Miles:22.0
Time:3:25
Elev. Gain:2,600'
YTD Miles:162.3
YTD Time:26:39
YTD Elev.:24,700'
Superstition Mountain Park; Treadmill-
My week was somewhat clogged with prior engagements which probably worked in my favor considering I had a high mileage week for my standards last week, 34 miles, and this gave me a reason to somewhat lay off the trails for a few days. I did however get out twice on the trails with the first being a bit of a downer physically since it was the warmest day of the year to date and that along with the fact that I had a rushed lunch at nearly 3pm, 1 hour before I hit the trail, this made for a disastrous day on the trails for the most part. I didn't hydrate enough prior and when I did it was with milk and soda in the hour leading up to the run. I sometimes think I can get away with crap like that and it needs to come to a screeching halt if I really want to get over the hump that hides the next level of fitness. I rounded out the week with another trail run and a few more speed intervals on the treadmill for an overall low key week.
I believe the next race I want to enter is the Xterra Trail Run Series-Arizona Black Canyon, in Black Canyon City, north of Phoenix off of the I-17 freeway. It looks like a killer course and it has a killer luncheon following it at the Rock Springs Cafe in BCC. I will post more details. It should be a blast.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Very Promising Outing
Miles:16.1
Time:2:32
Elev. Gain:1,700'
YTD Miles:140.3
YTD Time:23:14
YTD Elev.:22,100'
South Mountain trails;Treadmill-
So after a few shorter runs on the treadmill I headed out with the intentions of doing a long run at SMP since I had not gotten in any longer runs over the few days prior. After initially deciding on a 12 miler I told myself "Why not go for a half marathon?". So my plans changed and I decided to go for 13.1 if my health provided me the chance. Luckily it did and right from the start I could tell that for whatever reason I felt super chipper which calculated to super speedy. I noticed early that I was able to comfortably keep a 9:00 to 9:15 pace for the first few miles without much effort so I decided that I would try and shoot for a fast time. It was a little warm but not too bad with little cloud cover and a slight breeze so the elements played no factor and I soon found myself at the 6.5 mile turnaround with still quite a bit of reserves so I munched down some salted almonds and graham crackers and chugged about 5 oz's of water and steered my way back down the zig zagging maze back to the parking lot. I honestly never felt like my legs or my energy levels were low or tiring so I continued pushing and rounded out the run in 2:03 and change.
I think I can honestly say that I have never felt so in control of my actions and movements on the trails before as I did yesterday. I really believe I could have knocked off another few minutes if I really had known my levels would hold up as they did yesterday. It was a great run and a great mental boost going in to late winter and possibly a few races to motivate myself.
Time:2:32
Elev. Gain:1,700'
YTD Miles:140.3
YTD Time:23:14
YTD Elev.:22,100'
South Mountain trails;Treadmill-
So after a few shorter runs on the treadmill I headed out with the intentions of doing a long run at SMP since I had not gotten in any longer runs over the few days prior. After initially deciding on a 12 miler I told myself "Why not go for a half marathon?". So my plans changed and I decided to go for 13.1 if my health provided me the chance. Luckily it did and right from the start I could tell that for whatever reason I felt super chipper which calculated to super speedy. I noticed early that I was able to comfortably keep a 9:00 to 9:15 pace for the first few miles without much effort so I decided that I would try and shoot for a fast time. It was a little warm but not too bad with little cloud cover and a slight breeze so the elements played no factor and I soon found myself at the 6.5 mile turnaround with still quite a bit of reserves so I munched down some salted almonds and graham crackers and chugged about 5 oz's of water and steered my way back down the zig zagging maze back to the parking lot. I honestly never felt like my legs or my energy levels were low or tiring so I continued pushing and rounded out the run in 2:03 and change.
