Driven

The Wedge, Little Grand Canyon, San Rafael Swell

With Craig, Scott, and Matt. 

I love the desert.

I ran strong to the turn around at mile 15.5, then I stayed back with Scott on the way back.

Holy smokes I would have never guessed we ran 2,447 of elevation. (Maybe that is an error but that is what the Garmin says)

Burned 3500 calories. Yee haw!

Look at that convoluted trail!

Flag Rock

 I found my training hill. I can get 11 miles and nearly 2,000 feet of vert right from home. Tonight I ran in the dark starting at 9:30 PM. Warm night. Up on the bench trail I had the sensation of being in a dream, for a moment the feeling of  not knowing if I was dreaming of running or running in waking reality. Probably an indication I should have been home in bed. I did not want to go out tonight and made good effort to excuse myself from going out in the dark. While I made excuses I got dressed, then decided I would go out and turn around after a few miles. I wanted to go up to that rock with the flag on it above the city, so when I warmed up after a few miles I knew that is where I would go. After my 32 mile desert run Monday my legs felt very good tonight. 

Flag Rock (again)

Tonight I met up with Mr. The K and we ran up to the flag rock above Farmington. Much slower than last night because my legs are well used this week. At the flag we hiked a few hundred feet higher and indeed I got 2,000 of vert out of this one. I was chilly on the run back and K suggested I may be calorie deficient. At home I immediately made a muscle milk shake, then drove to the store and purchased 2 pints of Chunky Monkey ice cream and a big ol' sandwich. I watched some Apocalypse Now and stuffed my face.

Mt Olympus party at the summit

I helped my buddy Joe celebrate his 400th trip to the summit of Mt Olympus today. We had hot dogs, cupcakes, brownies and ice cold Coca-Cola. Mmmm-mmnn. I ran from the trailhead all the way to the first stream crossing, then had to move carefully over the icy trail. I caught up with my friends who had started hiking 20 minutes before me and stayed with them for the remainder of the ascent. We stayed at the top for an hour of partying. The descent through the rocks was fun and a little challenging. 

 4,200 feet vert

Nine more miles from home to make a 70 mile week. Woot.