Felt like posting some snaps from my buddy Rob and I's recent hike up Humphrey's Peak in Flagstaff. Note the shaded, pine cushioned singletrack. As good as it gets in Arizona!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Humphrey's Peak. Take Two!
Felt like posting some snaps from my buddy Rob and I's recent hike up Humphrey's Peak in Flagstaff. Note the shaded, pine cushioned singletrack. As good as it gets in Arizona!
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Total Distance: 5.2 m
Time: 51:00
Location: Treadmill, South Mountain Park(Pyramid Trail)
Total Miles: 223.00 m
Total Time: 34:57
Time: 51:00
Location: Treadmill, South Mountain Park(Pyramid Trail)
Total Miles: 223.00 m
Total Time: 34:57
Total Elevation Gain: 800 ft
The last week and a half has been pretty unspectacular. I had planned on reintroducing myself to the alpine forests of Flagstaff this past weekend with the hopes of getting in atleast one longer run either before or after my friend Rob and I hiked Humphrey's Peak, the highest peak in the state. This was not to be. I had packed all my running gear and headed north with anticipation of the hike and the impending run. Upon arrival we found that Weatherford Trail, the main trail to the summit, was closed due to logging somewhere up along the first ridge so we had to head down to Humphrey's Trail to make our connection to Weatherford, then to the top. It was a hot day, about 85 degrees or so, so I knew that that would take a little extra effort on both our parts to make it in one piece to the summit. I realized soon after we had started that Rob was not going to make it to the top this day. He was complaining of a headache and further up started to cramp up so I knew that this was going to take a little longer than expected. We made it to the first saddle which lies about 400 feet from the summit in good time but I knew that it would take a miracle to coax Rob into making it that last 400 feet which I knew he was capable of.
In summarizing the day, Rob said "No Mas", around the 12,500 feet mark and I proceeded to tell him to stay put and I would be back down in a jiffy and I darted up the rugged talus field hopping, zig zagging to and from. After reaching the top I took in the views and decided to get back asap. No more than 15 steps from the summit I stepped off of a rock and turned my ankle in the loose volcanic rock bed that covers the summit. At first I did not think it was a bad sprain, which in hindsight is was not, but as I tightened my shoe and put on my game face for Rob I realized that I would have to hop on one leg for the next 4.5 miles back down to the parking lot. Not cool.
I will spare you the long, gory details of agony, etc. and just say that it was a long day. So to make a long story short, no long awaited Flagstaff trail run ensued. So, after a week of no running or physical activity at all for that matter I was able to make it out to South Mountain for a shorter heat drenched jaunt on Pyramid Trail in the center of the park. It was hot, I was out of water, and I did not have the mental toughness to push through a medium length run so I called it a day after just 3.2 miles albeit with a decent amount of uphill.
I am looking forward to the remainder of the summer though.
The last week and a half has been pretty unspectacular. I had planned on reintroducing myself to the alpine forests of Flagstaff this past weekend with the hopes of getting in atleast one longer run either before or after my friend Rob and I hiked Humphrey's Peak, the highest peak in the state. This was not to be. I had packed all my running gear and headed north with anticipation of the hike and the impending run. Upon arrival we found that Weatherford Trail, the main trail to the summit, was closed due to logging somewhere up along the first ridge so we had to head down to Humphrey's Trail to make our connection to Weatherford, then to the top. It was a hot day, about 85 degrees or so, so I knew that that would take a little extra effort on both our parts to make it in one piece to the summit. I realized soon after we had started that Rob was not going to make it to the top this day. He was complaining of a headache and further up started to cramp up so I knew that this was going to take a little longer than expected. We made it to the first saddle which lies about 400 feet from the summit in good time but I knew that it would take a miracle to coax Rob into making it that last 400 feet which I knew he was capable of.
In summarizing the day, Rob said "No Mas", around the 12,500 feet mark and I proceeded to tell him to stay put and I would be back down in a jiffy and I darted up the rugged talus field hopping, zig zagging to and from. After reaching the top I took in the views and decided to get back asap. No more than 15 steps from the summit I stepped off of a rock and turned my ankle in the loose volcanic rock bed that covers the summit. At first I did not think it was a bad sprain, which in hindsight is was not, but as I tightened my shoe and put on my game face for Rob I realized that I would have to hop on one leg for the next 4.5 miles back down to the parking lot. Not cool.