I think I can honestly say that I have never felt so in control of my actions and movements on the trails before as I did yesterday. I really believe I could have knocked off another few minutes if I really had known my levels would hold up as they did yesterday. It was a great run and a great mental boost going in to late winter and possibly a few races to motivate myself.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Taking It Nice And Easy
Miles:13.0
Time:2:01
Elev. Gain:1,300'
YTD Miles:124.2
YTD Time:20:42
YTD Elev.:20,400'
Treadmill/South Mountain Park Trails-
After suffering a decent sized blister on my right heel early last week I decided to try and take a step back running wise to give it some proper time to heal properly. Of course that means just a few miles here and there since I found it extremely hard to not hit the trails since I had started to physically see some improvements in my mountain fitness over the last few weeks or so. But all in all I was able to back off a bit and today I finally headed out for a 7 miler in the northern end of the park and found it to be quite pleasant with a brisk breeze swirling and a vacant trail system for the most part on the north side. It did however feel as though I was favoring my left foot/plant too much trying to avoid the impact on my right foot and the blister that was still peeking through the overgrown scar tissue surrounding it. But after a relaxing but somewhat quick 7 miles I was left with a sense of closure on the heel. Good news.
Time:2:01
Elev. Gain:1,300'
YTD Miles:124.2
YTD Time:20:42
YTD Elev.:20,400'
Treadmill/South Mountain Park Trails-
After suffering a decent sized blister on my right heel early last week I decided to try and take a step back running wise to give it some proper time to heal properly. Of course that means just a few miles here and there since I found it extremely hard to not hit the trails since I had started to physically see some improvements in my mountain fitness over the last few weeks or so. But all in all I was able to back off a bit and today I finally headed out for a 7 miler in the northern end of the park and found it to be quite pleasant with a brisk breeze swirling and a vacant trail system for the most part on the north side. It did however feel as though I was favoring my left foot/plant too much trying to avoid the impact on my right foot and the blister that was still peeking through the overgrown scar tissue surrounding it. But after a relaxing but somewhat quick 7 miles I was left with a sense of closure on the heel. Good news.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Vertical Has Its Downside
Miles:18.0
Time:3:31
Elev. Gain:4,200'
YTD Miles:111.2
YTD Time:18:41
YTD Elev.:19,100'
Mesa Neighborhoods/'Mill/South Mountain Trails-
So this week was a relatively productive one in that I made it out for a couple of longer runs and one or two shorter runs on the treadmill and along the canal. My running has been coming to me a little easier as of late and I think I am finally starting to notice a change, albeit slightly, in my overall running fitness. I headed out to SMP for what was to be a 10 miler along National Trail along the rocky ridge that lines the center of the main range in the park, but after entering from Central I noticed that the normally gated off roadway leading down to the San Juan Ridgeline of the park was for whatever reason open today. So, I veered right and decided I would try something new just for the sake of going out of my comfort zone. Isn't that what life is about? After a few miles of twists and turns along the desolate roadway I found a lot adjacent to Alta Trail which traverses the western most line of mountains in the park, the San Juans. After hopping out of the truck to check the trail head sign I decided that I was gonna give it a try. I would ascend the range and follow it all the way down to the San Juan Lookout which was a 9.6 mile round trip loop. With my fluid amount in hand that did not seem out of touch so I ate half a banana and chugged some agua and out I went.
Right from the start I did not feel too great. Also, the trail seemed to annoy me with it super rocky/jagged terrain right from the get go so I was unable to really get into a solid rhythm from the start but I motored along and before I knew it 22 minutes later I was atop the ridge. The views up top were definitely a welcome site to the normal sights and sounds from the eastern side of the park with wide expanding views of the Estrella and White Tank Mountains in the distance. The trail, surface wise, was not spectacular and left me without any kind of pace I was looking for throughout. I actually found myself having to literally climb certain points of the trail on all fours which finally talked me into throwing out any time goals I had and forced me into the reality of just finishing out the loop at a moving pace. However, that did not happen either. I turned at the 4 mile point as the trail literally started falling apart as well as descending at a fast rate.
I noticed at around the 6 mile mark that my right heel was rubbing considerably on my heel cup and as I made the final descent to the truck I was in considerable discomfort but pushed through to the truck. This was maybe a mistake. I have never been one to let pain or discomfort keep me from something I love to do so sure enough I was out on the mountain again yesterday and on the treadmill today for some shorter runs. I have decided that running some flats with my elastic ankle braces on for the next few days may give my foot time to heal up. We will see.
