vertical gain over less than a mile achieved. I had run this before so I knew that not only was the initial portion paved but it was also super steep. I obliged and set about the top in the early morning sunlight. I was not feeling the initial ascent and after just a quarter mile resorted to a speed hike up the trail since I could tell that my lungs were not yet accustomed to the elevation level. After reaching the crest I continued on to the summit which was accessed through a narrow what seemed like hidden trail that I was able to find spying me through the surrounding sage bushes. The hike to the top and the sub sequent run down the backside of the butte back down to the trail head was refreshing but I could still feel some tightness and fatigue in my shins from the fast outing on the pavement the day before. Overall it was a great day in the sun and what made it even greater was the surprise visit of a family of mule deer waiting down below just outside of the trail head parking lot.
Looking back I am happy with the trip, the runs, and the overall laid back vibe that accompanied the few days up in Prescott. It is always a welcome place.
TOTAL MILES: 7.7
TOTAL TIME: 1:19
TOTAL ELEVATION(FT): 1717
YEARLY MILES: 302.1
YEARLY TIME: 50:17
Goldwater Park/Prescott-4.2 miles
Since my long awaited trip/run at the Grand Canyon was shelved for the time being, I will tell that story another time, I decided that since I had the time off from work already through Tuesday that I would instead take a trip up a couple of hours northwest of Phoenix to hang out with my buddy Jon in Prescott for a few nights. I have been up there enough to know that the Pine forests are a definite must for anyone interested in hitting the trails so I found a nice little spot to enjoy a short run along Goldwater Lake, west of downtown. The fall colors were in full form leaving the trails and surrounding area full of beautiful autumn colors bouncing to and from, reflecting off the calm lake. The run was nice and almost entirely on packed dirt and pine needled trails. I was able to take a route that wound along the shores of the lake in snaked its way through the Pine forests that shaded the west end of the lake. It was a beautiful short run and my legs felt surprisingly good for not getting good sleep or really any runs in in the week prior. Save for some stiffness and soreness due to the concrete pounding at the tail end of the run it was a good time.
Thumb Butte/Prescott-3.5 miles
After growing bored of the stagnant nature that sometimes accompanies Jon and the cast and crew that can convene in the living room at his abode, I fought through the "smoke" of the living quarters and headed out early Monday morning for the short drive up to the Prescott landmark, Thumb Butte. Rising to 6600ft above the city, Thumb Butte is a inner city gem that grants any runner with a swift vertical gain over less than a mile achieved. I had run this before so I knew that not only was the initial portion paved but it was also super steep. I obliged and set about the top in the early morning sunlight. I was not feeling the initial ascent and after just a quarter mile resorted to a speed hike up the trail since I could tell that my lungs were not yet accustomed to the elevation level. After reaching the crest I continued on to the summit which was accessed through a narrow what seemed like hidden trail that I was able to find spying me through the surrounding sage bushes. The hike to the top and the sub sequent run down the backside of the butte back down to the trail head was refreshing but I could still feel some tightness and fatigue in my shins from the fast outing on the pavement the day before. Overall it was a great day in the sun and what made it even greater was the surprise visit of a family of mule deer waiting down below just outside of the trail head parking lot.
Looking back I am happy with the trip, the runs, and the overall laid back vibe that accompanied the few days up in Prescott. It is always a welcome place.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
The Last Few Weeks(with some heat squeezed in there)
10/2-10/15
TOTAL MILES: 21.0
TOTAL TIME: 255 mins
TOTAL ELEVATION(FT): 4338
MONTHLY MILES: 21.5
MONTHLY TIME: 301 mins
YEARLY MILES: 294.4
YEARLY TIME: 48:58
South Mountain Park-PM
Terrible outing in once again scorching temps without a cloud in the sky. I am thru with the mid ninety's and up weather and have been for quite some time. The other outing was a shorter one up Mormon Loop. Uneventful.
Lost Dutchman State Park-PM
Nice, once again hot, run in the park which was refreshing, yet steep in every way imaginable. Good to find some new dirt though. I will head out there more frequently in the winter for sure.
Silly Mountain Park-AM
Another hot day that cut my running short. I did however get a flyover by a Apache helicopter which was kinda cool, and close. Overall good run with some decent progress on the steep stuff, albeit minimal.