I will spare you the long, gory details of agony, etc. and just say that it was a long day. So to make a long story short, no long awaited Flagstaff trail run ensued. So, after a week of no running or physical activity at all for that matter I was able to make it out to South Mountain for a shorter heat drenched jaunt on Pyramid Trail in the center of the park. It was hot, I was out of water, and I did not have the mental toughness to push through a medium length run so I called it a day after just 3.2 miles albeit with a decent amount of uphill.
I am looking forward to the remainder of the summer though.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
2+ Weeks Of Running....
Total Distance: 16.8 m
Time: 2:49
Location: Treadmill, Phoenix Mountain Preserve, San Tan Regional Park
Total Miles: 217.80 m
Total Time: 34:06
Time: 2:49
Location: Treadmill, Phoenix Mountain Preserve, San Tan Regional Park
Total Miles: 217.80 m
Total Time: 34:06
Total Elevation Gain: 1996 ft
I have been pretty off and on with my consistency in regards to running the past few weeks. I don't really have any good excuses since the weather has actually cooled off a bit and I have actually had some spare time, not a ton, to hit the trails. I think I am just waiting for that one good chance to get a longer, more meaningful run in and then I think I will be back on track mentally to start putting in more time. We will see, right?
I was able to get a few runs in on the dirt though including a nice few miles with my older brother Sean at Dreamy Draw Park within the Phoenix Mountain Preserve and another morning out in San Tan Regional Park in Queen Creek. My run at Dreamy Draw was supposed to emulate the run I did with Anton Krupicka back in June. Unfortunately though I was not able to pick up Anton's Trail Minimus footprints and we strayed from that route over the course of the run but all in all had a great early evening run along the flowing ridges that shoot up from the park surface. In reality, I do like the Phoenix Mountains, atleast what I have seen of them, and hope to get more time in on them this year because of their gradual hills, and sprawling, open valleys. They are a treat.
I was also able to make it out to my buddy Rob's neck of the woods for a run in the San Tan Mountains. I had never been into the park so I was a little green in the gills as I left the truck early in the a.m. I had told Rob that if I had not phoned him within a 4 hour time window then for him to come looking for me. My goal was for 10-12 miles, a lofty one huh? I wanted to see where I was in regards to the run that I had planned in Navajo country in September so I needed to try and get in a longer run on the trails to test my endurance. I think I am clinging to a thread to be honest. I had not planned well enough since I had forgotten to bring a couple of GU gels along with me, so I basically was planning on running for 2+ hours with no calories to hold me over. I knew I would be in for a long morning early on when I came through a clearing and realized that the next portion of the trail would be in a deep sand wash. This next mile took alot of energy and leg strength, and that combined with my lack of calories pretty much set the tone for the remainder of the run. I was able to push myself along but I found myself struggling with the full CamelBak strapped to my back and the combined heat/energy lul. The trail proved to be so-so, with the majority of it just slow rolling trails that contained no sign of life. After a sluggish 7 mile trek I collapsed on the bench in the parking lot in the 99 degree heat, which felt a heck of a lot hotter, and eventually chit chatted with a nice young park ranger before hitching a ride with Rob back to the bustling city, cooking in the distance.
i feel like my attraction to the mountains has somewhat hampered my ability to run consistently since I now primarily only run on that surface. I have noticed that the mere thought of running the roads makes me nauseous. Though, in the long run I think it will be the better alternative considering I have been able to maintain a honest love for running since I made the transition of road to trail running. My goal this week is to get in 2 mountain runs, with a long 2 hour run, and maybe one long treadmill run at incline. I am also venturing to the only true alpine zone in Arizona this weekend to conquer Humphrey's Peak once more, Flagstaff. Wish me luck.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
6/13-6/25 Attempts at running....