Time:3:31
Elev. Gain:4,200'
YTD Miles:111.2
YTD Time:18:41
YTD Elev.:19,100'
Mesa Neighborhoods/'Mill/South Mountain Trails-
So this week was a relatively productive one in that I made it out for a couple of longer runs and one or two shorter runs on the treadmill and along the canal. My running has been coming to me a little easier as of late and I think I am finally starting to notice a change, albeit slightly, in my overall running fitness. I headed out to SMP for what was to be a 10 miler along National Trail along the rocky ridge that lines the center of the main range in the park, but after entering from Central I noticed that the normally gated off roadway leading down to the San Juan Ridgeline of the park was for whatever reason open today. So, I veered right and decided I would try something new just for the sake of going out of my comfort zone. Isn't that what life is about? After a few miles of twists and turns along the desolate roadway I found a lot adjacent to Alta Trail which traverses the western most line of mountains in the park, the San Juans. After hopping out of the truck to check the trail head sign I decided that I was gonna give it a try. I would ascend the range and follow it all the way down to the San Juan Lookout which was a 9.6 mile round trip loop. With my fluid amount in hand that did not seem out of touch so I ate half a banana and chugged some agua and out I went.
Right from the start I did not feel too great. Also, the trail seemed to annoy me with it super rocky/jagged terrain right from the get go so I was unable to really get into a solid rhythm from the start but I motored along and before I knew it 22 minutes later I was atop the ridge. The views up top were definitely a welcome site to the normal sights and sounds from the eastern side of the park with wide expanding views of the Estrella and White Tank Mountains in the distance. The trail, surface wise, was not spectacular and left me without any kind of pace I was looking for throughout. I actually found myself having to literally climb certain points of the trail on all fours which finally talked me into throwing out any time goals I had and forced me into the reality of just finishing out the loop at a moving pace. However, that did not happen either. I turned at the 4 mile point as the trail literally started falling apart as well as descending at a fast rate.
I noticed at around the 6 mile mark that my right heel was rubbing considerably on my heel cup and as I made the final descent to the truck I was in considerable discomfort but pushed through to the truck. This was maybe a mistake. I have never been one to let pain or discomfort keep me from something I love to do so sure enough I was out on the mountain again yesterday and on the treadmill today for some shorter runs. I have decided that running some flats with my elastic ankle braces on for the next few days may give my foot time to heal up. We will see.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Miles:7.9
Time:1:22
Elev. Gain:1,600
YTD Miles:93.2
YTD Time:15:39
YTD Elev.:14,900'
Mesa Canal/South Mountain Park-
After punching out a measly few miles yesterday because I had the time, today I took to South Mountain for a run under the perfect late afternoon February sky. I love days like today where you find a rhythm, you find a trail, and before you know it you are gliding under the open sky in absolute silence. The trails this day were super packed, well atleast the parking lot was, but after clawing my way out of the bowl surrounding the lot I found myself all alone in silence with only the sound of my controlled but always improving breathing echoing into the city to the west.
I am hoping to make it to the McDowell's to the north manana. We will see what unfolds.
Time:1:22
Elev. Gain:1,600
YTD Miles:93.2
YTD Time:15:39
YTD Elev.:14,900'
Mesa Canal/South Mountain Park-
After punching out a measly few miles yesterday because I had the time, today I took to South Mountain for a run under the perfect late afternoon February sky. I love days like today where you find a rhythm, you find a trail, and before you know it you are gliding under the open sky in absolute silence. The trails this day were super packed, well atleast the parking lot was, but after clawing my way out of the bowl surrounding the lot I found myself all alone in silence with only the sound of my controlled but always improving breathing echoing into the city to the west.