Will post some snaps of the runs here soon.
TOTAL MILES: 21.0
TOTAL TIME: 255 mins
TOTAL ELEVATION(FT): 4338
MONTHLY MILES: 21.5
MONTHLY TIME: 301 mins
YEARLY MILES: 294.4
YEARLY TIME: 48:58
South Mountain Park-PM
Terrible outing in once again scorching temps without a cloud in the sky. I am thru with the mid ninety's and up weather and have been for quite some time. The other outing was a shorter one up Mormon Loop. Uneventful.
Lost Dutchman State Park-PM
Nice, once again hot, run in the park which was refreshing, yet steep in every way imaginable. Good to find some new dirt though. I will head out there more frequently in the winter for sure.
Silly Mountain Park-AM
Another hot day that cut my running short. I did however get a flyover by a Apache helicopter which was kinda cool, and close. Overall good run with some decent progress on the steep stuff, albeit minimal.
Will post some snaps of the runs here soon.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Running Log/Speed Ascent Of Mormon Trail
9/27 - 10/1
TOTAL MILES: 4.4
TOTAL TIME: 57 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION(FT): 1542
MONTHLY MILES: 0.5
MONTHLY TIME: 6 MINS
YEARLY MILES: 273.4
YEARLY TIME: 44:43
South Mountain Park; Mormon Trail-PM
Decided to head over to the park after work for a scramble up a familiar trail at dusk. Felt decent the whole way. Let up a few times when I could of pushed it but all in all it was a decent time for the ascent(17:35) considering it gains over 1500' on the way up over less than 1.25 miles. I will use that as a benchmark if I am lucky enough to make it out a few times over the winter.
TOTAL MILES: 4.4
TOTAL TIME: 57 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION(FT): 1542
MONTHLY MILES: 0.5
MONTHLY TIME: 6 MINS
YEARLY MILES: 273.4
YEARLY TIME: 44:43
South Mountain Park; Mormon Trail-PM
Decided to head over to the park after work for a scramble up a familiar trail at dusk. Felt decent the whole way. Let up a few times when I could of pushed it but all in all it was a decent time for the ascent(17:35) considering it gains over 1500' on the way up over less than 1.25 miles. I will use that as a benchmark if I am lucky enough to make it out a few times over the winter.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Flume - Bon Iver Live @ Comerica Theatre
A recent clip from a Bon Iver concert attended. Sorry for the unsteady hand. Close your eyes and feel free to drift off.
9/19 - 9/26
TOTAL MILES: 14.0
TOTAL TIME: 153 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION: 1376 FT
MONTHLY MILES: 27.1
MONTHLY TIME: 324 MINS
YEARLY MILES: 269.00
YEARLY TIME: 43:46
South Mountain- PM, PM
Desert Classic Trail, etc. Easy pace. Hot. Some pain in both heel and forefoot has kept me guessing. Hydration fine but pain in foot caused some extra exertion and a few extra stops that made me lose some concentration.
Treadmill- PM, PM
Tempo work and some steep miles at 10+ incline.
TOTAL MILES: 14.0
TOTAL TIME: 153 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION: 1376 FT
MONTHLY MILES: 27.1
MONTHLY TIME: 324 MINS
YEARLY MILES: 269.00
YEARLY TIME: 43:46
South Mountain- PM, PM
Desert Classic Trail, etc. Easy pace. Hot. Some pain in both heel and forefoot has kept me guessing. Hydration fine but pain in foot caused some extra exertion and a few extra stops that made me lose some concentration.
