Driven

Mt. Olympus

Stairmaster mountain with a decent mountain run on the descent. 4200 feet of vertical. after work on an impulse.

Dude Peak Derby (Wahsatch Steeplechase)

 Several weeks back I signed up and paid money for the Wahsatch Steeplechase.  My second run - with people! I was excited to go up to Little Black Mountain from Memory Grove (across the skreet from the Utah State capitol building) and run back down City Creek Canyon for a total of 16.5 miles. However, heavy and late snow this year made it necessary for the run organizers to change to an alternate course. They moved the route to the next ridge over to the NE and it became the Dude Peak Derby. The mileage was shorter, but it was still a tough run with 3800 feet of vertical gain. I finished probably in the back 1/3 of the group. I am not so fast on the flatter trail running toward the end of the route and I finished rather weak. Perhaps I shouldn't have hiked Olympus the evening before. My legs were tired from the start.

Halfway through I developed a persistent cramp in one of my calf-group muscles - something I have never before experienced. The cramp caused pain that had the potential to sideline me for the rest of the race. Fortunately I somehow managed the problem and maintained running speed the majority of the way.  

So I know I have to work on my flat running and build strength. 

 Got a t-shirt! 

Six easy miles on the new RR trail in Farmington. 

Pipeline

Ran the old pipeline trail in Millcreek with Scott. Up and out before the toll booth girl checks in to demand three bucks for use of the canyon. I felt good to be out on a canyon trail again. If I could I would live half my life on mountain trails. So much better than running at the same level as vehicle exhaust.

I felt good today, and am in a good position to build some real strength and endurance. I have some big days ahead: An extended 20 mile hike over Wildcat Ridge and beyond; an attempt at the WURL: Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Link-up -- that is, a continuous hike of the Cottonwood Ridge connecting the Alpine Ridge in a single push, mileage uncertain but probably 30+. Most definitely a 24+ hour ultra-hike.

Then an attempt of King's Peak X2; then one day Gannett run/climb over 40 miles in under 20 hours. Scott will figure into at least half of these planned outings, so I need to be able to keep up with him.