Kendall

9 miles up in the foothills. Slight groin pull from racing downhill.

16 miles up Provo Canyon past Vivian Park. Waaaay too many people up there.

8 miles up the JRPT. Despite the rain and cooler temps, humidity was really high. The heat coming of the vegetation was stiffling--lizards seemed to like it though, never seen so many.

14 miles. Afternoon run up Jordan River trail across Redwood Road and along canal/dirt road. Utah Symphony in the Garden's tonight...towel off and get my butt out there.

Went to check out the "Hobbler." Only 3 miles today running up the course a bit...yea, I know.

6 mile hike/run in the Uintas. Ran up Mount Watson from Washington campground. 1,716 ft. elevation gain up to 11,500 ft.

AM: 13.35 mile run from Washington Lake up to Wall Lake, through the 'notch', Baker Lake, Notch Lake, Mount Baldy and back down road from Baldy Pass to Washington Lake campground. 1,994 elevation gain/ high point 10,800 ft. 

PM: 3 Mile hike up around Wall Lake again and back to Washington Lake. 

Love, love, love the High Uintas. 1.5 hours from door to camp and yet feels like worlds away. 103 temps in the valley, 80's in the Uintas with afternoon thundershowers--daily.  

Literally forced myself to run today...not feeling it. Not sure if I need a break or a kick in the butt. I had better get something figured out. Millcreek 50K next week, Kat'china Mosa on 8/4 and Wasatch in September. Tired and ornery and in need of some motivation...and some new shoes.

Post comment: Took some iron last night, that and 2 Red Bulls (and a Rock Star) seemed to help today. Although I haven't run yet and it's Friday 6 pm.

Run at work. Ran from Thanksgiving Point over to the new 2100 N, west up to Redwood Road to north end of Jordan River Parkway Trail and back to work. 10 loop and then added a bit around the business park.

Got drenched. Summer rain felt so good. Checked radar after I got back, the radar indicated a section of yellow then orange moving from the west to northeast--I was under that. It rained SO hard. Love to run in the rain.

Quick six up the Jordan River trail and back to work.

12 mile loop up Millcreek. One of my favorite runs. Ran counter-clockwise from Big Water parking lot to Dog Lake, Desolation Lake and back down to Big Water parking lot.

Is there a better view from the top of Scott's Pass down both valley's? (SLC and Park City).

The dreaded fire pit (Desolation Lake--ironic?) where in 2009 I sat defeated at my first Wasatch 100 attempt (mile 67). Sat with my head in my hands not knowing how to go on. Finally pulled my self away and up Scott's Pass to Brighton (which was no small miracle). Pulling myself off of that log, leaving that fire, knowing the pass that had to be climbed, was one of the most difficult things I've ever done. Brighton Lodge, on the floor in fetal position for 3 hours until finally pulling out--DNF.

Scott's Pass

One of the most spectacular views in the Wasatch

Late run after working late. Consider this week somewhat of a taper week with Millcreek on Friday night although I'm really not racing it.

Millcreek 50k (actual mileage from my Garmin 30.92--so pretty close).

Race start 9 pm. Quick recap: down canyon year starting from Big Water running up to the base of Scott's Peak, Desolation Lake, Dog Lake, toward Baker's pass (Big Cottonwood area) via traverse up and over Gobbler's Knob, 3k ft down to the Terraces, back up to Elbow Fork, down the pipeline, up & down Grandeur, finishing at Church Fork.

Paced my buddy Matt through the first 21 miles. A bit slower than we wanted but it fun to run with him again. Matt had to take off at Elbow Fork and I continued on to finish the 50k. Moved pretty well up Grandeur Peak and back to the finish at Church Fork.

All in all, a tough course. About 10k elevation gain and lots of hazards in the over-grown mid 10 mile section. Face planted 4x--none too serious. One that caught the toe of my shoe on a fast downhill section stopping me dead in my tracks and on to my face. Felt the muscle in my calf pull but fortunately let up before tearing.

Great night training for Wasatch and fun to see "the gang" out.

Foothills run from home up to fire road, down dragon's back to family birthday party at Canyon Glen.

PieNBeer Day Fun Run

Seth (Hales) talked me into doing the PieNBeer Day Fun Run today despite my legs being a bit tired from Friday night's 50k (Millcreek). Ran with Amie Blackham, Seth and ?

 Loads of fun on portions of the Wasatch 100 trail. Race starts at Jeremy Road... 

"At this point the trail begins and runners gently climb up the Mormon trail, the historical route of the Donners, Pony Express and the aforementioned settlers, to Big Mountain Pass, 4.2 miles and 1400′ of vertical.  At roughly 7,400′ altitude at Big Mountain Pass we will have an aid station (supplied by yourselves) and generous folk encouraging you on to Big Mountain. The one mile ascent of Big Mountain is only 800 feet of vertical from the pass. After finishing the climb enjoy the rewarding ridgeline views for about 2 miles. As you proceed you will bear left at Swallow Rocks (at approx. 12 miles) and the Brink (13 and some change). Following the Brink a ‘lovely’ forested section of off camber overgrowth should be expected. There is a possibility of the route being modified this year to include the summit of Lookout (Near mile 14), however in the event that it does not the trail follows the ridgeline down to the intersection of Killyon Canyon (17.33). Make a hard left and descend into Affleck park once you have reached the campground bear left and begin the short ascent of the Mormon Pioneer Trail. It will begin as cinder track. Be prepared this 2.5 mile section will be warm and includes 1,000′ of climbing. Within a mile you will cross the road, where we hope to have water and some aid, and continue your total last ascent to the Big Mountain Pass (roughly at 20 miles). After enjoying a slice of pie, enjoy the 4 mile descent to the Mormon Flats trailhead. We will be Apres Run partying here and people will be able to easily shuttle back to their cars at the start line.  The total mileage, including the road portion are only 24.53 (give or take .01). [avg. actual mileage from the 3 Garmin's in our group 26 miles--on the dot]. The route ascends a mere 4359 ft [Garmin read 4,688 ft gain]. Most of the climbing is done on the Mormon Pioneer Trail up to Big Mountain Pass and the mile heading up beyond that along the Great Western Trail. The remainder of the course is undulating."

Fun day of running...and pie! Not so much fun hitting a deer coming around Deer Creek this morning at 5 am smashing both the deer and the front of my truck. 

More info about the PieNBeer run... 

  http://wasatchrunner.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/pienbeer-day-fun-run-update/

6.5 south on JRPT

10 miles north on JRPT

What a day to be a spectator at the Speedgoat 50k. Kilian Jornet, Anton Krupika, Ricky Gates, Anna Frost, etc. The biggest names in ultra running HERE IN UTAH.

Hiked up to the tram then baldy to watch the runners come by and then ran down to the finish.

Controversial finish and win by Kilian. Much debate over Euro-style racing on an "open" course (ie., cutting course) vs American racing and sticking to the trail.

(Details at Irunfar: http://www.irunfar.com/2012/07/2012-speegoat-50k-results.html).

Anton taking a bottle from me

Kilian in the lead

Kilian, Anna (Frost), Anton...rock stars of the Ultra world.

Lone Peak (School House Springs Route-Alpine)

5,800 ft elevation gain. Tough hike, one of the toughest on the Wasatch. Just straight-up, bouldering, rock hopin' and hammering up to 11,254 ft.

10 miles on the JRPT. Good run today on tired but strong legs from yesterday's hike up Lone Peak.