Birthday + Costco Cake + Friends + Trail Running = AWESOME!

I had a birthday on Saturday and am now a few short years from being over the hill. During which time I will have a mid-life crisis that involves wearing hipster clothes, becoming a skateboarder, buying a Corvette, and adopting an ostrich for a family pet. 

But until then I'll enjoy my youthful years. I decided I'd like to have a birthday party out on the trails of southern Utah. So I purchased the largest cake that Costco sells, and hit the trail with some of my best running friends.

We took turns carrying the 10 pounds of chocolate-flavored high fructose corn syrup. My friend Steve opted to put his party hats in his shirt instead of on his head.

My friend Jeremiah Barber is an absolutely stunning photographer. His work is just remarkable. You ought to go visit his website HERE and see some of his awesome stuff. Jeremiah took all the great pictures in this post. 

It doesn't happen too often in southern Utah, but we even saw some snow!

We ran on one of my favorite trails in the area called the More Cowbell Trail. It's an easy run with awesome views.

It wouldn't be a birthday run without a jump or two.

It's amazing how quickly miles pass when you're laughing and joking with friends. Or maybe I was just focused on the upcoming cake break.

As I've mentioned before, one of the coolest parts of the More Cowbell Trail is that there is an actual cowbell you pass. This was a perfect spot to stop for cake. Some of us sported some Altra love.

Jeremiah caught this jumping picture while I was holding the cake. I prayed that I wouldn't stumble and end up smashing the cake.

I had such a great time with these guys. Experiences like this make it fun to get older!