Daily Distance: 10.5 m
Time: 1:33.00
Location: Klamath Falls Trails, South Slough Sanctuary Trails, Arizona Canals
Total Miles: 201.00 m
Total Time: 31:17
Time: 1:33.00
Location: Klamath Falls Trails, South Slough Sanctuary Trails, Arizona Canals
Total Miles: 201.00 m
Total Time: 31:17
Total Elevation Gain: 2567 ft
Pictures as well as a run down of my time spent running in Oregon will be provided shortly. I am currently too busy glued to both Twitter and iRunfar's footage of the Western States 100. It's epic stuff!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Two Weeks Of Running
Daily Distance: 17.4 m
Time: 3:17.00
Location: Superstition Wilderness; Dutchman Trail, Freemont Saddle, Coffee Flat
Total Miles: 190.50 m
Total Time: 29:44
Time: 3:17.00
Location: Superstition Wilderness; Dutchman Trail, Freemont Saddle, Coffee Flat
Total Miles: 190.50 m
Total Time: 29:44
Total Elevation Gain: 4242 ft
My running life has seemed to gain a little steam over the last few weeks and for this I am very grateful. I have had the opportunity to venture to the trails three times now over the 2 weeks and have had the luxury of finally finding some real elevation gain that is accompanied with vivid scenery and believe it or not even some shade. I finally made my way out to the center of the Superstition Wilderness area, in particular the Peralta Trailhead, and was able to carve out a couple of nice little routes that have left me both in awe of the raw beauty and in pain because of the sheer vertical gain of the treacherous routes that knife like a backbone through the gut of the wilderness. I will post pictures here soon as well as post a more vivid account of the area, the creatures, and the overall experience of the Superstition Mountains. My next post may be after some time considering I will be in Oregon over the next few weeks. Luego with love.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Barely Considered Running
Daily Distance: 2.1 m
Time: 17:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 173.10 m
Total Time: 26:27
Time: 17:00
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 173.10 m
Total Time: 26:27
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Recent Running Escapades
Daily Distance: 9.0 m
Time: 1:29.00
Location: Dreamy Draw Park Trails, Treadmill, South Mountain Park
Total Miles: 171.00 m
Total Time: 26:10
It has been hard to not be super motivated to hit the trails since last Saturdays trail run with Tony Krupicka. It was an experience in itself to get to share a trail with someone who truly inspires me so I just wanted to use that motivation to get back on the trails and follow the example that he re-instilled in my head.
I followed up the trail run with Tony and a couple of miles on the treadmill with a 4 mile inclined run at South Mountain Park. I had originally intended on running a 6 mile loop but after a few miles of intense winds followed by rain and lightning I decided against the extra few miles and descended the crest in the crisp late spring air and avoided the lightning bolts whom watched tucked behind the clouds, mouths salivating. I was a little winded since I hadn't run any uphill stretches like that since the Cave Creek run but all in all it was a decent run that left me satisfied. Hopefully I will get in a long run this weekend.
Time: 1:29.00
Location: Dreamy Draw Park Trails, Treadmill, South Mountain Park
Total Miles: 171.00 m
Total Time: 26:10
It has been hard to not be super motivated to hit the trails since last Saturdays trail run with Tony Krupicka. It was an experience in itself to get to share a trail with someone who truly inspires me so I just wanted to use that motivation to get back on the trails and follow the example that he re-instilled in my head.
I followed up the trail run with Tony and a couple of miles on the treadmill with a 4 mile inclined run at South Mountain Park. I had originally intended on running a 6 mile loop but after a few miles of intense winds followed by rain and lightning I decided against the extra few miles and descended the crest in the crisp late spring air and avoided the lightning bolts whom watched tucked behind the clouds, mouths salivating. I was a little winded since I hadn't run any uphill stretches like that since the Cave Creek run but all in all it was a decent run that left me satisfied. Hopefully I will get in a long run this weekend.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Trail Run W/Anton Krupicka At Dreamy Draw Park
So, after picking up my race packet a few weeks back for the Cave Creek Trail Run at The Runner's Den in Phoenix, I notice on my departure a display for New Balance's new minimalist line of footwear. After checking out the setup I realize through a flier that Anton Krupicka will be in Phoenix on May 14 for a trail run at Dreamy Draw Park followed by a Q & A session followed by an autograph session and showing of the documentary Indulgence back at the store. I could not believe it at first but after realizing that Tony was in fact actually making the trip out to this barren wasteland I was psyched to say the least. In the short time of following the sport and lifestyle of Ultramarathon running I have found most of those involved to be very honest, humble, down to earth folks who for the most part have a very simplistic attitude towards not only running but also to life in general and I think no one exemplifies this more through their actions than Tony. So I was really looking forward to getting to lace 'em up and hit the trails with a huge inspiration of mine.
The first thing that struck me about Tony was his humility. He comes across so honestly in both his calculations of himself as well as the world around him and it seems as though he does it so effortlessly. I found myself more taken in by his thoughts on things outside of the running world than I did with the trivialities of running. But, moving forward we all hit the trails and I soon found myself staring at the back of his singlet which quickly started getting smaller and smaller as the run kicked into high gear. The trail was nice, kind of your classic valley desert trail with some smooth sections and also some more rugged technical strips. All in all it was a decent trail and a beautiful morning for a run. Tony for the most part kept it at a decent pace and at the tail end of the run even stepped off and waited for our group which was about 30 seconds behind the lead group to catch up and then continued on to the trailhead parking lot.
