My Advertisement For Utah Running

Utah has the most beautiful trails in the country. There. I said it.

(Disclaimer in fine print: I haven't run in 47 of the other states.)

Here is a small sample of the trails that have gotten my feet dirty over the last 10 days. 

Example #1: Dead Ringer Trail

This was the first time I ran some parts of this trail. The "dead" part of the Dead Ringer Trail is quite literal:

The weather forecast called for a downpour so I almost stayed in bed. I'm so glad I went out. It ended up being a perfect morning. That is Zion National Park in the background. 

The weather forecast called for a downpour so I almost stayed in bed. I'm so glad I went out. It ended up being a perfect morning. My girls inform me that sitting like this is called Criss Cross Applesauce. Doing an airborne Criss Cross Applesauce is one of the hardest jumps for me.

Example #2: More Cowbell Trail

I was rummaging through my closet and found this shirt from my first ultramarathon. It was a 50k four years ago. It was an utterly miserable experience. I've learned a lot since then. I'm glad I didn't give up four years ago. I have come to love running. That is the seriously lovely Gooseberry Mesa in the background:

Example #3: Goosebumps Trail

I was so psyched to have Jackson join me on this run. The only thing better than a trail run is a trail run with your offspring.

It was his first time on Goosebumps which is a great beginner trail with some sweet views. 

I have always wanted to get a shot of this view with a runner on the trail. Cool that I finally got the picture I wanted...with Jackson in it!

This is my favorite picture from our run.

Jackson snapped this jumping picture with the wickedly handsome Smith Mesa in the background.

Check....and mate. Utah wins.