Treadmill- PM, PM
Tempo work and some steep miles at 10+ incline.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Peralta Trail Run/Scramble
9/5 - 9/18
TOTAL MILES: 5.1
TOTAL TIME: 80 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION: 1714 FT
MONTHLY MILES: 13.1
MONTHLY TIME: 2H 51MINS
YEARLY MILES: 255.00
YEARLY TIME: 41:13
I was blessed to be able to make it to Peralta Trail behind the Superstion Mountains for a quick but super-steep run/scramble up to Weavers Needle and back. I call it a scramble because there is no portion with more than maybe 30 yards of runnable trail. This trails is about as rocky as you will find in and around Phoenix, and it is steep as hell. The trail can be a real pain in the ass when you are trying to stay in a decent stride only to find yourself zig zagging to and from avoiding the jagged surface more times than not. On top of that you are basically straight uphill for the entire 2.25 miles to the crest. Normally I find myself in a pretty good stride on this trail but this was the first time I had run it with the Trail Minimus' I had purchased and I will be the first to say that the surface really pounded the hell out of my feet on this particular day. I am still inclined to run in the Minimus but for whatever reason I just was not very light on my feet and it showed, especially on the way down. Nevertheless, I made it up in a decent time and enjoyed the beautiful 95 degree weather for a short while before attempting to add on another mile or two on the backside of the mountain only to lose the trail and encounter more ridiculously jagged trails so I made my way back up and headed back down in the twilight hours.
Though it is cooling a bit I am still encountering water shortage problems because of the prevailing temps. I hope it will get down into the 80's here by weeks end and then I will be able to head up for longer runs with just my 20oz'er and enjoy some more trails on the backside of the mountain.
TOTAL MILES: 5.1
TOTAL TIME: 80 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION: 1714 FT
MONTHLY MILES: 13.1
MONTHLY TIME: 2H 51MINS
YEARLY MILES: 255.00
YEARLY TIME: 41:13
I was blessed to be able to make it to Peralta Trail behind the Superstion Mountains for a quick but super-steep run/scramble up to Weavers Needle and back. I call it a scramble because there is no portion with more than maybe 30 yards of runnable trail. This trails is about as rocky as you will find in and around Phoenix, and it is steep as hell. The trail can be a real pain in the ass when you are trying to stay in a decent stride only to find yourself zig zagging to and from avoiding the jagged surface more times than not. On top of that you are basically straight uphill for the entire 2.25 miles to the crest. Normally I find myself in a pretty good stride on this trail but this was the first time I had run it with the Trail Minimus' I had purchased and I will be the first to say that the surface really pounded the hell out of my feet on this particular day. I am still inclined to run in the Minimus but for whatever reason I just was not very light on my feet and it showed, especially on the way down. Nevertheless, I made it up in a decent time and enjoyed the beautiful 95 degree weather for a short while before attempting to add on another mile or two on the backside of the mountain only to lose the trail and encounter more ridiculously jagged trails so I made my way back up and headed back down in the twilight hours.
Though it is cooling a bit I am still encountering water shortage problems because of the prevailing temps. I hope it will get down into the 80's here by weeks end and then I will be able to head up for longer runs with just my 20oz'er and enjoy some more trails on the backside of the mountain.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
8/29-9/4
08/29 - 09/04
TOTAL MILES: 8.0
TOTAL TIME: 91 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION: 2065 FT
MONTHLY MILES: 8.0
MONTHLY TIME: 91 MINS
YEARLY MILES: 249.90
YEARLY TIME: 39:53
So I was lucky enough to be able to make it up to Pinetop, Arizona with my family and friends for a short weekend in the White Mountains in what turned out to be an extremely taxing weekend on yours truly. I know from experience that vacationing with my wife's family can seem to be anything but a vacation with all the time constraints, places to see, and the alarms, set at 6am each day, so I knew that this weekend would be no different but still found myself extremely pleased to take the drive up north through the misting desert skies up to the magical mile high city of Pinetop.
Luckily for myself we had a trail system that snaked its way through the property with which our cabin lied so early both mornings I was able to get out for a couple of short runs in the so-so picturesque ponderosa forest that hugged the back of the property. After a 4 mile slow run down Horton Creek Trail that found me winding past open meadows swarming with flies, and through open cow pastures trampled to mud, also swarming with flies, I preceded to take to both the tennis courts and the ping pong table for some much needed court time. However, with the long delayed visit to the tennis court I found myself nearly unable to stand after about a 2 hour tennis outing followed by a hour or so of extreme ping pong action. So by the time I found myself back on the trail the next morning I was extremely drained of any reserves. Moving forward though it was a great weekend and I was happy to get some time running in and hopefully the next few days will bring a dip below the 110+ degree temps which are still the norm here running into September.