I am hoping to make it to the McDowell's to the north manana. We will see what unfolds.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Day 1
Miles:5.20
Time:52:00
Elev. Gain:1,000'
YTD Miles:85.30
YTD Time:14:17
YTD Elev.:13,300'
Superstition Wilderness/Dutchman Trail-
My friend Nathan and I decided to head out to the trailhead after work so that he could scope out the trail for a possible hike with his "Old Lady" this weekend. I figured I would go out for only 5 miles since he was still basically a newbie to running and the trails in general in this area so I just stuck to a decent speed and wound my way through my afterwork hotspot all while catching the views out my peripheral. I really do love the calm that surrounds this stretch of trail, it is unparalleled. Soon after a run with no mishaps we were back at the truck making our way down the dusty road back into civilization. I sometimes wonder why I go back to civilization.
Time:52:00
Elev. Gain:1,000'
YTD Miles:85.30
YTD Time:14:17
YTD Elev.:13,300'
Superstition Wilderness/Dutchman Trail-
My friend Nathan and I decided to head out to the trailhead after work so that he could scope out the trail for a possible hike with his "Old Lady" this weekend. I figured I would go out for only 5 miles since he was still basically a newbie to running and the trails in general in this area so I just stuck to a decent speed and wound my way through my afterwork hotspot all while catching the views out my peripheral. I really do love the calm that surrounds this stretch of trail, it is unparalleled. Soon after a run with no mishaps we were back at the truck making our way down the dusty road back into civilization. I sometimes wonder why I go back to civilization.
Month Of January
Miles:6.0
Time:50:00
Elev. Gain:700'
YTD Miles:80.10
YTD Time:13:25
YTD Elev.:12,300'
Mesa Canal System-
So my goal of reaching 100 miles for the month was not met because of a few stretches of very little running which I can only blame myself for. The month started off very promising with a few longer runs(for me atleast) and some decent vert. But towards the middle of the month I found myself not scheduling in my normal mid length runs and a few longer weekenders and before I know it my month was a little disappointing. I understand that life comes first but I do blame myself mostly for not prioritizing something that I find so fulfilling.
Meanwhile, I ended the month with a nice 6 miler on the gravel pathway alongside the freeway, doesn't that sound like a great running destination? I decided to pick up the pace a bit just to see where I was physically and ended up with a 8:15 pace over the 6 miler with not too much effort so that was a good sign. I am hoping that my fitness progresses to the point that I can enjoy maybe a 20 miler this coming month at some point so I can really see where I am in the big scheme.
Time:50:00
Elev. Gain:700'
YTD Miles:80.10
YTD Time:13:25
YTD Elev.:12,300'
Mesa Canal System-
So my goal of reaching 100 miles for the month was not met because of a few stretches of very little running which I can only blame myself for. The month started off very promising with a few longer runs(for me atleast) and some decent vert. But towards the middle of the month I found myself not scheduling in my normal mid length runs and a few longer weekenders and before I know it my month was a little disappointing. I understand that life comes first but I do blame myself mostly for not prioritizing something that I find so fulfilling.
Meanwhile, I ended the month with a nice 6 miler on the gravel pathway alongside the freeway, doesn't that sound like a great running destination? I decided to pick up the pace a bit just to see where I was physically and ended up with a 8:15 pace over the 6 miler with not too much effort so that was a good sign. I am hoping that my fitness progresses to the point that I can enjoy maybe a 20 miler this coming month at some point so I can really see where I am in the big scheme.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Miles:29.10
Time:4:47
Elev. Gain:4,400'
YTD Miles:74.10
YTD Time:12:35
YTD Elev.:11,600'
Mesa Canal System/Superstition Wilderness-
Was able to make it out for a couple of afternoon/after work runs along the canal in near picture perfect running weather, which is becoming a norm lately. The real highlight of the runs so far has been the fact that my feet have been sporting the hot off the presses New Balance MT110's, NB's and Tony Krupicka's, as well as a host of other New Balance ambassadors, upgrade to the MT101's which I can/could say are/were the best trail shoe I have worn on the trails in my short running life. I can honestly say that I was a bit apprehensive at first since after my first stint in them which was a 12 miler on the Dutchman Trail, I noticed very early on that it seemed that my left foot's upper arch along and above my metatarsals was quickly becoming painful and tender almost as if my foot was planting incorrectly upon impact causing the discomfort. And it did seem as though I was planting incorrectly in the shoe. I was a little cautious as the run wore on since the discomfort did not seem to go away and my thoughts started turning to whether I was going to do major damage to my foot since my plan was for a run that would take over 2 hours. But, to make a long story short I have now traveled over 20 miles in the 110's and after tonight's short run, with no discomfort whatsoever, I am slowly coming to the conclusion that these shoes really were worth the wait and that Tony K's assertion that these truly are a huge upgrade from an already great and ambitious trail shoe was correct and on point. The selling points I have found are the traction/sole which has been beefed up from the 101's and seems maybe even a bit tackier. Also, the back tab and topline collar are a huge advancement over the 101's with their thicker, sturdier yet still flexible makeup. I had a major problem before here with the back tab actually splitting halfway down to the sole bringing in small debris and other undesirables. Moving forward, the shoe is shaping up to be a great addition and one that my foot will become good friends with hopefully.
