Tuesday, January 15th 2013: I joined a new Runner Fit program through Intermountain Health Care on Tuesday mornings. That one hour seriously kicked my butt. I resisted the urge to start crying and sucking my thumb.
Wednesday, January 16th 2013: 20 miles on Eagle Crags trail and Grafton Mesa. This was my first time running Eagle Crags. I loved being out there as the sun came up.
It was chilly as the sun started to rise on Zion National Park. The tube in my hydration pack kept trying to freeze.
The higher I climbed, the more snow I got to run in. It's not very often that I get to hear the sound of snow crunching under my feet with each step.
Getting closer to the crags:
This Eagle Crags section is a new addition to the Zion 100 course. I was loving this new addition.
Sometimes when I'm trail running (especially a new trail), I'll see views that take my breath away. That happened quite a few times when I was running here.
My trip back down was comical. I wore my Hoka shoes which have absolutely no tread left on them. I may as well have been wearing roller skates on the way down.
I wandered around some side trails and then ran over to Grafton Mesa to get in 20 miles. The combination of distance, lots of climbing, and sore legs from the Runner Fit program made this one of the harder 20 milers I've run lately. But it was 100% awesome.
Thursday, January 17th 2013: Nothing.
Friday, January 18th 2013: 4 miles early before work.
Saturday, January 19th 2013: Almost 6 miles back at Eagle Crags. I took an adventurous group of runner to check out this sweet trail. I was joined by Susette (who ran a half marathon earlier in the day!), Angel, Nate, and Melani.
There was a little less snow than three days before, although we still got our share of powder.
Despite the appearance of being freezing cold, it was actually warmer than Wednesday and perfect running weather.
I had about one ton of fun running with Angel, Melani, Susette, and Nate.
In the next little while I'll give you a bunch more pictures with tips for Eagle Crags related to the Zion 100 race. Check out THIS LINK if you want to go check out Eagle Crags for yourself.
"If you can't fly, then run.
If you can't run, then walk.
If you can't walk, then crawl.
But whatever you do, keep moving."
~ Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wow! That place looks gorgeous! I really need to be in southern Utah to see some of these awesome trails!
ReplyDeleteThat runner fit program sounds awesome! I need to find something like that!
Okay, can we switch? You can come live up in the disgusting SL valley and I'll come run your beautiful trails ;). I think I need to move.
ReplyDeleteGeez, I wish I was there with you guys this weekend. It was killing me not running the St. G 1/2! But, I agree, I'd rather listen to a Celine Dion CD than run 8 miles on a dreadmill!
ReplyDeleteVery cool new running route! As always, amazing pictures!
ReplyDeleteSo which Celine songs are better than that dreadmill run? I'm having a hard time believing you :)
I'd just like to dispute something that you wrote - if your water keeps wants to change into solid form, it's not chilly - it's freezing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for organizing such an awesome trail run. I need to learn to stop and look up once in awhile while trail running. I miss out on all the beauty while trying to keep my footing. I'm so amazed at what you will put your body through for those 100 mile races. Impressive!
ReplyDeleteHow much air can you get on the dreadmill and can you land and not fall off the back?! A video clip would be greatly appreciated pleeeeeeeease? :)
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts, but I think enjoy the great pics you take almost as much. I'm a huge fan, you're a really great photographer!
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