TOTAL MILES: 8.0
TOTAL TIME: 91 MINS
TOTAL ELEVATION: 2065 FT
MONTHLY MILES: 8.0
MONTHLY TIME: 91 MINS
YEARLY MILES: 249.90
YEARLY TIME: 39:53
So I was lucky enough to be able to make it up to Pinetop, Arizona with my family and friends for a short weekend in the White Mountains in what turned out to be an extremely taxing weekend on yours truly. I know from experience that vacationing with my wife's family can seem to be anything but a vacation with all the time constraints, places to see, and the alarms, set at 6am each day, so I knew that this weekend would be no different but still found myself extremely pleased to take the drive up north through the misting desert skies up to the magical mile high city of Pinetop.
Luckily for myself we had a trail system that snaked its way through the property with which our cabin lied so early both mornings I was able to get out for a couple of short runs in the so-so picturesque ponderosa forest that hugged the back of the property. After a 4 mile slow run down Horton Creek Trail that found me winding past open meadows swarming with flies, and through open cow pastures trampled to mud, also swarming with flies, I preceded to take to both the tennis courts and the ping pong table for some much needed court time. However, with the long delayed visit to the tennis court I found myself nearly unable to stand after about a 2 hour tennis outing followed by a hour or so of extreme ping pong action. So by the time I found myself back on the trail the next morning I was extremely drained of any reserves. Moving forward though it was a great weekend and I was happy to get some time running in and hopefully the next few days will bring a dip below the 110+ degree temps which are still the norm here running into September.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Total Distance: 2.9 m
Time: 35:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 241.90 m
Total Time: 38:22
Elevation Gain: 3643 ft
With temperatures looming at the 112 degree mark for basically the last 2 weeks straight my running has been reduced to a trickle. I have found little time with work and other "adult" things clogging my entrance to the awaiting trail. However, a trip to the White Mountains this weekend will hopefully bring atleast one good run on the trails. I have been mainly concentrating on steep runs on the treadmill as I was not too happy with my overall performance on the steeper portions of the Highline Trail that I ran a few weeks back so my main focus has been running at a decent pace for half mile increments of inclines stretching anywhere from 7%-15% on the treadmill. I can honestly say that I would rather run in the open mountain air with the 90 degree sun beating down on me than slugging it out on these damn treadmills at a 15% incline. Ugghh.
Time: 35:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 241.90 m
Total Time: 38:22
Elevation Gain: 3643 ft
With temperatures looming at the 112 degree mark for basically the last 2 weeks straight my running has been reduced to a trickle. I have found little time with work and other "adult" things clogging my entrance to the awaiting trail. However, a trip to the White Mountains this weekend will hopefully bring atleast one good run on the trails. I have been mainly concentrating on steep runs on the treadmill as I was not too happy with my overall performance on the steeper portions of the Highline Trail that I ran a few weeks back so my main focus has been running at a decent pace for half mile increments of inclines stretching anywhere from 7%-15% on the treadmill. I can honestly say that I would rather run in the open mountain air with the 90 degree sun beating down on me than slugging it out on these damn treadmills at a 15% incline. Ugghh.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Mogollon Rim/South Mountain Runs
Total Distance: 8.9 m
Time: 1:43
Location: South Mountain; Pyramid Trail, Pine, Arizona, Pine Trailhead/Highline Trail
Total Miles: 239.00 m
Total Time: 37:47
Elevation Gain: 3643 ft
I have a love, hate relationship with the state of Arizona. I find it hard to believe sometimes that I decided on the desert as the place I hang my hat. Reason being, there are those days where the heat, the death (of most living things in the low desert), and the landscape of my desert home just eat away at my motivation to do mostly anything. However, I do find myself some days coming to a truce with my dry, deserted friend and agreeing that when you can look past "green" as being the epitome of beauty; ie green pastures, trees, lawns, forests, etc. then you can realize that Arizona has it's perks and it's tiny little pleasures that it call's it's own.
