Utah Ultra Running Headquarters

So I've decided that everyone links to the same blogs. Don't get me wrong, there are great ultra blogs out there but I think that a bunch of great local blogs get neglected. This blog, aside from being my personal running journal, I hope to be the unofficial Utah Ultra Running Headquarters. I already try and blog about most of the Utah races and now I'll only link to local prominent Utah runners. Also I'm hoping to update runutah.net within the next week. Golden Harper and I created that website to get every trail race in Utah in one spot.

Also I've decided that such an early 50k is too much. I was sick for nearly 3 weeks and just now feeling better. It was a gnarly headcold and sorethroat that just wouldn't go away. Anyway, so I've decided to try and reclaim my 25k title from last year instead of suffer through the 50k. Kahtoola 25k here I come!


Winning last years Kahtoola 25k!

Fun Video From Canyon Sports (50% off Rentals!)

Wasatch Application Submitted!!

Well it's all been sent. Now it's just waiting for the luck of the draw. If you have any plans on running Wasatch 100 this year your application must get submitted by January 9th. I have a good feeling about Wasatch this year both in my chances of getting in and how I will perform on race day.

As a celebration of Wasatch 100, I ran from the Start to Fernwood and back today. I felt great over the 7.5 mile run. I've been consistent in my training over the past month and feeling pretty good. No big runs but lots of 7-10 milers. Last week I ran 35 miles, which for me in the winter is pretty good. This week I hope to run over 40 miles. I'll tell you what, I feel like I'm running 50 miles per week but when you add it up it's only 35. Slower and colder conditions I guess but it's a good base. Bring on Wasatch.

Winter Running

Why is it so hard to train in the winter? Nearly every time I go running in the winter I have a blast yet I still struggle leaving my warm and comfy couch. The first 4-5 minutes are always tough but after that I'm usually great. I did a 2 hour snowshoes run up at Snowbasin today and that was awesome. Hard to run with this latest batch of snow but I needed a long session in the mountains. Probably only made it 7-8 miles. I've decided I'm going to run with snowshoes at least once a week to get ready for the Kahtoola 50k. It's in a month so I better get cracken. Recently I've been using the LaSportiva hobnails in my zero'd Cascadia's and it's been a dream on the packed Bonneville Shoreline Trail. Last two weeks I've only done about 25 miles per week but it's been good solid mileage. I'd like to beef it up over the next three weeks to get in decent shape for the 50k. At least I'm totally injury free right now. On a side note, if you want to know how I feel about the running footwear industry check out my fraudulent theory. Anyway, get out there and run no matter what. You'll feel better.

Bozung's Ultra Cup

Yes I did it. It was not well thought out and totally impulsive but while signing up for Squaw Peak 50 on December 1st I signed up for Bozung's Ultra Cup races. A 32 miles snowshoe race in 8 weeks is probably the most nerve-racking. I am obviously excited about Squaw, like every other year, but dreading another crack at the burning hot Katcina Mosa 100k. Should be another exciting year of racing!

Anticipated 2010 race schedule:

Kahtoola Bigfoot Snowshoe 50k Jan 30th

??Antelope Island 25k or 50k March 27th

BSTM April 24th

Squaw Peak 50 June 5th

**Hardrock 100 July 10th-12th (If I get in the lottery, which is highly unlikely)

Katcina Mosa 100k August 6th

**Wasatch 100 September 10th-11th (Lottery, pretty good chance...I'm feeling good about it)

??Maybe a later autumn race depending on how I feel.

Barefoot and Minimalistic Running

So I've mentioned several times that I would write about how over the last 5-6 months I have evolved my running. So here goes:

Yes, I have embraced the barefoot movement. In fact some friends and I have created a new website that I think you all should check out. barefoot-running.com In fact I just published a personal article about how my ultra running has been affected by barefoot running. This blog which has been renamed "The Ultra Experience" will stay the same. It is pretty much my personal journal. However, my theories, articles, running opinions, gear reviews, etc will all be posted on barefoot-running.com. It is on my blog roll so check it often because it is/will be an awesome resource, especially as it grows and develops. It is not a true barefoot site yet we believe in the principles of barefoot running and adapting them to every day runners. Hence barefoot/minimalistic. Running barefoot is still extremely helpful yet not always practical. Check the website, it's pretty cool and it's only at it's early stages.

On a separate note...is everyone getting amped for Squaw Peak 50 2010? Registration is in a week, so do not forget to send in your registration on December 1st. Ran part of the course yesterday and it is as great as ever. Cheers y'all.