My 12 miler in the Superstitions was obviously the highlight with an out and back that took me along a running spring which was leftover from the recent rains before dumping me atop a lookout in the shadows of Weaver's Needle. It was a great trail and a great morning. Looking forward to digging my nails deeper into this trail in the coming days.
Time:4:47
Elev. Gain:4,400'
YTD Miles:74.10
YTD Time:12:35
YTD Elev.:11,600'
Mesa Canal System/Superstition Wilderness-
Was able to make it out for a couple of afternoon/after work runs along the canal in near picture perfect running weather, which is becoming a norm lately. The real highlight of the runs so far has been the fact that my feet have been sporting the hot off the presses New Balance MT110's, NB's and Tony Krupicka's, as well as a host of other New Balance ambassadors, upgrade to the MT101's which I can/could say are/were the best trail shoe I have worn on the trails in my short running life. I can honestly say that I was a bit apprehensive at first since after my first stint in them which was a 12 miler on the Dutchman Trail, I noticed very early on that it seemed that my left foot's upper arch along and above my metatarsals was quickly becoming painful and tender almost as if my foot was planting incorrectly upon impact causing the discomfort. And it did seem as though I was planting incorrectly in the shoe. I was a little cautious as the run wore on since the discomfort did not seem to go away and my thoughts started turning to whether I was going to do major damage to my foot since my plan was for a run that would take over 2 hours. But, to make a long story short I have now traveled over 20 miles in the 110's and after tonight's short run, with no discomfort whatsoever, I am slowly coming to the conclusion that these shoes really were worth the wait and that Tony K's assertion that these truly are a huge upgrade from an already great and ambitious trail shoe was correct and on point. The selling points I have found are the traction/sole which has been beefed up from the 101's and seems maybe even a bit tackier. Also, the back tab and topline collar are a huge advancement over the 101's with their thicker, sturdier yet still flexible makeup. I had a major problem before here with the back tab actually splitting halfway down to the sole bringing in small debris and other undesirables. Moving forward, the shoe is shaping up to be a great addition and one that my foot will become good friends with hopefully.
My 12 miler in the Superstitions was obviously the highlight with an out and back that took me along a running spring which was leftover from the recent rains before dumping me atop a lookout in the shadows of Weaver's Needle. It was a great trail and a great morning. Looking forward to digging my nails deeper into this trail in the coming days.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Grand Canyon Is A Good Enough Excuse
Miles:13.0
Time:2:05
Elev. Gain:1,900'
YTD Miles:45.0
YTD Time:7:48
YTD Elev.:7,200'
South Mountain Park/Mesa Canal System-
I love to travel. I love to run. So why, after venturing to the Grand Canyon, did I not run a mile in one of the most picturesque places on earth? If I had the answer I would feel a lot better right now.
Myself and my buddy Rob decided last week that since he had not been there since early childhood, and me myself had been there twice but for a measly total of about 30 hours, that we would head out early, and I mean EARLY Saturday morning and hug the highway for the 5 hour drive to a creation nearly 6 million years in the making. After pulling in mid morning on Saturday we proceeded to jam pack the remainder of the day with all the sights and sounds of the Canyon and all its inhabitants. It really is a glorious place that no other place on earth can really compare to.
