Midnight Running

I've been reading a book called Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes. It's basically an autobiography about a guy that runs insane mileage, why he does it, how he does it and how it fits into the story of his life. Personally, I think the guy is a nut. I don't think I run the way he runs. He runs for pain and I run for pleasure. However, as I read the book, I find some undeniable similarities in the way we think.

Dean runs a lot at night, or at least he does in the part of the book I am currently reading. It sounds like a fantastic time to run. There is no sun beating on you and that makes a big difference in the middle of summer. So, on Saturday evening, I was in the mood for a run and decided to give it a try. I headed out at around 11:30 and ran for about an hour.

It was cooler than running at mid-day, but I still got quite warm. I have avoided the heat just as well by running early in the morning on shady trails. But it was still pretty fun. I ran across a couple that was smooching as they said goodbye. I think they were a bit surprised by some dude running by and interrupting their moment.

Single Track Above Woods Cross

I planned to get up at 7 this morning for a nice cool run. Going to bed late last night was a bit at odds with that and Ella, my two year old, got up way too early and needed some snuggles.

So I got a late start, but it turned out just fine. A few times I have headed up into the hills directly east of 2600 South in Woods Cross. It is about a 14 mile run if I turn around at the beginning of the single track, so I have never ventured up past that.

Today I drove to the beginning of the singletrack so that I could really check it out. It was gorgeous and well shaded from the sun, which was high at this point. I snapped a few pics, but it was hard to do it justice.

I realized today just how rocky these Rocky Mountains can be. I wore my Vibram Five Fingers today and the terrain just about did my feet in. Next time I visit this trail I'll be sporting some "normal" running shoes.

Good Gift for a Runner

You'll almost always see me wearing a white hat when I run. The first or second year I ran the Wasatch Back, Backcountry.com (my employer who sponsored our teams) got us white Montrail running hats. I don't know how I ever lived without this thing. It keeps me cool, helps prevent sun burns and helps keep the sweat out of my eyes. I have a dark green one just like it and it is horrible. You need a very light colored one because it makes a big difference with the heat.

So, if you're looking for a gift for a runner, or if you're looking to buy something for yourself, get one of these.

Old Ranch Loop

Went for a fast pace run today to see what I could do. I ran the Old Ranch Loop (7.32 miles) in 52 mins for a pace of 7:10 per mile. For a flat road run, that loop is very pretty. That was pushing it for me, but felt good.