After a routine run atop South Mountain on Pyramid trail for a measly few miles in the 100+ degree heat, I finally made the long awaited trek up to the Mogollon Rim's Highline Trail for a relatively short but grueling 6 mile run today. I knew I would enjoy the run considering it is both scenic and more importantly at 5000+ altitude. I was not let down. The trail which was easy to access, lead immediately through an open acreage of ponderosa pine's with little shade, letting the 85 degree weather seem a little hotter than normal. Then immediately came the ascent. I knew from the trail map that it would have a fair share of vert right from the get go and even though I held strong for the first 1.25 miles the Rim proceeded to chew me up like a chunk of jerky. I had hydrated myself plenty and got in enough calories I felt to hold me over but over the course of a little under 3 miles up this Rim the vert/elevation just took its toll. However, I do feel like I held my own especially on some of the tough climbs as I just concentrated on the perks of finally getting to the top and taking in the views. I ran most of the tough climbs with a good groove and only really hit rock bottom on a few of the initial climbs.
Now, as some of you may know, this is the same route that the Zane Grey 50 ultra-marathon is run on and I took solace in the fact that I knew that no more than 90 days or so prior Geoff Roes floated through those same trails, breathing in the same views on the way to his strong victory at the ZG50. So in short, it was an amazing experience and an amazing trail.
All in all the run was super awesome and one that I will stroll down again, maybe with a bib on someday?
Time: 1:43
Location: South Mountain; Pyramid Trail, Pine, Arizona, Pine Trailhead/Highline Trail
Total Miles: 239.00 m
Total Time: 37:47
Elevation Gain: 3643 ft
I have a love, hate relationship with the state of Arizona. I find it hard to believe sometimes that I decided on the desert as the place I hang my hat. Reason being, there are those days where the heat, the death (of most living things in the low desert), and the landscape of my desert home just eat away at my motivation to do mostly anything. However, I do find myself some days coming to a truce with my dry, deserted friend and agreeing that when you can look past "green" as being the epitome of beauty; ie green pastures, trees, lawns, forests, etc. then you can realize that Arizona has it's perks and it's tiny little pleasures that it call's it's own.
After a routine run atop South Mountain on Pyramid trail for a measly few miles in the 100+ degree heat, I finally made the long awaited trek up to the Mogollon Rim's Highline Trail for a relatively short but grueling 6 mile run today. I knew I would enjoy the run considering it is both scenic and more importantly at 5000+ altitude. I was not let down. The trail which was easy to access, lead immediately through an open acreage of ponderosa pine's with little shade, letting the 85 degree weather seem a little hotter than normal. Then immediately came the ascent. I knew from the trail map that it would have a fair share of vert right from the get go and even though I held strong for the first 1.25 miles the Rim proceeded to chew me up like a chunk of jerky. I had hydrated myself plenty and got in enough calories I felt to hold me over but over the course of a little under 3 miles up this Rim the vert/elevation just took its toll. However, I do feel like I held my own especially on some of the tough climbs as I just concentrated on the perks of finally getting to the top and taking in the views. I ran most of the tough climbs with a good groove and only really hit rock bottom on a few of the initial climbs.
Now, as some of you may know, this is the same route that the Zane Grey 50 ultra-marathon is run on and I took solace in the fact that I knew that no more than 90 days or so prior Geoff Roes floated through those same trails, breathing in the same views on the way to his strong victory at the ZG50. So in short, it was an amazing experience and an amazing trail.
All in all the run was super awesome and one that I will stroll down again, maybe with a bib on someday?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Highline Trail/Zane Grey Course Run
So I think I was able to wipe my slate clean of chores for the weekend and free myself up for a short drive up northeast of Phoenix on Sunday to what we here in the valley of the sun call "Rim Country" for a much delayed run on the Highline Trailhead, east of Payson. Some may know the area or trailhead as the starting point of the Zane Grey 50 Miler which is run the 4th week of April, zig zagging across the Mogollon Rim in one of the toughest 50 milers in the country.
Needless to say I am stoked for the trip and ensuing run. I will try to get some snapshots of the course/trails to post shortly after.
Off to sleep, dreaming of packed, shaded singletrack and flowing, bubbling streams.
Needless to say I am stoked for the trip and ensuing run. I will try to get some snapshots of the course/trails to post shortly after.
Off to sleep, dreaming of packed, shaded singletrack and flowing, bubbling streams.
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