So, to make a long story short, after enjoying a day and a half of down time for both of us and our busy, bustling lives, I was left with very little time to dance on the trails. Fortunately for myself and Rob it was a great time, one I will never forget. I have made a promise that I will soon return for a more extensive hike and run into that Canyon. I will return with any secrets I can find. Promise.
I will post pictures soon of the trip which I hope do justice.
Time:2:05
Elev. Gain:1,900'
YTD Miles:45.0
YTD Time:7:48
YTD Elev.:7,200'
South Mountain Park/Mesa Canal System-
I love to travel. I love to run. So why, after venturing to the Grand Canyon, did I not run a mile in one of the most picturesque places on earth? If I had the answer I would feel a lot better right now.
Myself and my buddy Rob decided last week that since he had not been there since early childhood, and me myself had been there twice but for a measly total of about 30 hours, that we would head out early, and I mean EARLY Saturday morning and hug the highway for the 5 hour drive to a creation nearly 6 million years in the making. After pulling in mid morning on Saturday we proceeded to jam pack the remainder of the day with all the sights and sounds of the Canyon and all its inhabitants. It really is a glorious place that no other place on earth can really compare to.
So, to make a long story short, after enjoying a day and a half of down time for both of us and our busy, bustling lives, I was left with very little time to dance on the trails. Fortunately for myself and Rob it was a great time, one I will never forget. I have made a promise that I will soon return for a more extensive hike and run into that Canyon. I will return with any secrets I can find. Promise.
I will post pictures soon of the trip which I hope do justice.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Miles:26.0
Time:4:36
Elev. Gain:4,100'
YTD Miles:32.0
YTD Time:5:43
YTD Elev.:5,300'
South Mountain Park;Pima Canyon/National/Mormon Trails-
Decided to head out to the old stomping grounds on a nice crisp early morning run on my trusty old loop which also happens to cover a decent amount of elevation. I noticed early on that it was not a great day, just average, so I kept it moderate and was able to get a decent time of just under 57 mins for the loop. Good run with little traffic on the trails.
Superstition Wilderness; Dutchman Trail-
I really do love this area, this trail. I have only done an 8 mile out and back now a few times so I have not delved deep into its sweet tangy center as of yet but what I have seen is absolutely my favorite place in and around the city of Phoenix. I love the fact that it keeps you on your toes with just the right amount of incline but also spoils you with nice cushioned dirt packed singletrack that winds and winds like a corkscrew throughout the crevices of the valley behind the magnificent Superstition Mountains. I usually still have reserves when I have reached my turn around point so it is just a matter of time before I venture deeper into her belly. Great mid day run.
South Mountain Park; Desert Classic Trail-
After the 8 miler on Saturday this 11 mile run was a little taxing on the legs so I will not bore you with the details of my lead footed jaunt through the desert. Overall a nice long run without any mishaps.
Time:4:36
Elev. Gain:4,100'
YTD Miles:32.0
YTD Time:5:43
YTD Elev.:5,300'
South Mountain Park;Pima Canyon/National/Mormon Trails-
Decided to head out to the old stomping grounds on a nice crisp early morning run on my trusty old loop which also happens to cover a decent amount of elevation. I noticed early on that it was not a great day, just average, so I kept it moderate and was able to get a decent time of just under 57 mins for the loop. Good run with little traffic on the trails.
Superstition Wilderness; Dutchman Trail-
I really do love this area, this trail. I have only done an 8 mile out and back now a few times so I have not delved deep into its sweet tangy center as of yet but what I have seen is absolutely my favorite place in and around the city of Phoenix. I love the fact that it keeps you on your toes with just the right amount of incline but also spoils you with nice cushioned dirt packed singletrack that winds and winds like a corkscrew throughout the crevices of the valley behind the magnificent Superstition Mountains. I usually still have reserves when I have reached my turn around point so it is just a matter of time before I venture deeper into her belly. Great mid day run.
South Mountain Park; Desert Classic Trail-
After the 8 miler on Saturday this 11 mile run was a little taxing on the legs so I will not bore you with the details of my lead footed jaunt through the desert. Overall a nice long run without any mishaps.
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 Is Officially Underway
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!
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, 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!
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