Inspired by some recent calls in my church congregation to raise funds and supplies to aid the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East and Europe, I decided to start a little fundraiser of my own. I have an old friend who runs a non-profit organization that provides education opportunities to Syrian refugee children in Lebanon. All funds raised will go to his Sadalsuud Foundation. I am registered for the January 1, 2016 New Years Revolution Run at the Utah…
A couple weeks ago I was in Portland for a conference and found myself having the same conversation over and over again with professional colleagues and friends. Them: “Whoa man – every time I log in to facebook I see you running crazy miles. And those pictures – wow man!” Me: “Thanks, but really, I don’t run that much. And, deep down, I kind of hate running. I just like getting up in the mountains to explore.” Them: Eye-rolls thinking…
Really, I have it good. There is a trail head for the Bonneville Shoreline Trail about 2 miles from my house. The trail isn’t anything over-the-top spectacular, but its great. I am so lucky to have nice easy trails so close. Also, it is perfect running weather. 50s. No overheating.
I found myself in Portland for a conference and was able to squeeze in a couple runs. Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, I was so fun to run on trails that look very much like “home.” Soft dirt, thick undergrowth of ferns, moss growing all over. Forest Park in Portland did not disappoint!
While still in Flagstaff, and on the drive home, I put in a few more miles.
A nice headlamp run up the Lindon Squiggles. I made it about 30 minutes without the headlamp, but once I got up into some small stands of trees it got pitch dark. I forgot how creepy it can be up there. Then, as I crossed the parking lot at Dry Canyon, a guy warned me about a rattler he heard near the trailhead. Sure enough, there it was in the middle of the trail. It was my first sighting this…
The family spent a weekend at my in-laws cabin along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River in Island Park, Idaho (about 20 minutes southwest of West Yellowstone). It is gorgeous and this is the latest in the season we had been there. The leaves were stunning. The Mrs. and I took a little run along the river and then I doubled back when we got to the cabin and did it again solo. The place is crawling with grizzly…
With muscle relaxants doing their work, I was advised to try some easy slow runs. The Dr. didn’t have to ask me twice! Thursday I hit the some Orem/Lindon BST. It was great to get out and move, but I did it in the heat of the day and the temps really got to me! Feeling good, I tried a new place on Friday – up Provo Canyon and to Big Springs, on the backside of the Cascade Ridge. I…
I was lucky to visit my hometown in NW Washington with the family and squeezed in a few fun activities. With the back injury, I was limited in what I could do, but here’s a few run/hikes and pics.
Twice now, I have run a 7 mile loop from the Orem Gun Range > Dry Canyon > The Altar/Rockpile > Orem Gun Range. I think it will be my regular treadmill run. It has it all. Runnable flat-ish rolling trails, a good steep climb, and some fun technical descents. The mile drop from the altar down to the fire break road is such a fun single-track. The grass is about chest high or higher so your immediate peripheral vision…