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Category: Race Reports and Big Adventure Runs

Monument Valley 50k Race Report

Monument Valley 50k Race Report

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 Monument Valley 50k was my first ultra of the season (and my 3rd, following the Antelope Island Fall Classic and Bryce 50k’s last year). Perennially under-trained and quasi-injured as ever, I was a bit anxious for this one. However, this was to be a special race. It is run within the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park, largely on trails and back-roads only accessible with Navajo guides. Moreover, the course allows access to the top of Mitchell Mesa which gives some…

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The Wedge 21

The Wedge 21

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Last year around this time I joined a large group run to the San Rafael to run the Good Water Rim Trail at The Wedge. I was hooked. This year another big group ventured down – about 30 of us – and it was great. For the first 9 miles I tried to focus on keeping a steady pace – not going out too strong. I thought I was going more conservative than last time, when I felt I started…

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New Year’s Revolution Run

New Year’s Revolution Run

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As explained HERE, I did some fundraising for the Syrian refugee crisis by running a track race and having people pledge $ per lap. It was painful, but great. We raised a little of $1,200. Held at the Olympic Oval, the track goes around the speed-skating track. It was fun watching Olympic medal winners zoom around as we labored slowly around the 344 meter track. This was the longest I have ever run flat. I was on pace to hit…

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Antelope Island Fall Classic 50k

Antelope Island Fall Classic 50k

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It hurt, but it was worth it. My two 50k finishes have now taught a number of important lessons. Foremost among them is this: I can finish 50k ultra-marathons without much training, but it’ll hurt. Next time, train. This was my 2nd ultra-marathon. You can read about my first, the Bryce 50k, and my thoughts about doing it again here. Saturday started a bit chilly, with a slight breeze. I chose to just wear a long sleeve tech-tee (later a…

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My First Grand Canyon Experience. Rim2River2Rim

My First Grand Canyon Experience. Rim2River2Rim

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I was in Flagstaff for a conference this week and had a free morning before the events started. How could I not venture over to the Grand Canyon?! It was my first time and it did not disappoint. I started at the South Kaibab trailhead right around dawn and bombed on down. I had the trail mostly to myself, only passing a few hikers who must have caught an earlier shuttle to the trailhead. The early morning light was just…

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First Road Half Marathon

First Road Half Marathon

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I have run 1/2 marathon distances a number of times, but never on pavement. It has always been on trails and going mountain pace. I attempted this a week ago, but got rained out. So, I tried again. This time I started at Big Springs Park and ran down to Orem. It was great for the first 9 miles – nice easy pace. I’m not fast. But then the last 4 were hot and exposed. Why did I do this…

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Wasatch 100 Pacing Fail

Wasatch 100 Pacing Fail

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Local legend and 17-18-time Wasatch 100 finisher and friend Phil asked me to pace him for the last 25 miles of the Wasatch. I thought that might be a bit more than I could handle, so he said, how about the 14 miles from Big Mountain to Alexander Ridge to Lambs Canyon. It is the hottest and most exposed section of trail and Phil was pushing for a sub-24 finish. This would push  me to my limit, and he knew…

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Timpooneke to Orem, 20 Miles of Wading Through Grass and Flowers

Timpooneke to Orem, 20 Miles of Wading Through Grass and Flowers

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This morning I embarked on an “easy” route. Starting at the Timpooneke Campground (after being driven up there by Chris, THANKS!) I took the Great Western all the way around the West side of the Mt. Timpanogos ridge-line, back and behind Big and Little Baldy and down to Orem. It was fantastic. First, you climb a fairly rocky trail for a mile, placing you at the affectionately named “Julie Andrews Meadow.”  Then, the trail parallels the Timpooneke Rd., crossing it…

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Mt. Timpanogos – First Summit

Mt. Timpanogos – First Summit

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Mt. Timpanogos is one of the more famous hikes/summits here in the Wasatch, especially in Utah County. Somehow, I never did it back in the early-2000s when an undergrad. This morning I resolved to correct this grievous oversight with an early morning summit before work. I hit the Timpooneke trail at about 5:45 solo. Some trails a “ok,” but worth it because they get you to a beautiful destination. This trail was gorgeous every step of the way. I jogged…

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Bryce 50k Race Report – My 1st Ultramarathon

Bryce 50k Race Report – My 1st Ultramarathon

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Well, it’s done. I finally ran an ultramarathon. The Bryce 50k is in the bag! Distance: 30.7 miles Elevation gain: ~ 5,349 Time: 7:17:34 Place: 30 out of 86 (100+ started but not all finished) Other than a couple Ragnar Relays, I have run two 5ks and one 5 mile race. As adventure runs, I have gone 20+ miles a handful of times, and over 26.3 only once – none in the race context however. In other words, I not…

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