It was surreal getting out there with Tony and sharing with him the mountains that we have here in Phoenix. I cant than him enough for coming out and sharing his time with us, it was a trip. Great day, great run, great guy! Thanks New Balance!
Treadmill monotony....
Daily Distance: 11.9 m
Time: 1:14.00
Location: Track at MCC/Treadmill
Total Miles: 162.00 m
Total Time: 24:41
Dear Trail,
I swear this is the last time I will have an affair with a treadmill. She was not worth it, infact I was bored to death after our initial introduction. Hope you can forgive me.
Sincerely, Logan
Time: 1:14.00
Location: Track at MCC/Treadmill
Total Miles: 162.00 m
Total Time: 24:41
Dear Trail,
I swear this is the last time I will have an affair with a treadmill. She was not worth it, infact I was bored to death after our initial introduction. Hope you can forgive me.
Sincerely, Logan
Pics From Silly Mountain Run
Just north of the Superstition Freeway is this nice little park that most just drive by without second thought. I however do not drive by, I hang a left and in turn decide to run rampant over its contours. All kidding aside I really do find pleasure in this little mountain. It has some steep stretches as well as some packed nice singletrack. In all it is definitely worth it for someone who just wants to get in a nice vertical run with some scenery. Love it.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A Goal In Focus
Distance: 4.6 m
Time: 43m
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 142.5 m
Total Time: 22:21
I think I can honestly say that I now can focus a bit more of my time but more importantly a bit more of my energy and passion on the trails and roads of the world and this makes me a very happy person. I am going to try to not only try and update my daily(hopefully)runs more often but also I am going to make a concentrated effort to connect with my overall experiences that I find and put them to ink or type.
My first rule of business will be in getting ready for a 50k run which I hope to accomplish within the next 4 months. In pursuing this I should get my fair share of miles and hopefully vertical miles at that, and I should have the opportunity to indulge in the many benefits of the acts of motion.
Time: 43m
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 142.5 m
Total Time: 22:21
I think I can honestly say that I now can focus a bit more of my time but more importantly a bit more of my energy and passion on the trails and roads of the world and this makes me a very happy person. I am going to try to not only try and update my daily(hopefully)runs more often but also I am going to make a concentrated effort to connect with my overall experiences that I find and put them to ink or type.
My first rule of business will be in getting ready for a 50k run which I hope to accomplish within the next 4 months. In pursuing this I should get my fair share of miles and hopefully vertical miles at that, and I should have the opportunity to indulge in the many benefits of the acts of motion.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Runs At Various Junctures
Distance: 11 m
Time: 1h 39m
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 137.9 m
Total Time: 21:38
Time: 1h 39m
Location: Treadmill
Total Miles: 137.9 m
Total Time: 21:38
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Various Runs
Distance: 6.0 m
Time: 53m
Location: Crest, Huff&Puff, Palo Verde, Old Baldy....trails, treadmill.
Total Miles: 126.9 m
Total Time: 19:59
Time: 53m
Location: Crest, Huff&Puff, Palo Verde, Old Baldy....trails, treadmill.
Total Miles: 126.9 m
Total Time: 19:59
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Silly Mountain Run
Distance: 3.0 m
Time: 30m
Location: Crest, Huff&Puff, Palo Verde, Old Baldy....trails
Total Miles: 120.9 m
Total Time: 19:06
I decided to test my legs and head over to a nice hidden little gem on the north side of the 60 freeway in Apache Junction because I knew it would be a little closer than South Mountain and I had prior commitments later that night so I just wanted to get in a little vertical running and that is exactly what I got. I came to find that Silly Mountain is actually a nice little trail system that wraps in and around the mountain with alot of singletrack as well as some more technical climbs and drops and your average flat trails. It was a beautiful run with multiple trails/options to choose from. That combined with the ideal weather made for a nice, simple little run that left me wanting more. I will be back there soon.
Time: 30m
Location: Crest, Huff&Puff, Palo Verde, Old Baldy....trails
Total Miles: 120.9 m
Total Time: 19:06
I decided to test my legs and head over to a nice hidden little gem on the north side of the 60 freeway in Apache Junction because I knew it would be a little closer than South Mountain and I had prior commitments later that night so I just wanted to get in a little vertical running and that is exactly what I got. I came to find that Silly Mountain is actually a nice little trail system that wraps in and around the mountain with alot of singletrack as well as some more technical climbs and drops and your average flat trails. It was a beautiful run with multiple trails/options to choose from. That combined with the ideal weather made for a nice, simple little run that left me wanting more. I will be back there soon.
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